So, What are the positives that give the Yankees an edge in signing Lee?Factor 1: Money, a huge factor. Like I've said so many times, CC did it, he moved his family to the New York Area. Lee can do it too. Just show a number with a lot of zeroes and a chance to win a Championship and why not? If Lee signs with the Yankees, he's a multi-millionaire. If he moves to the New York area like CC did, great, but if he stays in Arkansas, he would be able to travel all over the place, whenever he wants anyway. He won't even have to move his family if he doesn't want to.
Factor 2: Lee's agent. Yes, that Braunecker. He was the same guy to get Burnett to the Yankees with an $82 million deal. And to think, Burnett was a concern because of his health record. The Yankees went for it anyway and healthwise, it paid off, it was unfortunate that Burnett had a lousy second year as a Yankee but that can change. Lee rarely gets hurt, That's a better investment than Burnett was. That agent/Yankee relationship can be a plus.
Factor 3: CC. They're pals since Cleveland. I know if my best bud wanted to pitch in the same rotation as me, I'd be flattered and go for it, especially for millions and especially because I had a chance to win. Plus, they probably have that fuzzy feeling inside, Together again, better than ever. BFF's. (I can't see CC saying that. I had to write it though, it made me laugh.)
The Downsides:
Factor 1: Age. Lee's older than CC. Although, his last few years as a starter have been dominant, so age may not be a major factor for the Yankees if they sign Lee long term. It is possible someone with Lee's makeup can get better with age. It is also possible he breaks down by the age of 35.
Factor 2: Kristen Lee hates us. Wives make the deals in the house unless the money is so great, it doesn't matter. Let's hope Mrs. Lee put the punks behind her and turns the other cheek, for the sake of the New York Yankees courting her hubby.
Factor 3: The Rangers constant courting: the Rangers are in the Lee's ear all day long, before the Free Agent's were official, they were all over him. It was his team for half of this year and Lee said he loved playing with the Rangers. They can sweet talk him any way they want. It's like having a crush on the girl at the dance with the boyfriend. You can talk to her all night while you're there with her but she goes home with that guy at the end of the night. You need to seal the deal fast or it's over. The Yankees are planning the package, they will have a number at any moment... and once they deliver it, They have to keep on his ass.
According to his agent, Lee said he would be ready whenever the right team presented the right offer. I'm assuming it would be over $100 million, 6 years, incentives for playoffs wins, World Series. Hell, throw in a few cars, let's get it done.
Looking through the lack of news about Lee and the Yankees this past 48 hours, one thing is clear: Lee's getting many offers, even from teams like the Nationals... Lee will talk is over, Lee will decide no time soon. I don't expect this happening before Thanksgiving and maybe a week or 2 after.
One things for sure at the end of this Free Agent Market. There is a lot of relationships flying around with this deal and it all points to the New York Yankees. I like that. There's a lot of money flying around, Burnett's agent is Lee's agent, CC and Lee are pals, the wives are friends, Lee literally was a Yankee before the Mariners took him out from under them and Cashman is the king. My gut says, we could have this guy, and a kick ass rotation. Let's hope it shakes out that way.
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