Dealbreaker?
Both Ken Rosenthal and Joel Sherman reported tonight that the Yankees will not go to 7 years with Cliff Lee. Sherman added that they would go to six to get the deal done.
I guess I am glad to hear they won't go to 7, but 6 is way too many in my book. I don't really like the idea of even going to five years, but with the news that Andy Pettitte is leaning towards retirement, the Yankees really need to get Cliff Lee to come to the Bronx. I just hope they do it without guaranteeing a sixth year.
Comments
Peter,
Honestly, I am hoping that Lee stays with Texas. Six years is too much, especially given his age and history of back issues. These long-term contracts for pitchers usually turn out badly for the signing team. Further, I am worried that the Yankees are loading up on too many older, pricy veterans. I can't believe this approach is sustainable.
Posted by: Greg | December 7, 2010 10:44 AM |
Greg
I totally agree on six years. I would love Lee, but only at a deal that makes sense. Sounds like the Nationals are going to give him seven years. I wish them luck in that case.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
|
December 7, 2010 11:03 AM
|
If sanity prevailed, he'd get no more than a 4 year deal. Yanks have to hope that Lee will have the longevity of Pettite, Clemens, Mussina, and Tommy John. Other than those four, I can't think of anyone who gave them much during their late 30s. (Anyone remember David Cone?)
The Yanks' mantra of win-it-all-every-year is going to catch up to them. The thought of retooling and going with Sabathia, Hughes, and three unknowns for their pitching is too much for them. They'll overpay for Lee (and strong-arm Pettite) to avoid that.
Eventually, they will have to re-tool and have a few down seasons.
Posted by: Corey | December 7, 2010 02:41 PM |
Zack Greinke is supposed to be on the trade market. Assuming KC doesn't ask for something obscene, this may be a far better option. He is only 27 and is not a free agent until 2013.
Posted by: Evan | December 7, 2010 04:39 PM |
Corey,
I agree completely. This win-at-all-costs mentality is going to hurt them long term.
Evan,
I think Greinke is to be avoided at all costs. I doubt he's waive his no-trace clause, anyway. Not everyone is cut out to play in NYC (or Boston, for that matter). The Yankees need players who can embrace the challenges of playing in NYC and all the stuff that goes with it. Greinke has had anxiety issues in the past (2006). I think he'd be a very poor fit for the Yankees. We've had enough of those (Whitson, Rogers, Pavano . . .)
All,
Changing subjects, I think Werth should have seen what he could have gotten out of Boston. He'd have been a very good fit for them in that ballpark and that lineup. Sure, he's got tons of money now, but so did A-Rod in Texas, and he was miserable with all the losing. Then again, Boston wasn't going to give him that many years and that many dollars.
Posted by: Greg | December 7, 2010 07:36 PM |