12.10.2010

Cliff Lee Must Be Wooed

Ever heard the expression, "Never bring a knife to a gun fight?"

That may be what Texas Rangers owner Chuck Greenburg is doing with his team's "multiple substantial" offers to Cliff Lee in an attempt to keep him in Arlington. At one point, they asked him what it would take for him to stay. Unfortunately, Clifton Lee must be wooed.

So Greenburg, along with assistant general manager Thad Levine and co-chairman Ray Davis, met with Lee, the pitcher’s wife and his agent, Darek Braunecker, at Braunecker’s office Thursday night. While Greenburg refused to divulge the details, he called his team "highly competitive." But are they competitive enough?

Enter the New York Yankees. They tried to reel him in with a seven-year deal worth between $137.5 million and $140 million on Thursday, adding a whole year to the proposal they made a day earlier. Yes, Cliff Lee is the most popular girl in school. He's loved and wanted by all.

The 2008 Cy Young Award winner was a combined 12-9 with a 3.18 ERA last season between the Seattle Mariners and Rangers, who acquired him in July. Texas, who only got to enjoy him for three months, was dazzled by his 4-6 record, 3.98 ERA, 96 strikeouts and two complete games. It was love at first sight.

Is Cliff Lee a contract whore? Stay tuned!

[ESPN] | [Baseball Time in Arlington]

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Yes, Cliff Lee is the most popular girl in school."

That painted a hilarious picture. But it's so true! Great analogy. lol

Megs said...

I'd love it if he'd just be one of the good guys and not a "contract whore" but he's been one in the past so I don't expect him to change now.

Then again, in seven years, he'll be 39. Do the Rangers really need that baggage down the road?

Post a Comment