March 12, 2011

Cliff Lee Preferred Rangers Over Yankees: The Texas Rangers had a better chance to sign him in the off-season than the New York Yankees, Cliff Lee told Philly radio station WIP. "Just as far as the quality of the team and the chance to win a World Series ring, I think they're a better team," he said. "It seems like some of the Yankee guys are getting older."

posted by rcade to baseball at 12:50 PM - 7 comments

Who really gives a shit who your second, third, fourth, etc. picks were, Cliff. Shut the hell up and pitch for the Phillies, the same team who dumped you after you carried them a few years back because you're not as good as Halladay. Hopefully you have another good year and they dump your ass again.

Lee is a good pitcher, but people (the press, mainly) need to stop acting like he's the second coming of Sandy Koufax.

posted by dyams at 02:08 PM on March 12, 2011

the same team who dumped you after you carried them a few years back because you're not as good as Halladay.

You're remembering something that never happened: they didn't resign Lee because it supposedly wasn't in their budget, then they traded prospects for Halladay.

posted by yerfatma at 03:21 PM on March 12, 2011

Shut the hell up and pitch for the Phillies

He was asked a question by a reporter; I'm sorry you find his answering the question at hand so offensive, but it's not like he held a press conference to clear the air on his every thought.

Lee is a good pitcher, but people (the press, mainly) need to stop acting like he's the second coming of Sandy Koufax.

He was the best pitcher available in the offseason; he's naturally going to get a lot of press, but I don't think anyone in the press at any point said he was the best pitcher in the game, let alone as good as Koufax.

posted by dflemingecon at 03:36 PM on March 12, 2011

Guy answered a question honestly, give him a break.

Texas is probably better off without him - had they signed Lee to equivalent money that the Yanks or Phillies were throwing around they'd be in another ARod situation (this year or bust for the terms of the contract).

posted by cixelsyd at 06:44 PM on March 12, 2011

You're remembering something that never happened: they didn't resign Lee because it supposedly wasn't in their budget, then they traded prospects for Halladay.

Actually, Philadelphia traded Lee away for J.C. Ramirez, Phillippe Aumont and Tyson Gillies (minors). He was still under contract for the year to Philadelphia before being traded.

Of course, that "budget" excuse is a bit weird as they ended up signing him for a bigger contract than what they had him at last time.

posted by grum@work at 07:10 PM on March 12, 2011

Who really gives a shit who your second, third, fourth, etc. picks were, Cliff. Shut the hell up

Dude, don't take it personally :)

I'm sure he's being honest, but I doubt we're getting the whole story. I'm sure certain reasons went into his decision that he would never say.

I mean, this:

"Obviously it's an electric atmosphere, they sell out every game, it's a packed house every night, and they understand the game. They can tell when it's a big out, a big pitch, or a big at bat, and you can just feel the volume. They're good fans, they make a lot of noise, and it's definitely exciting to play in front of them."

Could certainly be said about more teams than the Phillies. But hey, it sounds good.

And I doubt if the national league being attractive with no DH is something he's be quick to tell.

posted by justgary at 07:31 PM on March 12, 2011

Texas is probably better off without him ...

... until/unless they reach the playoffs, where they will sorely miss a dominant starter.

posted by rcade at 09:14 PM on March 12, 2011

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