Coming off their first World Series championship in 28 years the Philadelphia Phillies were hungry for another ring. Sitting 17 games over .500 and six games up in the National League East on July 29, the club decided to go all-in for another championship ring by acquiring the reigning American League Cy Young winner, Cliff Lee.
Pitching was not the Phillies strong suit when they won in 2008. Cole Hamels carried the load late in the season while Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer were serviceable.
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. knew the club needed more depth after having to acquire Joe Blanton and rely on young starters like J.