Cliff Lee on track for Spring Training; Close to resuming pitching
by Jeff Rosenberg | Sun, Jan 18th 1:02pm EST
4x All-Star and former CY Young winner Cliff Lee is on track to compete for his second Comeback Player of the Year award this season. According to Jake Kaplan of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Cliff Lee is scheduled to begin throwing off a mound in the next seven to ten days. Recently, he's been participating in long toss drills with no pain, and all signs point to the 36-year-old being ready for Opening Day. (Philadelphia Inquirer via HardBallTalk)
Fantasy Impact:
Lee's stats last year were respectable for a normal pitcher but certainly below his career numbers as he dealt with elbow issues and an eventually revealed flexor pronator strain that ended his season after only 81.1 innings. During that span, Lee posted an ERA of 3.65, a 1.38 WHIP and a 72/12 K/BB ratio. The ERA could see a slight reduction if things fall right, but almost certainly we will see a healthy Cliff Lee miss more bats this season while dropping his WHIP closer to his career average of 1.196. Lee also will be amongst the players most discussed in trade talks through July and could find himself amidst a playoff run with any team aiming for October, while the Phillies look to rebuild. Lee makes for a high upside steal any time after pick 75.
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