Comments on: A Tiny Violin Plays for Cliff Lee

By: Philadelphia Eagles Trivia

Philadelphia Eagles Trivia — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:30:24 +0000

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By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:43:39 +0000

While if it came down to a choice because of money, Halladay was a great deal. That said, Lee was a sure thing who handled the pressure and kept the Phils from being embarrassed in the Series (Ryan Howard, who?)

It’s a shame there was no way to keep them both- man, imagine how a team would quake at a series against both of them…

By: MikeC

MikeC — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:33:35 +0000

While I don’t expect a lot of players to sign on to the “hometown discount” concept, that is kind of the point here; and it is not an apples to apples comparison to say that I wouldn’t accept such an offer. I work harder than any professional athlete; I don’t have an “offseason” for play; and I can barely pay my mortgage each month. That 20% is life and death for me and most other Americans. These top-tier professional athletes make enough money in 1 year that, if well-invested, should take care of their families for multiple generations. Regardless of what we think about the owners, it’s a question of the players’ priorities: for the Halladay’s, the chance to train near home, to become part of a positive organization, and to win were enough to justify a “paycut” (I can’t help laughing calling $20M / 4-yrs a paycut). Who knows what position Lee would have negotiated to, but it doesn’t sound like he would have accepted those terms; he’s clearly looking to maximize his contract. I can’t blame him for pursuing his “fair market value”, but that is a different set of priorities. Based on his comments (admittedly in the heat of the moment), he’s not lamenting that he didn’t take the paycut; he’s lamenting that he didn’t have a “no trade” clause. I thoroughly enjoyed Lee’s short tenure with the Phils, and I’m bummed that there wasn’t a way to keep him short of wiping out the farm. But I’m happy the Phils were able to secure the best pitcher in the game and that they were able to get him on a deal consistent with their philosophy. Even before this past 6 months I was impressed with how well the organization was working, and the fact that top players were starting to see Philly as a destination. I just hope it doesn’t get to their heads. What are the odds?

By: DKulich

DKulich — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:53:00 +0000

Let’s not forget some of the questions asked in that same interview with Lee. Philly fans are really leaving that out. Phillies approached Lee with a deal, Lee countered, Lee was traded. It didn’t even get past step two. Let’s stop blaming Lee, stop blaming Seattle. It’s been Ruben’s mission to get Halladay all along, and Philly fans should be happy with that. This nonsense about Lee being moved, and now him not taking a Philly discount are cheap shots at some one who doesn’t deserve it. Either Lee was lying a ton on the radio interview (where he was asked some really unfair questions), his agent lied to him (which is 100% entirely possible), or we just let this thing go, no one is the bad guy, and we call it business. Leave it to my hometown, Philadelphia, to make this a lot more than it truly is. I wish Lee could have stayed here and been happy, but that’s not in the best interest of either team, and that’s why what happened happened.

By: Dick Allen

Dick Allen — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:22:21 +0000

I’ll always love Cliff Lee, loved him when he was in Cleveland. But there’s a big difference between Cliff Lee & Roy Halladay (whom I’ve also always loved). Best of luck to both.

By: JohnMcG

JohnMcG — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:46:11 +0000

Don’t know about you guys, but in my job, I wouldn’t accept a “hometown discount” to remain with my current employer if I knew I could make 20% more elsewhere. And we’re talking about a lot less than $20 million.

That doesn’t mean I feel bad for him. But I don’t blame him, either.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:13:34 +0000

Even if Lee hadn’t made that statement, I don’t feel bad for him. I’m glad he loved to pitch for the Phils. I do not think he was moved because he hated it here and didn’t want to be here. He was moved because, rightly or wrongly, the FO thought it was the right thing to do.

Considering that the FO just landed one of (if not THE) best starting pitchers for the next 4 to 5 years at less than his full market price, I’m inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt on who they got for Lee.

By: While We’re Waiting… The Need for a GM, Cliff and the Phillies, and Chinese Investment | WaitingForNextYear

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:06:31 +0000

[...] Welcome to our world…”If [Cliff] Lee truly wanted to be in Philadelphia — as Roy Halladay did — then he would have given the organization a discount, as Halladay did. Everything Halladay has done and said is exactly what Lee could, should, and would have done if he truly wanted to be with the Phillies.” [Crashburn Alley] [...]

By: Jason @ IIATMS

Jason @ IIATMS — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:47:03 +0000

why, yes it IS about the money.

Although, not as much for Halladay. He passed over the chance for a 5-6 year deal at Sabathia $. Good for him and good for you guys.

Enjoy him. I’m happy as hell to see him out of the AL East. He’ll be a beast in the NL East.