Lee update- Off to Texas

It was obvious Cliff Lee was heading out of town, what wasn't obvious was where he'd be going. Now we know. The Mariners sent Lee to the Rangers for first baseman Justin Smoak and 3 other prospects. In addition to Lee, the Mariners agree to send reliever Mark Lowe and 2.5 million to the cash strapped Rangers, who are still in the process of being sold to a new ownership group.

While a deal to the Yankees would have made sense for both sides involved, this one appears to make even more sense. In Lee, the Rangers get a bonafide number 1 starter, who currently sports a 2.34 ERA and a 2.21 FIP. His K/ BB ratio of Nearly 15/1 is obscene, and although he's leaving a pitchers park for a hitters, his 7.73 K's per 9 innings and 0.43 home runs allowed per 9 innings are good signs that his success will continue despite the change of home venue. The Rangers, who were already in 1st in the West, have solidified themselves as the class of the division, for now.

For the Mariners, GM Jack Zduriencik has done exceptionally well, especially considering the unimpressive haul they surrendered to obtain Lee in the first place. Smoak, Baseball America's 14th best prospect entering the year, is a huge upgrade at a position the Mariners had no long term solution for. A switch hitter with a plus glove, Smoak's Major League numbers thus far haven't been particularly impressive, but he is a rookie, and his minor league numbers suggest he'll be a player who hits and gets on base, even if the power doesn't develop (despite some scouting reports saying the power will develop, his highest ISO rating in the minors was .153- good, not great). The Mariners also won't have to worry about Lee beating them year after year by trading him to a division rival, as he has stated he'll test free agency after the season no matter what. Without knowing the rest of the players involved, it's difficult to get the full effect of the deal. But for a player of Lee's caliber, a return that includes a young, potential All-Star 1st baseman is a pretty good start.