After the offers from Texas and New York, it's shocking that Lee decided to return to Philly.
I wonder what Roy Halladay was thinking this off-season?
One year removed from his career-altering trade to the Phillies after playing his first ten years with the Blue Jays, Halladay has seen salaries go through the roof once again in what would have been his free agent season.
Not that Doc will be left wanting the rest of his days. The Phillies, to tie a bow on the trade, signed the big right-hander to an extension through the 2013 season at $20 million per (with an option based upon innings thresholds for ’14). And if the option kicks in, at the end of the deal, Halladay will have banked $168,991,666, although it’s really never been about the money; he just wants to win and he finally got his chance to pitch in the post-season.
But I’m sure he was looking on at the glacial pace of Cliff Lee’s back and forth negotiations between the Yankees and the Rangers. The numbers and length of the offers were bordering on ridiculous. It sure seemed like he would end up with a seven-year deal in the $18-20 million range. While most of our hearts hoped that he would return to the Rangers, who he helped to their first ever A.L. pennant, our heads were resigned to the fact that very few have been able to resist the allure of the Yankees.
That’s what makes the news that Lee has decided to turn away from the Rangers and Yankees to return to Philadelphia, a team that traded him away to make room for Halladay 52 weeks ago. Reports have the deal at five years in the $100 million range. So for the grand total of $69.5 million (seven million dollars more than the Blue Jays 2010 team payroll) the Phillies now have, arguably, the greatest starting rotation in the history of the game. Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels. Several times, next season, manager Charlie Manuel will able to roll out a trio of those pitchers against an opponent in a three-game series knowing that there’s a good chance of a sweep. Christmas certainly came a couple weeks early for Manuel.
And how often do the Yankees put a $140 million offer on the table and have it turned down? That might be the best present of all this holiday season for the rest of baseball.
DIVISION IN FLUX
With Lee not landing in the Bronx, it has brought the Yankees back closer to the pack in the A.L. East.
RED SOX
They have upgraded their offence considerably by trading for first basemen Adrian Gonzalez and signing top free agent left fielder Carl Crawford. If Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury all return to complete health after missing considerable time to injuries last season, the Red Sox have the most lethal everyday lineup in the majors. They still have question marks at catcher and in the bullpen but, for now, they are the favourite to win the division.
YANKEES
They had Lee in the crosshairs since the season ended to shore up a shaky rotation behind CC Sabathia. We would expect them to now ratchet up the heat on acquiring Zack Greinke from the Royals. Their core roster continues to age but they are expected to give super prospect Jesus Montero the starting catcher’s job. They have yet to add anything of significance this off-season. We are waiting to see if veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte will return for a 17th season.
RAYS
These are tough times in Tampa. Thirteen players have left through free agency and they traded starting shortstop Jason Bartlett to the Padres. Their deep farm system, which has allowed them to stay close to the Yankees and Red Sox, will be expected to fill in the holes. The biggest losses will be Crawford, to division rival Boston, and Carlos Pena, now with the Cubs. Word has them now shopping starter Matt Garza.
BLUE JAYS
They added speedy outfielder Rajai Davis, reliever Carlos Villanueva and second base prospect Brett Lawrie while losing starter Shaun Marcum, relievers Kevin Gregg, Scott Downs, Brian Tallet and first baseman Lyle Overbay. they are still looking to add new arms to the bullpen and have major holes at the corner infield positions. They continue to gather up prospects as they rebuild the franchise. New manager John Farrell is expected change the offensive philosophy.
ORIOLES
They ended the 2010 season with many holes after they finished with the second worst record in the American League. They shored up the left side of the infield by acquiring third basemen Mark Reynolds from Arizona and shortstop J.J. Hardy from Minnesota. Like the Jays, they are on the lookout for arms to fill the bullpen. Manager Buck Showalter starts his first full season and has completely overhauled the coaching staff.
