Heyman: Red Sox Could Get Cliff Lee Without Giving Up Betts & Swihart
BOSTON (CBS) - The Red Sox and Phillies have engaged in an intense staring match this offseason and spring over left-hander Cole Hamels, with both teams unwilling to budge on their demands to make the trade happen.
Philadelphia is rebuilding, and after finishing dead last in the American League East in 2014, Boston has the most expensive team in franchise history, but is believed to be one ace pitcher short of being a true contender.
The Phillies reportedly covet Sox prospects Mookie Betts and Blake Swihart, two players Boston is determined to keep.
Add it all up and it doesn't look like a deal is imminent.
CBS Sports MLB insider Jon Heyman offered his take with 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak & Bertrand show Tuesday afternoon.
"To me, if I'm Philly, I don't blame them for holding out for a great prospect. You have an asset there [in Hamels] and you need to get something great for him," Heyman said. "I understand they're only three-sevenths of the way through the rebuild; they really need to trade Jonathan Papelbon and Ryan Howard. But I also think they need to trade Hamels and Cliff Lee."
Cliff Lee, 35, is coming off a year where he started just 13 games and missed considerable time with a strained left elbow. However, Lee is one year removed from being named an All-Star and having a sub-3.00 ERA.
Heyman says the Red Sox are exploring Cliff Lee now too.
"I think the Boston people do like Lee. If Lee pitches very well at the beginning of the year and shows that he's healthy, they could get Lee without giving up Swihart or Betts. I know Philly would like [Shane] Victorino. Maybe they can make something there work. If you're adamant about keeping Betts and Swihart, then Lee would be the guy to focus on if you're Boston."
Heyman also talked about Alex Rodriguez at DH, Josh Hamilton's relapse, pace of play and much more.
Listen below:
For a Red Sox-specific discussion, Zolak & Bertrand caught up with Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe, who's down in Fort Myers.
Why is there such little competition in spring training? Shaughnessy says the job security on this Red Sox team right now is unheard of for a last place team.
Shaughnessy also talked about the starting rotation, Joe Kelly and much more.
Listen below: