Unexpected

I've been long on talking up the Phillies for how smart they've been in running their organization these last several years. I have made the point to more than one person about how shrewd the Phils have been in transforming themselves into the Yankees of the National League, about their recognition of the fact that--as New York has known almost since they came into the AL--the benefits of going the extra (spending) mile to get on top and stay on top far outweigh the downside of having to shell out major bucks to remain in contention year after year. The Phillies, at last, have "got it."

But even I am taken aback by their cagey maneuverings, which landed Cliff Lee back into the fold yesterday. It turns out there was a reason the Phils let Jayson Werth walk. I'm shocked that they pulled it off, but delighted nonetheless. That's the sort of ballsy move that I love, when I team makes it. The pitching's great, but the offense is having problems? Say "Fuck it" and double down on the rotation, signing another Cy Young winner and giving the competition a "Take that!" Great stuff. And you know, when they're still not scoring come June, there will be another big trade for the biggest bat available.

Because that's the way you do it: make it happen, spend what you need to spend, take the profits on the other side. Are you listening, rest of baseball?