The Rangers now have a proven pitcher to help them try to distance themselves from the Los Angeles Angels in their division. With Vladimir Guerrero, Josh Hamilton, and Michael Young leading the way offensively, Lee will have plenty of run support in his appearances. Over the past few seasons, he has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the major leagues. He has been moved a lot the past two seasons, with Texas being his fourth team, but he has been consistently good at every stop.
Last season, Lee started the year with Cleveland and beat the Yankees in the opening game at the new Yankee Stadium. He was dealt midseason to the Philadelphia Phillies, and helped lead them to the World Series. He went 4-0 in the postseason with a 1.56 ERA in five starts. He was also the only Phillies pitcher to pick up a victory over the Yankees in the World Series, winning two games against New York in the series.
Lee started this season with Seattle, and although the team has struggled offensively, he has been arguably the best pitcher in the AL this season. He went 8-3 in 13 appearances for the Mariners. He also has thrown five complete games with a 2.34 ERA, which leads the AL in both categories. If he continues to pitch like this, the Rangers could find themselves going far in the postseason. Acquiring Lee definitely gives the Texas an edge in their divisional race, and will almost certainly help end their eleven year postseason drought.
