If the Phillies were this successful on the field, there would be more than one world championship banner at Veterans Stadium. When it comes to arbitration, the Phillies are 7-0. They kept that record intact yesterday with the announcement that a three-man arbitration panel had decided in the team's favor in the Travis Lee case that was heard Monday in Phoenix.
Players typically receive large raises the first year they are eligible for arbitration.
The panel must choose either the player's number or the figure submitted by the club. Teams dislike the arbitration process partly because it forces salaries up and partly because of the possibility that lingering hard feelings can result after a player listens to the negative arguments teams are forced to make to justify paying the lesser amount. General manager Ed Wade addressed the latter issue. I had a chance to talk to Travis before and after Monday's hearing and we both agreed that once the decision is handed down it's time to focus on getting ready to play. Lee is an important player for the Phillies this year.