Why not shell out $150M over 7 years?

by Bubblegum Jones on Dec 8, 2010 5:39 PM EST

The word on the street is that ace pitcher Cliff Lee wants that seventh year on ANY contract he and his agent are willing to negotiate. We spent millions on previous busts like Javy Lopez, juiced Rafael Palmerio, Ramon Hernandez, and Mike Gonzalez. Everyone knows that the ownership is about as useful as a 15" 3-D TV but why can't they just go out and spend the amount necessary to bring home the fourth championship we so desperately need and the fans deserve? As a huge Orioles fan (and have been one season through disappointing season) I just don't understand this? Cliff Lee, arguably the largest free agent pitcher in the last 5 years, is open to any, let me capitalize, ANY team willing to give him what he wants. The Yankees will not give him the seventh year, hell, they can't even guarantee their all-star shortstop and face of the franchise the deal he needs, regardless of age (rant over). I know that Jeter finally worked out his deal, but when can we hope to see that kind of deal? When can we keep a player that we so desperately need and has been with us from day one of his rookie campaign? Ok, now the rant is over, back to Lee. Lee wants a guarantee and seven years. I know that upwards of $150M is alot, but for his age and talent, we can be a contender. So, I ask you Baltimore, do we want Lee (unanimous yes!!!) Angelos, when are you going to listen and McPhail, when are you gonna support the fans?

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"why can't they just go out and spend the amount necessary to bring home the fourth championship we so desperately need and the fans deserve?"

Say Cliff Lee signed with the O’s and won 20 games. We won 66 games last year. Take into account he’d be replacing Millwood (4 wins last year) and thats a +16 wins (this is over simplifying it, but bear with me). That would put us at 82 wins. Now, 82 wins would be absolutely great, even if Lee could win 20 with us (he’d be pitching for a much worse team than last year’s Rangers, mind you). But 82 wins does not a championship make.

Also, maybe MacPhail will “support the fans” when they learn how to spell his name.

"things like locig and prrofreading are actually valued here" - zknower

by daveh873 on Dec 8, 2010 6:51 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

there is no way in all of the different realms of hell

that Cliff Lee is actually worth 16 more wins than Kevin Millwood or any other player ever.

I could dream it forever and still not do it, but when the time comes for it to be done, God, I want to be ready for it.

by Andrew_G on Dec 8, 2010 8:05 PM EST up reply actions

I know

Like I said, over simplifying. The point is driven home that much more though. Paying 150 million for Lee does not make us instant contenders. It does, however, make us broke.

"things like locig and prrofreading are actually valued here" - zknower

by daveh873 on Dec 8, 2010 9:22 PM EST up reply actions

not even Atkins?

Straight cash homey
Pro Football South
Get 'em.

by danielreese05 on Dec 8, 2010 9:45 PM EST up reply actions

You've got it backwards.

Atkins is worth 16 more wins than Lee.

by ahoque24 on Dec 8, 2010 10:01 PM EST up reply actions

more RBIs

lower ERA. makes sense.

Straight cash homey
Pro Football South
Get 'em.

by danielreese05 on Dec 8, 2010 10:34 PM EST up reply actions

g-love...

is also in the best shape of his life.

At all hazards, a man must keep up appearances. Dignity, I say. Dignity above all, Governor. Hear, hear!

-Det. William "Bunk" Moreland

by j.q. higgins on Dec 9, 2010 7:17 AM EST up reply actions

FOUL

The Yankees will not give him the seventh year, hell, they can’t even guarantee their all-star shortstop and face of the franchise the deal he needs, regardless of age (rant over).

So many things wrong with this statement, starting with “all-star shortstop” and “deal he needs”.

And the Yankees have offered Lee seven years since you wrote this. Would you like us to be paying him until he’s 40?

"I put a pepper rub on the scallops so you have a little contrast. You have sweetness from the coconut oil and little acidity from the splash of lemon." – Luke Scott

by zknower on Dec 9, 2010 3:00 PM EST reply actions