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| It looks like Cliff Lee is heading back to Philly. |
While those options aren't great, you wonder if somehow this is somewhat of a blessing in disguise for the Yankees. They never really seemed to want to go to 7 years for Lee and instead of him signing with Texas or the Angels or *gulp* Boston, he is heading to the National League to the Phillies. So if you can't sign him, let's just hope you don't have to face him (and the rest of that ridiculous rotation) until the World Series. The Plan B options may not be great, but the Yankees may be happy about what happened in 5 years. Maybe.
Of course, this is the same Phillies team that traded Lee last off-season thinking they wouldn't be able to sign him to a long-term deal and worried about his injury history. Now he's heading back to team up with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. I think Sandy Alderson wants a Do Over on taking the Mets GM job.
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The Phillies' rotation is insane. If healthy, it could be one of the best ever, and the team could win 110 games.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I am bummed that he didn't sign with New York. If you're a Yankees fan and aren't feeling at least a little disappointed, I suspect you're lying. How can you feel otherwise?
But the upside is that he's gone to the NL. He can't hurt us like he could've in Texas or LA. The other upside is that regardless of what the Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Rangers, Angels, etc. do this season...it seems unlikely that anyone can beat the Phillies in the postseason.
Here's what I can't stop thinking about. It is SO rare to see a 32-year-old starting pitcher turn down an extra $54 million with 2 extra guaranteed years of employment. That's called leaving a LOT on the table. It is financially irrational and borderline irresponsible.
I mean, come on! At his age, to turn down two extra years and $54 million? Really???
It is leaving a LOT of money on the table...but I think he'll be able to feed his family at the end of the day and get his wife a poncho so she doesn't get spit on when she comes to New York.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am extremely disappointed, I'm also, at the same time, somewhat relieved. I saw really bad things ahead with a 7-year deal for a 32-year-old. I think in 5 years we'll be OK with this while it sucks now.
Quite amazing he left so much money on the table, though. You never really see that happen (outside of going to a hometown and Philly is nowhere near Arkansas).
Well now ESPN is reporting that it's 5 years, $120 M which while still a lot less than the Yankees deal, is not as insane as I first thought...I guess
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, this just doesn't surprise me. I had a feeling that he just wasn't that interested in coming to NY. While this may hurt the Yanks for the first couple of years, 7 years to get him to come to the Yanks was just too much.
ReplyDeleteOf course, the problem is that the Plan B options are really like Plans E and F. Cashman's gotta go earn his money now.
You're right Glenn: Cashman certainly has to earn his money. You wonder if they'll go with what they have now and try to trade for a starter mid-season when teams out of it look to deal?
ReplyDeleteAlso, just read there's a vesting option for a 6th year at $27.5 M. If that's the case, this deal is starting to look a lot better for Lee.
I say let's stick with what we got. Look to get a deal on someone during the season. Now we would just give players I would rather not give up. If the first 3 starters are CC, Hughes, and AJ (unfortunately), then how about giving Joba another shot? he can battle for #4 and #5 starter spot with Nova and fill inthe balnk. I think that is good enough for us to contend. I am personally glad we did not get Lee. Clearly it hurts the Yankees chances of winning it all in the near term but I do not like that long of a deal.
ReplyDeleteDid everyone forget that he got bombed in the NLCS?
Maybe the Yankees scouts can earn their keep and find a gem somewhere?
Kind of nice to have the Jeter contract, Favre's streak and Cliff Lee, out of the news for awhile. Now I can concentrate on heated discussions about college football playoffs.Just kidding. the only bowl I care about is the GoDaddy.com bowl in Mobile, Al! Go Redskins!
I know most teams would kill to have Oswalt and Hamels as their 3 and 4 starters. With that said, the Phillies offense, other than Utley and Howard, remains mediocre at best. Carlos Ruiz and Placido Polanco are nice players, but Ibanez is on the tail end of his career, and Rollins and Victorino are not consistent offensive players.
ReplyDeleteWould the Phillies consider offers for Hamels in exchange for another bat? Let's also not forget that Brad Lidge is still closing games for the Phillies and their bullpen could certainly use an upgrade.