Cliff Lee to the Los Angeles Dodgers Could Make LA World Series Favorites

Earlier today the news broke that the Los Angeles Dodgers made a waiver move.

They added Joe Blanton in a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies (h/t MLB.com).

Initially, it appeared that the Dodgers had addressed a need that had been overlooked during the non-waiver trade deadline: starting pitching.

After all, they did give up Nathan Eovaldi in order to obtain Hanley Ramirez from the Miami Marlins.

For all intents and purposes, it appeared as though the boys in blue were going to sacrifice some measure of pitching in an effort to boost the offense. (Why wouldn't you when you have Clayton Kershaw as your ace?)

The addition of Blanton rounded out the rotation nicely. He would become the fifth starter on a solid pitching staff.

Just when you thought the day was over, though, the Dodgers blew fans away with another blockbuster.

As ESPN Los Angeles is reporting, the Dodgers have claimed Cliff Lee off waivers.

To be clear, just because the Dodgers have claimed Lee does not mean that he is a member of the team.

Yet.

As you may or may not be aware, though Cliff Lee was placed on waivers, and, yes, the Dodgers put in a claim on him, Lee was also taken off waivers almost immediately.

That means one of three things can happen.

No. 1: The Phillies and the Dodgers can work out a trade for Lee within two business days of the claim. That gives the teams until Tuesday to work something out.

No. 2: The Phillies can rescind the request and keep Lee on their roster.

No. 3: The Phillies can do absolutely nothing and allow the Dodgers to assume Cliff Lee and his remaining contract, paying the Phils the waiver fee and adding Lee to their roster.

While the possibility exists that the Dodgers can add Lee, and it certainly would be exciting, right now it is all just a waiting game to see if the two clubs can work out a deal.

The fact that the Blanton deal took place is inspiring. Lest we forget that the Dodgers also just acquired Shane Victorino from the Phillies. They've established good trade rapport.  

For Dodger fans, that could make for a very exciting fall.