Once again, delivering top-notch, late-breaking news long after it happens, Bases Loaded Balk has learned that Cliff Lee has decided to join the Philadelphia Phillies after coming to an agreement on a 5-year, $120 million deal with a vesting option for a sixth year. Lee personally let the Rangers know, and his agent broke the news to the Yankees.
Here's what we have learned:
1) Players don't always want the maximum years and the maximum dollars. Lee turned down more years and more dollars from both the Yankees and Rangers to go back to Philadelphia, where he spent the last half of the 2009 season and went to the World Series for the first time.
2) The Yankees can't get whoever they want if that person doesn't want to be on the Yankees. Don't worry, Yankee fans, I'm sure this had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you spit on the guys wife during the playoffs. I'm sure he felt safe and welcomed by that reception.
3) The Phillies will be the overwhelming favorite to win the National League in 2011. In fact, some are already arguing that this may be the best rotation in baseball history... before Spring Training even starts. There is certainly that possibility. Two years ago, Hamels was the staff ace, since then, they have traded for Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cliff Lee - three guys that would be the ace on just about any other staff in all of baseball. However, let's hold off on the accolades until the season is over.
4) The mystery team is not always a fabrication by the agent. ESPN's Buster Olney had tweeted the other day that most of the time, a "mystery team" is simply created by the player's agent in order to gain some leverage in the negotiations. Clearly, the Phillies were the mystery team that was involved - quite unexpectedly because...
5) Just because you trade a player away, don't assume that he's never going to come back. The Phillies traded Lee to the Mariners last offseason as part of a three-team deal that brought Roy Halladay to Philadelphia. The reason they traded Lee: they didn't think they could work out an extension with him.
6) The Yankees are no longer the Yankees of old. Just a couple of years ago, the Yankees would have signed at least one, if not two, of the top free agents. This year, they looked like Alex Rodriguez in a playoff game - going 0-3 on the big fish. In fact, with the signing of Crawford and acquisition (and extension) of Gonzalez, I'd say the Red Sox have become the very thing they hated.
Finally, the Yankees and Rangers have to move on, and perhaps their respective fanbases will be excited to hear the rumors that are flying around regarding Plan B for these teams.
Apparently the Rangers have expressed interest in former Yankee Chien-Ming Wang, and the Yankees could possibly be the next stop in the Mark Prior comeback trail. Yeah, that's what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket... or some other metaphor that conveys a similar idea.
Showing posts with label Lee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lee. Show all posts
Tigers Opting Not to Go After Top Pitchers
I saw an article on MLB Trade Rumors reporting that the Detroit Tigers have no interest in pursuing Cliff Lee or other top free agent pitchers this offseason. In a similar vein, the Detroit Tigers have no interest in winning their division for the next several years.
Easiest Article to Write EVER
I came across an article on MLB Trade Rumors looking at teams with potential interest in Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee, who will be a free agent at the end of this season. Understandably, Lee wants to be able to decide where he plays next season and beyond. It's understandable because Lee has played on 4 teams in the last 14 months - Indians, Phillies, Mariners and Rangers. Anyway, the article title is "Teams with Potential Interest in Cliff Lee."
Let me go ahead and write it for you.... ready?
Everybody!!!!!
If a team says that it is not interested, then they are lying, or genuinely not interested in adding a quality starting pitcher to their team... which means they want to lose, and you should no longer root for them.
Let me go ahead and write it for you.... ready?
Everybody!!!!!
If a team says that it is not interested, then they are lying, or genuinely not interested in adding a quality starting pitcher to their team... which means they want to lose, and you should no longer root for them.
Cards Looking to Replace Suppan With....
...this guy:
This is Bill Lee. He's 63 years old, and still has a pretty fierce glare. According to his MLB.com player profile, Bill is also known as Williams "Spaceman" Lee. Spaceman used to pitch for the the Red Sox and the Expos, where he posted a career 119-90 with a 3.62 ERA. On September 5th, Spaceman pitched once again... for the Brockton Rox, of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball League. And he did pretty well, going 5 1/3 and allowing only 2 runs on 5 hits. Spaceman will reportedly pitch for Cardinal scouts next Tuesday.
In honor of Spaceman's performance, how about a video feature his son - Dr. Leo Spaceman.
This is Bill Lee. He's 63 years old, and still has a pretty fierce glare. According to his MLB.com player profile, Bill is also known as Williams "Spaceman" Lee. Spaceman used to pitch for the the Red Sox and the Expos, where he posted a career 119-90 with a 3.62 ERA. On September 5th, Spaceman pitched once again... for the Brockton Rox, of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball League. And he did pretty well, going 5 1/3 and allowing only 2 runs on 5 hits. Spaceman will reportedly pitch for Cardinal scouts next Tuesday.
In honor of Spaceman's performance, how about a video feature his son - Dr. Leo Spaceman.
Downward Spiral Continues
The Chicago Cubs continued their quest to ensure Lou Piniella doesn't return for another season in Wrigleyville. Carlos Zambrano, having already set the record for the most expensive non-closer in bullpen history, decided to take it another step today... by yelling and almost getting into a fight with 1B Derek Lee in the dugout... in the 1st inning.
In the second round match-up of underachieving teams, Big Z allowed 4 runs in the first inning to the White Sox. Zambrano is known to be a bit of a hot-head and for some reason felt like it was his responsibility to remind everyone of that particular character trait.
Inside sources say the conversation went like this:
In the second round match-up of underachieving teams, Big Z allowed 4 runs in the first inning to the White Sox. Zambrano is known to be a bit of a hot-head and for some reason felt like it was his responsibility to remind everyone of that particular character trait.
Inside sources say the conversation went like this:
Lee: Hey, Carlos! Tough first inning, but don't worry, we'll get them back.
Big Z: What was that, man?
Lee: I said don't worry. We've got your back, Z. We're just glad you're starting again.
Big Z: Oh so you think I suck, momma's boy?
Lee: Wait, what?
Big Z: You heard me. You and your sissy little first base. I will drill you in the head next time we face if you keep disrespecting me.
Lee: Are you nuts?
Big Z: Oh, so now I'm crazy?
Piniella: Holy crap, boys! What the heck is going on here?
Big Z: Pretty boy here was talking smack to me, and I'm gonna punch him in the face!
Lee: Whoa, wait a minute! I was trying to encourage you.
Big Z: Why don't you shut up and start hitting those 6-run dingers again, fool! Or did you forget that I'm the only one that can go yard on this team.
Piniella: All right that's enough! Carlos, hit the showers!
Big Z: What?!? You want to see me in the shower? You sick, freak!
Piniella (on phone to bullpen): Get somebody warming up, Z's lost it again.
Bullpen phone: He was due.
Piniella: I can't wait until they fire me. First Milton, now this. I'm getting too old for this...
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