Joe Esposito†

Pending physicals, the Phillies will acquire reigning Cy Young winner Cliff Lee. The Phillies are currently first in their division, at 58-40 the fourth best record in baseball, (2nd in the national league). So far this season the Phillies pitching staff has been a big fan of the saying "the best defense is a good offense". Adding Lee to their recently improved starters looks to make them a formidable rotation, changing from this

1) Hamels (7-5, 4.42)
2) Moyer (10-7, 5.32)
3) Blanton (7-4, 4.11)
4) Happ (7-1, 2.97)
5) Lopez (3-0, 3.09)

to this

1) Hamels (7-5, 4.42)
2) Lee (7-9, 3.14)
3) Blanton (7-4, 4.11)
4) Happ (7-1, 2.97)
5) Lopez (3-0, 3.09)

I don't really believe that Moyer will leave the rotation, likely the fifth spot will be split between Moyer, Lopez and (if healthy) Pedro Martinez. Given Hamels' performance over the last few appearances I think the new rotation looks tremendous. So I guess what I am saying is that it looks like the powerful offense will be supplemented by a strong defense. There is only one conclusion (check the titular dagger; it's a link).

^†Fun fact: Joe Esposito's son Mike Esposito pitched three games for the Rockies in 2005, making the singer a doubly appropriate title for this post.