It came as a complete and utter shock when word got out that Cliff Lee was going back to Philadelphia. Everyone figured he'd end up in Texas or New York, and the Phillies weren't even on the public radar Sunday night.
Cliff Lee Signed With Phillies After Rangers Declined To Increase Contract
One of the reasons given for Lee's final decision credits his wife, Kristen, who allegedly isn't a fan of New York and rather loves the city of Philadelphia. Another reason given is that Lee himself absolutely loved his experience with the team. But, in truth, it isn't that simple or wholesome. According to T.R. Sullivan, Lee and agent Darek Braunecker gave the Rangers a final chance before deciding on the Phillies.
Rangers CEO Chuck Greenberg and general manager Jon Daniels told the media that, before Lee made his decision, he and his agent proposed a seven-year contract that could’ve brought Lee back to Texas. While financial details aren’t known, the Rangers say they were uncomfortable with the length, as they didn’t want to guarantee a 32-year-old pitcher a seven-year deal.
Had the Rangers okayed it, the story now would be far different. Instead, they declined, and Lee’s returning to another former team of his instead.
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