A Cliff hanger
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies made their much anticipated trade Wednesday as the 3 p.m. Friday MLB trade deadline approached, and J.A. Happ was not included.
The Phillies acquired 2008 American League Cy Young winner Cliff Lee from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for four top minor prospects, Foxsports.com reported at noon Wednesday.
Happ, a rookie pitcher out of St. Bede Academy, has been part of trade talks the past two weeks, initially centered around Toronto ace Roy Halladay. The Phillies were able to swing Wednesday’s deal with the Tribe without including Happ or prize prospect Kyle Drabek.
Happ told mlb.com’s Todd Zolecki he is trying to push the distractions to the side and continue to do his job, but admits it has not been easy.
“I’m trying not to worry about it,” Happ said. “But, [I’m a] single guy, live by myself. I have a lot of time to think about stuff. I try not to, but I’m human, so it crosses my mind. Once I’m here and trying to do my thing, I don’t think about it.”
The 26-year-old lefty has been regarded by mlb.com as the Phillies most reliable starter this season, winning his first seven decisions before suffering an 8-1 loss to the Cardinals Friday. His eight-win win streak, dating back to 2008, tied the club’s all-time rookie record of more than a century old, first set by Al Orth in 1895 and matched by Bob Miller in 1950.
“I never thought I wasn’t [human],” said Happ, who took a 2.97 ERA and 7-1 record in Wednesday’s start in the desert. “It was a good run. I’m looking forward to next time, trying to keep us in the game.”
Although he was touched for 10 hits and five earned runs by the Redbirds, Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa said Happ didn’t deserve the fate he received due to the numerous bloop hits given up.
According to numerous sources, the Phillies and Blue Jays were engaged in serious discussion. The Blue Jays wanted both Happ and Drabek, among other prospects, for Halladay. The Phillies countered with an offer including Happ without Drabek, and were rejected.
The Phillies turn to Plan C — Cliff Lee. The 31-year-old left-hander has fallen off his Cy Young form of 2008, standing 7-9 with a 3.14 ERA after going 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA a year ago.
With Lee’s addition, the Phillies now have four left-handed starters with Happ, World Series hero Cole Hamels and 46-year-old Moyer. Reports indicate Happ or Moyer will likely be ticketed for the bullpen. Happ pitched in 12 games in relief before earning his first start this season May 23 in New York against the Mets.
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