Phillies pick up option on Lee

Sports Network | November 6, 2009

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Phillies picked up the 2010 team option for reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, keeping the ace lefty around next season for $9 million.

Lee, 31, was acquired from Cleveland along with outfielder Ben Francisco for four prospects in July and immediately provided a spark for the Phillies, going 7-4 in 12 starts down the stretch with a 3.39 earned run average.

For the entire 2009 season, Lee went 14-13 with a 3.22 ERA in 34 starts. He also got his first taste of the postseason and shined, compiling a 4-0 record with a stellar 1.56 ERA in five starts. The Phillies won all five games he pitched in the playoffs, including the only two games they won in the World Series -- a six-game loss to the Yankees.

Lee is one season removed from his incredible 2008 season in Cleveland, when he went 22-3 with a league-best 2.54 ERA in 31 starts. The numbers shocked many, as the lefty had been sent to the minors in 2007 and left off the postseason roster after putting up a 5-8 record with a 6.29 ERA.

The product of the University of Arkansas has enjoyed an up-and-down career that began in 2002, having a 90-52 record with a 3.97 ERA in 194 games -- 190 starts -- with the Indians and Phillies.