Cliff Lee wants CC money
October 9, 2010, 10:18 am by Chris H. · 45 Comments
Via Jon Heyman of SI:
Before Halladay took a $60-million, three-year extension with Philly, Lee turned down a similar offer, believed to be for three years and somewhere in the mid-$50-millions from Philadelphia, who eventually traded him to Seattle. Word was, he was thinking about more than double that, maybe something close to Johan Santana‘s $138-million, six-year Mets contract.
Now, word going around the game is that Lee might seek three times what Philly offered. In other words, Lee might try to match his old Indians teammate CC Sabathia‘s deal, which is for seven years and $161 million. “Why not?” one club executive said. “He’s as good as Sabathia.”
Cliff Lee is also three years older than CC Sabathia, which will be considered when he hits the free agent market this winter. Then again, his particular approach to pitching — he doesn’t have overpowering velocity, really, rather, his command is central to his success — might age well. Either way, Heyman says the Yankees are currently viewed as the “favorite” for landing Lee. To be honest, I almost see it as a foregone conclusion that they will. After all, they were willing to move Jesus Montero for him (for a few months) and, given A.J. Burnett’s season, it makes sense.
Photo by Getty Images
