Coming together and falling apart
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Dec 12, 2010 
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In the next few days, one or the other is going to happen for the Yankees and Cliff Lee: Either they’re going to come together and reach an agreement, or the Yankees offseason plans are going to fall apart and Brian Cashman will have to scramble for a Plan B.
For right now, coming together is all about Nick Swisher, who was married this weekend in Florida. Swisher spent a lot of time this season talking about how much his personal life has changed for the better, and he seems like a happy guy. My guess is the reception was a pretty good time. Congrats Swish.
For now, falling apart is all about the Metrodome, which collapsed early this morning. Tonight’s Vikings game had already been rescheduled for Monday because of the snow in Minneapolis. Now it has been moved to Detroit.
Be sure to check out the incredible video from inside the dome as the roof begins to crack and then sink. Unreal.
Associated Press photo
I saw a Yankees vs Twins game in Minn a few years ago. The place was, to put it nicely, a dump. There’s nothing appealing about it once you’re inside, and if you walk the concourse (especially by the front entrance) it is prone to HUGE wind gusts due to the circular pattern they pump air in to the stadium to keep the ROUGH (as they pronounced it) up. This isnt the first time the roof collapsed but I believe it is the first time a hole was torn through it (could be wrong though).
http://sportsthunderdome.blogspot.com/
This whole waiting around for Cliff Lee to make a decision is ridiculous at this point. He?s coming across as arrogant and greedy. Make a dang decision already.
The more he prolongs this, the more I am getting turned off and realizing how bad paying 7/$170M for a pitcher that?s 32.
In fact, I?m more turned off about his behavior than I am when my girlfriend farts in bed.
LOL LOL yankeeblue222… we have to be patient.. . he’s worth the wait
you have to be patient. He just received our final offers on Thursday. When most people are offered a job they take a day or two to think it over. That’s just a normal job, not a 7 yr commitment for the amount of money that is out there. My guess is the Yankees offer is too tough for him to pass up, but he feels a pull back to Texas. Without knowing the guy personally it’s tough to say what the issue is.
http://sportsthunderdome.blogspot.com/
Groundhog Day.
I’m turned off by his behavior instead of feeling happy or sad about his decision all I’m gonna feel is relief! Its like a zit waiting to pop.
Fran the original December 12th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
GB,
That’s true. He is getting paid big bucks to catch passes.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Fran, I have to laugh when I see the whining and complaining about Sanchez. They would have hated Joe Willie after 2 years in the NFL, too. That’s what they seem to forget. He’s in his 2nd year, and he doesn’t have Don Maynard and George Sauer to throw to, either, or Matt Snell coming out of the backfield to throw to.
GB,
Joe really had great receivers and running back
pat December 12th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Groundhog Day.
———————————————————————————————————————-
In this case, it’s “Razorback Day” When Lee comes out of his hole (mansion) and sees his shadow, it’ll be 6 more weeks of negotiations.
SAS, he really did. At one time, they rivaled the receivers out of Oakland…Casper, Branch, Biletnikoff
Everyone is anxious, so the last few days has felt like a lifetime. But in fairness, it is not unreasonable to take the weekend to think about it before making such a big decision.
Now if there’s still no word tomorrow, I may change my mind.
How will Lee announce his decision?
1. Tweet?
2. Winning club calls a press conference?
3. Leak to the media?
4. Through Incarcerated Bob?
stupid me…..I thought we’d have this guy signed by Tuesday of the Winter meetings…
When Lee signs, I’m not so sure I care what Andy does. I would like him back, if only to give him a proper goodbye, but his body is banged up and bringing him back and expecting him to pitch 30+ games seems like a total pipedream. I an inclined to make a deal for another starter or sign a 5th starter type free agent with a good track record of giving innings. Then Cashman tells andy we want him back on the clemens plan post the ASB. If the 5th starter isn’t working or if AJ remains a disaster, andy comes in to fill the void.
Someone needs to take twitter away from Joba.
Someone needs to take food away from Joba.
The more time Lee takes, the more he will likely realize that becoming a Yankee is a once in a lifetime opportunity that he shouldn’t let pass.
Of course when Lee stands on that podium, whatever team logo is on it, he will say that is where he wanted to be all along.
Waiting For Guffman
The moe time Lee takes, the more he realizes he gets more money with NY
Matsui is close to a deal with the A’s, according to mlbtraderumors.com
Someone just needs to stop following Jobs’s Twitter.
GB,
The good old days of the Jets. And you forgot Emerson Boozer.
I know that Sanchez is still young and learning, but I thought after the AFC Championship game last year and the fast start that he got off to this season, he was further along. I am disappointed that the Jets lost, but of course, I support my teams.
Do you folks really think the Yankees don’t have a plan B in place? Cash is to smart. Why do you think there making a big push for Martin? They have a trade in place already.
Just browsed through some of Joba’s tweets and came across a picture of him recently taken at Disney. He looks even fatter than he was two months ago. If that was even possible…
Fran, Boozer was a great option threat out of the backfield. Of course, there is also one of the great names in sports to think about.
Fran, I was a Bears fan, but, loved YA Tittle and then followed by Fran Tarkington, along with Webster, Gifford and Sherman..
Nats declared that they are officially out of run for Lee.
Seems like someone using joba twitter lol
Cliff lee is having a hard time deciding because #1 he wants to be somewhere thats comfortable for his family # 2 he wants to be on a championship team and is afraid he regrets not signing with Yankees 3 it’s hard to pass upon the Yankees big bucks!!
GB,
I never followed the Giants much. Always a Jets fan. But I know all of the names you say.
Were the Bears a good team then. I know about the Jim McMahon led Bears and Buddy Ryan’s 46 defense, but I think that was the mid to late 80′s.
Joba is a maniac on twitter. I just signed up for twitter today to further haze myself with cliff lee nonsense. Don’t really understand how it all works. If u reply to someones tweet, do they actually see it because I don’t see replies on their pages. Anyone have the twitter for dummies quick guide committed to memory for me?
# GreenBeret7 December 12th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Nats declared that they are officially out of run for Lee.
————–
I guess the politicians aren’t the only ones in Washington that are comedians. Even if they don’t mean to be.
Goodnight to all,let’s hope this saga ends tomorrow…..in a good way.
GB,
Without looking it up – who were the offensive and defensive coaches for Jim Lee Howell’s Giants.
Best coaching staff ever!!
Yes, on your Twitter page you can see replies by clicking “@Mentions” You can view all replies to someone by searching “@username”
Radiokev – thanks man. Appreciate it.
Fran, the Bears were a pretty decent team in the early/mid 60s with Billy Wade at Qb and Gayle Sayers and Brian Picalo out of the backfield and Johnny Morris receiving, jon Arnett and Ronnie Bull. The one thing that really hurt that team was when John Farrington and Willie Galimore were killed in a car accident during the ’64 training camp. And a great defence. It didn’t help that they always had to fight the Packers for the Conference.
GoYanks December 12th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
GB,
Without looking it up – who were the offensive and defensive coaches for Jim Lee Howell’s Giants.
Best coaching staff ever!!
———————————————————————————————————————-
Haven’t a clue. I wasn’t into drooling over coaching staffs.
GB,
A lot of those names sound familiar to me. I know about Gayle Sayers and Brian Piccalo. I even saw the movie “Brian’s Song.”
That car accident must have really shocked the team. What an awful thing to have happen.
GB7,
Haven’t a clue. I wasn’t into drooling over coaching staffs
———
Fair enough. You were discussing the YA Tittle, Gifford etc
FYI –
Jim Lee Howell – Head Coach
Vince Lombardi – Offensive Coach
Tom Landry – Defensive Coach
Fran, GB,
Before I saw your response Fran, I was going to say something about Brian’s Song. What a sad, but beautiful story.
———————————————————
I am going to check out for the night. Hope you have a good one.
Namath goes long — what a catch by Maynard! Touchdown!
Cliff lee is having a hard time deciding because of these 3 reason: #1 he wants to be somewhere that’s comfortable for his family… #2 he wants to be on a championship team and is afraid he regrets not signing with Yankees… #3 it’s hard to pass upon the Yankees big bucks.!!
Fran the original December 12th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
GB,
A lot of those names sound familiar to me. I know about Gayle Sayers and Brian Piccalo. I even saw the movie “Brian’s Song.”
That car accident must have really shocked the team. What an awful thing to have happen.
———————————————————————————————————————-
The original “Brian’s Song” was the best, with James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. Piccalo wasn’t a great player, but lots of heart. He was mainly a 185-190 pound blocker for Gale Sayers. he really never got the chance to be good, but, he’d have gotten beat to death before too long. Average speed, small..but good hands.
Merle Harmon….Radio voice of the NY Jets…..
GB,
I never saw the re-make of the movie, only the original. Think Shelly Fabares played Joy Piccalo.
Pat,
I am dating myself, but I do remember listening to Merle Harmon calling the Jet home games before they were on TV.
People may not know, but, “Papa Bear” George Halas played for the Yankees in 1919 and was a team mate of Lefty O’Doul..
Fran, yeah, Shelly Fabares did play Joy Piccalo.
I saw on another board that Brian Cashman talked to Darek Braunecker today at 5pm. But I don’t see a link for that anywhere. Did anybody else hear/read that?
Vince Lombardi lived in Red Bank, NJ for a little while. He’s buried here in NJ- in the same cemetary that former Yankee George “Snuffy” Stirnweiss is interred in.
Coney1 – no, but I am interested to know what u found/read elsewhere.
Tom, only Jimmy Hoffa has his own private NJ cemeitary. That guy had big connections, huh?
***cemetary***
GB, A good friend of mine dated a girl in high school. Her father wasn’t to fond of him and told him that if he didn’t stop seeing his daughter he’d end up like Hoffa. Ah, Jersey…
New York’s G.M. Brian Cashman spoke with Lee’s agent Darek Braunecker Sunday early evening and still didn’t get an answer. As for new offers from the Yanks Cashman told reporters Sunday there were “none coming.”
Read more at Suite101: MLB and Cliff Lee: Shouldn’t Lee Take the $161 million? http://www.suite101.com/conten.....z17xcjOEmu
It’s interesting that Heyman just wrote in his article that “The Yankees’ latest offer is thought to be substantially higher, though neither exact bid is known.” He and all of the other newspapers have been saying since Thursday that the Yanks offer is 7/$161M and now all of a sudden we don’t know how much the Yanks offer is for??! The Rangers offer is probably so much lower in guaranteed money that Lee’s agent probably doesn’t want both numbers written in the same sentence since it will make them look bad if he goes back to Texas.
Also the usual “While the exact current offers are still unclear, it is believed the Yankees’ seven-year offer is for significantly more money than the Rangers have offered, perhaps in the tens of millions of dollars. However, people around the game believe Lee loved his short time in Texas and may heavily weight the proximity of Arlington, Tex., to Little Rock.”
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....?eref=sihp
Wonder what Cash and Braunecker could be discussing?
GB, LOL
Did anybody see the Vince Lombardi movie on HBO last night? I missed it but I’ll catch it On-Demand.
Wonder if Cashman made the call or Braunecker did.
Tom, did you ever see the movie “Hoffa” with Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito? Not a bad movie.
Before you believe anything written in that article.
This is the author:
Marcus is a writer and actor living on a small Island near Vancouver. He has acted in plays, films and appeared in over 50 television shows and says he often plays “bad guys or unusual people.” As a writer he’s had plays and television scripts produced, short stories published and has written extensively for weekly newspapers.
Fran, I started to, but, the nurse at “The Home” took the remote away and hid it from me.
Just thought that I’d beat Randy to it.
GB7,
i’m a big Bears fan.
if you ever got to see Sayers, I’m jealous.
but please just don’t tell me you ever saw Red Grange or Bronko Nagurski
GB,
A Nuse Karloff sighting? It wasn’t supposed to be a horror movie
I know that Cashman can multitask, so I’m at a loss to understand why he hasn’t had success thus far in adding arms to the bullpen – other than his 2 Rule 5 selections.
And if – IF there is a significant trade for a pitcher, I wouldn’t at all be surprised if its Montero+Joba as centerpieces.
I’m sure Swisher kept it low key. Probably barely did a shot…
If they really spoke and Cashman still has no idea then there is a serious problem with the Brauneker/Lee camp. Let’s get realistic about this. Cliff Lee has had forever to consider where he wants to play and the monetary differences between playing in one place or another. To drag this out despite having offers in hand for multiple days is clearly a bargaining ploy and I would be disgusted with Cashman if he bites on it. Time is up cliff, decide and announce. No more nonsense.
Lee’s agent is either going to announce tomorrow morning, or wait till Christmas eve.
BD (Boston Dave) December 12th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
GB7,
i’m a big Bears fan.
if you ever got to see Sayers, I’m jealous.
but please just don’t tell me you ever saw Red Grange or Bronko Nagurski
———————————————————————————————————————-
No, they retired a year too early for me. The guy you should be jealous of is Randy. He used to hand water to Jim Thorpe on the sidelines.
Sayers was absolutely sensational. He may have gotten close to Walter Payton’s numbers if had stayed healthy.
Fran the original December 12th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
GB,
A Nuse Karloff sighting? It wasn’t supposed to be a horror movie
———————————————————————————————————————-
brrrrr. She’s scary, but, she’s no fiction. Now, just thinking about that, I’m scared. I want my mommy.
GB7,
I had heard randy taught Babe Didrikson everything she knew, but I didn’t know the Jim Thorpe story.
I never get tired of watching Sayers highlights though. Sayers was the first football jersey I ever bought.
Jets are so dirty. LOL
Their luck has run out.
Careful GB, Nurse Karloff may try to ‘nurse’ you as you call for mommy. What a thought!
DaSaint007 December 12th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Careful GB, Nurse Karloff may try to ‘nurse’ you as you call for mommy. What a thought!
———————————————————————————————————————-
Simon, that’s not funny, even as a joke. That’s just cruel. LMAO
BD (Boston Dave) December 12th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
GB7,
I had heard randy taught Babe Didrikson everything she knew, but I didn’t know the Jim Thorpe story.
I never get tired of watching Sayers highlights though. Sayers was the first football jersey I ever bought.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Enjoy, Dave.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XbAuCZAVDA
Lee wants the money. He also wants Texas to offer seven years guaranteed. I don’t think it is happening. Six years at $23-24 is way too much for them as it is right now.
One thing about Cashman is that he does not like to have his offers shopped, which is what is being done here.
If the Yankees withdraw, Lee’s market collapses, and he takes $100-120 x 4-5 from Texas, or maybe $120 x 5 from the Nationals or Angels. A loss of about $40-60 million guaranteed.
They are playing a dangerous game down there in Little Rock.
Any possibility the announcement comes just after midnight EST? That would be “early this week.”
“:If the Yankees withdraw, Lee’s market collapses”
then they should withdraw.
If the Yankees withdraw their offer, the Rangers get him at their last bid price.
Carl Crawford’s contract has a no-trade provision where the Red Sox can block a trade to the Yankees. Which means even if another team is stupid enough to trade for Carl Crawford’s retarded contract, they then cannot trade him to the Yankees unless Boston approves.
Yankees are so deep in Theo’s head he has to yankee proof a contract that even the Yankees would not take on.
I’m watching Up Close with Alex Rodriguez from 2000 when he got signed by the Rangers. Its hilarious. They talk to Hicks who owned them at the time. Said that he is a very wealthy and smart businessman. Alex also said he knew he would get booed though he never had before(now he can’t go out to stretch without getting booed at an away game) its also interesting that Alex looks exactly how he did back in 2000.
Even a high, drunken delirious Cashman wouldn’t trade for Crawford’s contract.
I decided to hold my breath until Cliff Lee announced his decision.
I just woke up with a big bruise on the side of my head.
What happened?
“Tonight’s Vikings game had already been rescheduled for Monday because of the snow in Minneapolis.”
I would have called it the Giants game.
Heyman is tweeting that 3rd (mystery) team is now bidding on Lee.
Have to think it’s either the Nats or Angels.
Link: http://bit.ly/ePd5Am
Might not be true, but here’s an interesting blog entry from Sliding into Home… If it is true, I wonder how it will play out for Mo. Will anyone care?
I suppose it’s smart business to drive up your price by reaching out to your team’s biggest rival, but it changes the original narrative of his negotiation. We were told that Mo received an offer from the Red Sox. According to MLB sources, Mo’s agent was the one who made the first call.
Boston would certainly benefit from putting a story like this out there. It gives the front office an opportunity to brag about driving up the Yankee payroll while barely lifting a finger.
Does anyone else here think there’s a distinction between taking the call vs. making the call?
I don’t care, he’s still a Yankee.
I wouldn’t want him anywhere else.
Regarding the mystery team, if the Nats are out, the Angels appear to be focusing on offense that leaves maybe two teams. The Phillies aren’t going that many years with Lee. So my guess is the Tigers.
mystery team is the team from Mass
Mystery team is from Uranus.
Pitt Yankee fan had it right.
Those boys from Ozarks are playin’ one dangerous game of southern fried chicken.
If I were the Yankees I would have made their offer time-sensitive.
It also would have been great if Cashman were able to transact another piece of buisness so as to inject doubt into Lee’s mind about
how committed they are to him.
Anyway. It should be over within the next day or so, and if it’s not it’s time to go to plan B.
Cliff Lee is making Johnny Damon look like the most loyal guy on the Planet.
You aren’t getting one red cent more than you’ve already been offered Cliff.
We already beat Texas by many Millions of semolians.
If you dig Texas that much it’s way past time you went for it.
Because we are MOVING on with or without you Bubba.
The Yankees simply do not have the leverage to make a bid “time sensitive.” They may have leverage because they seem to be the highest bidder, but they don’t know how much higher their bid is than the Ranger’s, and they don’t know if a mystery team exists.
Just in case you can’t tell, the Yankees need Cliff Lee far more than Cliff Lee needs the Yankees at this point.
And by the way. You are NOT worth more than CC.
Dig.
Wrong kev.
There are always other ways to go.
Nobody should be allowed to think they have the Yankees over a barell. Ever.
If they do then things have not been handled correctly IMO.
MTU —
We have to be patient .!! . . Lee is worth the wait . . NOW if he rejects us . .then we blast him and prepare for plan B … We’ll find out . . either today or tommorow
MTU -
Good morning.
The more I thought about it, the less sense it made for Lee to announce his decision on a weekend. A couple of reasons. First, Football. Second, people are busy – they may not even be around to hear the announcement (Lohud people are possibly the exception to this). Third, no matter which team they choose, there is going to be a media storm and why not take one last weekend of calm? Fourth, they said they weren’t going to make an announcement until after the weekend at least.
So, some day this week, I expect to hear the news, one way or t’other.
Cash has said in the past that he doesn’t believe in playing games with the big names that he’s serious about getting. Unless a person is 100% sure what the results would be of making an ultlimatum or drawing a line in the sand, or unless the person has solid contingency plans, they oughtn’t to tempt fate, IMO.
I expect we will hear early this week, at a time when it can be the big news story.
I am as impatient as anyone, but can understand that this is a major decision for Lee and his family. That being said, they had to be thinking about this for many months.
I really don’t like the way the decision is portrayed as being $$$ or life style. Really? I admit to an east coast bias, but TX? How is that a better life style choice than NY? Its not like they would be living in the Bronx…there are plenty of beautiful areas in commuting distance.
Mike-
I agree about Lee’s value to the Yankees but he should not be our only love.
And I hear you about being patient. We have been patient. plenty patient.
He’s had all weekend and then some. So it’s time to sheet or get off the pottie.
He’s not the only rooster in the barnyard. He’s been shown PLENTY of love.
I think he knows he must decide very shortly, and if he doesn’t he’s gonna find out that he should have.
Hope he becomes a Yankee. No doubt. But the time is at hand.
The mystery team leaks suggest that they are holding out for more money (as CB and others indicated). If it were really just between most money (Yankees) and hometown (Rangers ) then they would have already told everyone else to get lost……the leaks are an attempt to up the ante.
Blake-
There is not gonna be any more money forthcoming. Period.
The sooner they get the message the better.
When more than 1 of your colleagues are mocking you publicly, some might consider changing their approach.
Buster_ESPN Remember: if you ever read about a ‘mystery team,’ it can only come spoon-fed from an agent who is trying to create leverage.
craigcalcaterra Heyman self-parody alert! http://t.co/tc3fG0z #hbt
Maybe Spam is the mystery team (or meat).
What hoot. They have to better than that.
To hell with Lee, I’m sick of him already – Move on!
I’m glad the fanbase has decided Lee is expendable and that the Plan B scrub options are viable. They are certainly not. Look at the worst case scenario for next season:
CC – Will injuries continue this season? I wouldn’t suggest it likely, but it’s certainly possible.
Hughes probably turns in a decent season
AJ does not improve significantly from last year
And Pettitte and Lee both do not sign.
Nothing there is outrageous to suggest. You’d be a fool to suggest you’d like that team’s chances of winning a world series. Plan B rests on Nova also turning in a decent season, and then picking some starter of the scrap heap that maybe gives you 10+ wins. I’d sure do everything I can take make Plan A happen if I were Cashman. You don’t let pride get in the way of business.
Look at it this way, as their is always a positive view.
1. Lee signs with the Yankees to form a formidable 1-2 Lefthanded punch with Sabathia
2. If Lee not signs, then Cashman has a lot of dollars to invest, either this year or next year, where Posadas contract is off the books as well. If this happens 2011 may not be THE year, but the year where Hughes and another homegrown SP make huge leaps together with Montero. Then in 2012 you go to war.
Pluss, if Lee signs with Texasm the Yankees keep a draftpick…
Kev-
There are not only scrub options available.
We have the money and we have the trade chips to make some exceptional deals.
If it weren’t for not wanting to trade off some of our better youngsters I would have been down with it a long time ago.
Remember, we have offered Cliff Lee approx. 160 Million dollars to come and play for us.
And he’s trying to squeeze us for more ?
No one is worth that. It’s laughable.
That’s why plan B is gonna go into effect very, very soon if Clifford
doesn’t pull the trigger on this deal.
I hope he does but I do not fear it if he doesn’t.
Pat,
Im sure heyman is a nice guy but he really is headed towards creating a sports/gossip column. “Mystery teams” are designed to create doubt….if they weren’t then just say who the team is at this point. The fact that they are still trying to extract more money is a good sign for Yankee fans.
If Lee is waiting for more money then all this he wants to play for Texas must be BS. I’m sure they went as high as they will go and any more would prob destroy that team long term.
As Yogi omce said, “It’s getting late early around here. ”
Comprendo Cliff ?
Dig Texas that much. Go for it.
Wanna play for 10-30 mill less ? Be my guest.
Lee’s agent pulled the same crap during the AJ negotiations, and got more money out of the Yankees.
Now he waits a few days, contacts Cashman, and I’ll bet that call was to ask for more money, and this time Cashman said no, that’s our top offer.
Per several reporters, the money from Texas and NY is almost the same, but Texas will not go to a guaranteed 7th year, only a club option.
That means the NY offer is at least $23M more. If that’s not enough, Cliff, good luck pitching in Texas.
The Yankees are holding firm, no more than CC money.
As they say down south, time to sh*t or get off the pot.
http://www.newyorkpost.com/p/s.....dwTUA4MSII
Thank you Jesus.
No 32-year old pitcher who doesn’t have a mastery of the AL East – except for the Yankees that is – deserves the spalsh that little two-game world series loser hayseed is getting. PLEASE stay in Texas Lee. I’d rather see the Yankees go through two years of rebuilding than to get another pitcher who knew how to kick the butts of the Yankees but had a losing record when he faced their main competition.
I’m not wowed, RadioKev. I hope you have your own Plan B option available if he doesn’t come to the Bronx because you’re like an agitated little kid who is expecting a real puppy on Christmas and looks like he might spiral into a major depression if he gets tonka truck instead.
Give me the tonka truck any day. Less maintenance involved.
Al-
Give that Man a cigar !
I’m goin’ surfin’ today. Right out in the middle of the Desert.
Crazy you say ? Wait till you see the pictures then tell me I’m crazy.
“And he’s trying to squeeze us for more ?”
Wonder if it’s Texas he’s trying to squeeze for more? Who’s to say he’s not telling them something along the lines of “you don’t have to match them, but you’ve gotta get closer than you are now”.
But, as you suggest, it could be he’s trying to squeeze the Yankees. Patience has already gotten him a 7th year that Cashman had previously said he wouldn’t offer.
I half hope he goes with Texas. I think 7 years is a bad contract for this guy over the long term and think it would be fascinating to see what Cashman does as a result.
Today..tomorrow..next week?This is ridiculous
Just sign already
Hi Trisha!!!
FYI: I put a puppy on my Christmas list every year!
My fear is that we’ll get the goofball and then watch him get kicked by the AL East all season long and if we make it to the playoffs, well, we saw the world series dress rehearsal already.
Give 7 years to a younger arm who has proven he knows how to master the AL East. If it’s not out there, do whatever. 27 still beats the nearest competitor. One or two potential down years (note I said POTENTIAL) won’t cripple us for life.
Blake-
You tell Cliff I said it’s time.
I’ll be gone again today. When I get back he better be a Yankee or a
Texas Ranger.
And at this point I’m not carin’ that much which.
take the money or take the lifestyle.
Time’s up.
Three days to make a decision that he has to live with for seven years, and people are fed up and talking like they are bad a$$es. How silly. Plus, like mentioned above, if you were the team making a huge free agent splash, you wouldn’t want your big announcement watered down by football buzz on a Sunday,
Pettitte is taking longer to decide. Even Martin is. And those are for one year deals.
Kate –
Something makes me think you didn’t get one every year, and look at you! Hale, hearty, optimistic, and a Yankee fan.
The earth will continue to spin if Ichabod decides against NY (which I hope he does). I’d love to see Cashman go out and get a Freddy Garcia, stick in an Ivan Nova, fish around for a few more easy pieces, and see all of them have career years. Stranger things have happened.
If Lee end up here I’ll root for him the way I do anyone who ends up in pinstripes and who isn’t a flippin’ prima donna. But short of that, I hope he stays away.
Martin and Pettite are waiting for Lee. They both will stand to make more money if the Yankees don’t get Lee.
And trisha-
Just for the record.
WELCOME BACK MAMA !
Ugh, the beantown dragqueen here already, giving its meaningless two cents.
Y-A-W-N!!!!!
JUST SAY NO – LEE MUST GO!
MTU – thank you so much! It’s good to be back. And as you can see I brought my two friends – “vim” and vinegar – with me!
Good morning trisha.
MTU – where are you headed today surfer boy.
Trisha-
I saw it. True Grit.
Peace be yours young lady.
Well I’d like to hang around but I made an appointment to quake thinking about the fear that Lackey, Dice-K, and on again off again Beckett put into my soul…
Later y’all!
Mell,
I think that’s just as likely. That they are trying to get Texas to raise their offer closer to the Yanks….then try to get the Yanks to go even higher.
Mike – That reminds me of a great Red Sox pitcher who could only say to the Yankees fans, Who’s your daddy, bowing to the superior team, the New York Yankees. Even Pedro knew who his daddy was, lol.
Al-
the “Wave”. 300 mile RT to go surfin’ in the middle of the desert. Crazy, crazy me.
Leaving soon. You make sure you have a good day as well.
Al-
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t blame Lee for trying to max out his deal with the Yanks.
that part is buisness negotiation 101.
The part that I am not down with is them thinking that the Yankees absolutely have to have him at ALL costs.
That should never be true.
The Yankees have shown him a tremendous amount of love, and have been more than respectful of his time, and the decision that is involved.
In that regard, he now needs to make a decision. Everything has a
beginning, a middle, and an end.
IMO it’s time for the end. One way or another.
That’s my take.
MTU -
Enjoy the trip, look forward to the pictures.
trisha -
I’m going to steal and use your comment, “beantown dragqueen “, if you don’t mind. The best description yet of that troll.
Al-
Thanks, and as I said earlier, you have yourself a great day too.
Over the past three years Cliff Lee has been out pitching CC Sabathia. Now I understand some ridiculous people also aren’t impressed with CC Sabathia, but I will say, I’m impressed by that.
Let me apologize to any Yankee fan if I land too heavily – and that would be RadioKev in the immediate. I’m probably still working out some of my own angst not having to do with Lee, and I never want to belittle the feelings or opinion or any Yankee fan in the process. You all have the right to want Lee with all of your might. And what’s to say you are wrong.
Now when it comes to that clown fool, all bets are off.
The Yankees have shown him a tremendous amount of love, and have been more than respectful of his time, and the decision that is involved.
In that regard, he now needs to make a decision. Everything has a
beginning, a middle, and an end.
IMO it?s time for the end. One way or another.
That?s my take.
—
MTU ,, Although I’m patient…… I agree with your post to a degree.
The Yanks have shown the “love” and have been respectfull. Lee and his agent should show some respect back and make up there mind so the Yankees and other teams involved can get on with there offseason plans.
MTU -
I agree, it’s now the end game, time to make the choice, and let the Yankees get on to the rest of their business, time’s a wasting.
Good Morning Early Birds,
I glanced through the posts and see that nothing is exciting and new….or even just new. I hope you all had a longer sleep than I did and are ready to take on this yucky day in NY.
Big Al – I’m honored to have you do it, bud!
Aretha Franklin.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
It’s a two-way street.
Have a good day everyone.
Cash can’t wait much longer on Lee. For sure he has a pan B and C though.
The Yankees will win 95+ games in 2011 with or without Mr. Lee.
Sign Wood and another good Pen guy and give Andy wait ever he wants for his last stand.
The Yankees have an Ace
good morning SAS
we are back to snow today after a day of freezing rain…personally I much prefer the snow!
I really hope the Yankees end up w/ Lee, but if they don’t, I will get over it.
And I really don’t know how anyone could not appreciate CC, both on and off the field
At this point I don’t really care where he goes anymore.
Which will probably guarantee he comes here!
He’s not unbeatable – the Yankees have beaten him. He’s been in the WS twice and his team lost both times.
But he is a very good pitcher, he’s a lefty (which is potentially a plus in Yankee Stadium), he’s an efficient pitcher (meaning he can save a bullpen). Do the plusses of getting him outweigh any minuses?
Unfortunately, you don’t know until you buy.
MTU,
Be safe…..ill keep u posted.
RadioKev December 13th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Over the past three years Cliff Lee has been out pitching CC Sabathia. Now I understand some ridiculous people also aren’t impressed with CC Sabathia, but I will say, I’m impressed by that.
*****************************************************
You used the past 3 years, so you could include the one great season Lee had in 2008, 22-3, but, if you look at the last 2 years Lee’s 26-25. CC in the last 3 years is 57-25, compared to Lee at 48-25, but in the past 2 years CC is 40-15. CC is getting better, providing more wins, while Lee’s numbers are going down. It’s all about wins, and what have you done lately. CC is worth more than Lee, and CC has been doing it in the tough AL East, Lee has been pitching against weaker teams, and is sub .500 against the AL East teams.
Sorry, that S/B 26-22 for Lee the past 2 years.
Sorry, I’m not all that impressed with Lee, and if his trend continues, the team he pitches for will be lucky to get 15-16 wins from him, that’s not a guy you pay $23M for. He was below .500 pitching for Texas, and lost both games in the WS. He was a difference maker in the WS, but not on the positive side. A weak hitting Giants team took him apart.
kate -
Be careful what you wish for.
Then let me say this. I don’t know RadioKev. If he doesn’t show respect to others’ opinions, then I take my apology back!
Yankees have to wait and hope for Lee.
Lee = Wild Card
No Lee = 2008
Big Al
you mean about the puppy, the snow or Cliffy?
“Over the past three years Cliff Lee has been out pitching CC Sabathia”
Hell if I got to pitch out of the AL Central or AL West, I’d out pitch CC too!
Pul-lease.
And he destroyed a strong hitting yankees team, so saying the giants took him apart doesnt draw any valid conclusions
Oops. Big Al already beat me to it. Big Al keeps the pulse all the time.
The longer this goes on, the more I think this is not a good deal in the long term and Cashman should pull the offer.
Trish, I don’t find Radio as that bad, the DaSaint person though is on my ignore list
Lee wouldn’t be the first pitcher to show a mastery of the Yankees but buckle at other teams.
Gary I’m going to have to pay attention. I believe in giving as good as I get.
Clown
I’d be aiming higher than wild card with Lee. Without Lee in spite of all this Plan B talk it’s going to be much tougher to fix the SP situation without giving up alot.
NEW THREAD ——–>
I was never sold on the ‘gotta have Cliff Lee’ sentiment. If he comes, is another championship a lock? I don’t think so and while he has had his success against us he did lose for Texas and let’s not forget the injury.
As far as the Jets, I think there are a quite a few to blame before we get to Sanchez. The running game has not showed up, passes are dropped, and, more than anything, the play calling has been terrible. Do they ever have a game plan? At least the defense showed up, let’s hope they don’t go back into hibernation though.
I take some responsibility, I just paid for the playoffs. That was really arrogant of me and I am sorry.
Jason Voorhees December 13th, 2010 at 8:55 am
********************************************
What is it you do not understand, Lee is 26-22 the past 2 years, while pitching in weaker divisions, was 4-6 with Texas, 3.98 ERA, was 0-2 in the WS with a 6.94 ERA. Lee may pitch well against the Yankees, by the way AJ did also, but, he is sub .500 against the AL East, the very teams you need an ace to beat.
Even if Lee comes to the Yankees, CC will still remain the ace of the staff, while Lee will struggle to get you 16 wins per season. I’m sorry if the numbers don’t fit with your way of thinking, but, as they say, numbers don’t lie.
kate -
Cliffy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....&NR=1
wouldn’t it be great if we could see the faces behind the usernames on the blog.
I sort of agree with trisha.
But I do think Lee is an elite pitcher. Hes not Carl Pavano or AJ Burnett.
The contract is too long and for too much $$.
But the alternative (take a peek at next years free agent pitching crop – its nothing special) isn’t very appealing. Chris Carpenter could be available but who knows, and is he worth it?
The Yanks do need Lee. So sign him and cross your fingers.