Cliff Lee trade rumors: Philadelphia Phillies asking for too much

The Philadelphia Phillies have every reason to unleash a massive fire sale to rid themselves of overpaid veteran players like Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Cliff Lee. But Philadelphia has yet to make a move leaving many to ponder why no deals are being made.

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Could it be that the Philadelphia Phillies are asking too much?

Understocked in their minor league system, it doesn’t appear as if the Phiilies are unwilling to trade talents like Ryan Howard or Cliff Lee but they also want the acquiring team to give up talented prospects in return. Add in the albatross contracts of the said players and understandably, teams are reluctant to make such a move.

That may result in a lack of deals, especially in regards to Cliff Lee who may not be traded at all according to Yahoo Sports.

"Take Lee, whose chances of being traded before the July 31 deadline are next to nil – and whose contract makes a deal prior to the Aug. 31 waiver deadline deal similarly unlikely. Especially if Philadelphia continues to ask for a return of any kind, as two executives with interest in Lee said it continues to do."

A trade involving Cliff Lee was incredibly unlikely before the deadline considering his salary, though there was some expectation that a move could be made after given no team will attempt to claim him off waivers. However, if the Phillies continue in their alleged demands, it seems like Cliff Lee will be remaining in the City of Brotherly Love.