tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Cliff Lee Is At It Again

As everyone knows the New York Yankees tried to make a trade with the Seattle Mariners for Cliff Lee but were thwarted when the Mariners used the Yanks to get Justin Smoak from the Rangers.  Then in the off season, the Yankees targeted Lee as the guy they wanted in free agency only to have the southpaw sign on with the Phillies.  At the time, Lee said that he went with Philadelphia because he enjoyed his time previously playing there. But now Lee gives another reason why he chose the Phillies: the Yankees are too old. http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/young_at_heart_ibNRipxclGWEfcr7YAe8iN  

So in the interest of fairness, let's take a look at how accurate Mr. Lee is. Philly players over 30: Jose Contreras 39, Roy Halladay 33, Cliff Lee 32, Brad Lidge 34, Roy Oswalt 33, Carlos Ruiz 31, Ryan Howard 31, Placido Polanco 35, Jimmy Rollins 32, Chase Utley 32 and Raul Ibanez 38.  Philly players 30 and under: Joe Blanton 30, Cole Hamels 27, Shane Victorino 30 and Ben Francisco 29.

Now lets look at the Yankee players over 30: A.J.Burnett 34, Mariano Rivera 41, Rafael Soriano 31, Jorge Posada 39, Derek Jeter 36, ARod 35 and Freddy Garcia 35.  Yankee players 30 and under: Phil Hughes 24, Ivan Nova 24, CC Sabathia 30, Russell Martin 28, Robinson Cano 28, Mark Texiera 30, Brett Gardner 27, Curtis Granderson 30 and Nick Swisher 30.   Hmmnn.....

It's apparent that Cliff Lee doesn't know what he is talking about and should just think about pitching instead of taking the time to try to justify to his union brothers why he turned down the bigger money offer.  I was not crazy at the length of the contract that the Yankees were reportedly offering him based upon his age and his injury history.  At the end of the day, the Yankees may be better off that Lee ran to the Phillies.  They have not had good luck signing 30-something pitchers, especially those with past health problems.

With the development of the kids down in Trenton and Scranton, the Yanks in the long run will be that much farther ahead without Lee.  Besides he never wanted to be a Yankee because quite frankly I don't think he could handle the pressure.  Hopefully, the Yankees will get a shot at him in October.  Until then, make sure you take your vitamins Cliff!!!