Phillies 2009 10-Year Reunion Will Be Without Lee, Ruiz
Ten years ago to this day, the Phillies acquired pitcher Cliff Lee from the Cleveland Indians and the Phillies were forever changed. Lee was dominant for the club and the story of Cliff Lee arguably WAS the 2009 Phillies. However, as the Phillies get set to honor the 2009 team on August 4, Lee will not be present.
The Phillies announced the full roster of activities for Alumni weekend, which concludes with Sunday's reunion.. The 2009 Phillies team has a handful of notable omissions:
- Lee
- Catcher Carlos Ruiz
- Reliever Ryan Madson
- Reliever J.C. Romero
- Reliever Chan Ho Park
- First base coach Davey Lopes
The starting players from the roster will be present, including the full starting infield Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Pedro Feliz. Starting outfielders Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino and Raul Ibañez will be in attendance as well.
On the pitching staff, Cole Hamels will not be present, which of course is understandable since he pitches still for the Chicago Cubs. Ditto J.A. Happ, pitching for the New York Yankees. Mid-season signee Pedro Martinez will be present, along with Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick and Joe Blanton.
The bullpen will include: Brad Lidge, Clay Condrey, Chad Durbin, Jack Taschner and Tyler Walker.
The bench will include Greg Dobbs, Matt Stairs, Ben Francisco, Eric Bruntlett, Paul Bako, and John Mayberry Jr.
Manager Charlie Manuel will be present along with bench coach Pete Mackanin, pitching coach Rich Dubee, hitting coach Milt Thompson, third base coach Sam Perlozzo, and catching coach Mick Billmeyer,
The Phillies sent pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Jason Knapp along with catcher Lou Marson and infielder Jason Donald to the Indians for Lee and Francisco on July 29, 10 years ago today. Lee became an instant fan favorite. After an offseason trade to Seattle, the Phillies re-signed Lee prior to the 2011 season.
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