Not Overly Worried

Ok, ok so the Number 1 team I didn't want Cliff Lee to sign with was the New York Yankees and I got that wish.  However the Number 2 team somehow swept in undetected and snatched him.  Damn you Filthadelphia Fillies.

At first thought, at first glance, this is a terrible thing to happen to the Mets.  Division opponent locking up the best free agent and one of the best pitchers in baseball for the next six years, damn that hits home and hurts.  Pile on top of that the fact the Mets haven't really made any player splash, any news, this off-season and the sting gets a bit bigger.  And for the icing?  Knowing that the Phillies will have one of the deepest rotations in baseball and one of all time, lining up with the Orioles of the 70s and Braves of the 90s.  Lee, Roy Halladay and Oswalt and Cole Hamels.

But that's where it stops.  Like I just said, at first glance, that was all bad stuff to read and bear.  Let's look at it this way, for the Mets at least.  We weren't going to be in contention this upcoming season and, depending how next off-season plays out, we may be in it 2012.  Ok, so let the Phillies reap these benefits next season and maybe the following.  Because after that, from 2013 on, the Phillies are screwed.

Halladay will be 35 years old and making $20 million.  Lee will be 34 and making the same money through 2016.  Ryan Howard will be 33 starting in 2013 and making at least $20 million for the next three years.  And a 33 year old Chase Utley will be pulling in $15 million.  And if the Phillies want to keep Oswalt, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez or Brad Lidge, just add many many more $$$ to the payroll.

This is all on top of the oldest team in baseball in 2010 and a team that just got older.  A team that lost its best field player this off-season (Jason Werth).  A team ravaged with injuries for the last number of years (Utley and Rollins).  A team who's biggest bat had the smallest 2010 season (Howard).

Coming up, the Phillies will be getting older and older and their GM will be handcuffed because of the contracts he's given out over the last two seasons.  So, yes, I admit it, this is the Phillies time.  2011 and 2012 are the years for the Phillies to win and win because.  Because after that time, they're screwed.  And that's the time the New York Metropolitians will be making their move!