MLB - Sports Rumors

Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:35 am EST

Phillies may try to sign Cliff Lee to extension this off-season

By Mark J. Miller

“CliffThe Philadelphia Phillies are obviously feeling pretty down today, but there are plenty of signs of hope for the former world champs and one of them is pitcher Cliff Lee(notes), who was an unstoppable force in the postseason.

And the Phils have him for the relatively cheap price of $9 million next year. But there have apparently been discussions within the organization of trying to get a long-term extension done this off-season, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

"Clearly, it's on our minds, but we haven't made a decision if we will yet," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said before Game 6.

While Lee was incredible in the postseason and pretty dang good in the regular season since joining the Phils, going 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA, one never knows what will happen so there are some in the organization who apparently want to wait and be sure Lee doesn't turn into the next Cole Hamels(notes), who was the MVP of last year's NLCS and World Series and then a disappointment during the regular season this year and even bigger one in the postseason.

Lee will likely want some kind of similar deal to the one his best friend and former teammate with the Cleveland Indians, CC Sabathia(notes), got last off-season from the New York Yankees: seven years for $161 million.

Source: Philadelphia InquirerNew Window

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78 Comments

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  1. Evil Empire
    1. Posted by Evil Empire Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:42 am EST

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    Did I hear someone said Phillies World Series in 5 games? Look at these cocky phillies. Feel sorry for you fools. GO YANKS!!!!
  2. Evil Empire
    2. Posted by Evil Empire Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:47 am EST

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    This should be a lesson to the phillies organization to tell their players to shut up. Just because you won first game doesn't mean you going to win all the way.
  3. Christine
    3. Posted by Christine Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:50 am EST

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    congrats Yanks fans...Im gonna go drink some bleach now
  4. Artist formerly known as Evil Empire!
    4. Posted by Artist formerly known as Evil Empire! Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:54 am EST

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    May try to sign Lee? Phillies better sign Lee. Phillies are built to win now and keeping Lee and adding another pitcher or 2 I expect them to be back in the World Series many times in the future
  5. Artist formerly known as Evil Empire!
    5. Posted by Artist formerly known as Evil Empire! Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:56 am EST

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    Thanks Christine. Dont you go drinking that just yet...Crux recomends we try to go to a Malte Shoppe soon :)
  6. str A's hooter
    6. Posted by str A's hooter Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:06 am EST

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    Good morning, christine!
    Great game, last night, even though the Red Sox had to watch it from their living rooms.
    Its been a pleasure, this season! See ya next year!
  7. Christine
    7. Posted by Christine Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:15 am EST

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    I saw that Artist....Hes just jealous of you. Jealous I called you swell
    Hi there Str As. Great season. I guess. I just dont want to have to listen to certain yankee fans. THey make it hard to be happy for them
  8. The Legend
    8. Posted by The Legend Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:20 am EST

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    Evil E - congrats on your title. The better team won, Matsui is the best import from the Far East since shrimp lo mein. Kind of pathetic tho that less than 12 hours after your team wins you're on here taking shots at the team you just beat. Is life really that bleak?
    It'll be a little strange watching A-Roid in a World Series parade instead of a Gay Pride parade, no?
  9. Evil Empire
    9. Posted by Evil Empire Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:28 am EST

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    The Legend,
    I am NOT taking shot on any one except on the phillies players. They had been cocky for the last 2 years. Always perdicting things even before the season started. And After they won the first game in the world series, Jimmy Rollins said "Phillis in 5". So my message is to get back to them to shut up.
    Unfortunately Matsui wont be back with Yanks in 2010. Either Damon or Matsui will be gone. But i got the bad feeling it's going to be Matsui.
  10. Christine
    10. Posted by Christine Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:30 am EST

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    pot calling kettle cocky
  11. Evil Empire
    11. Posted by Evil Empire Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:52 am EST

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    christine,
    need some tissues? First you thought Big fat papi was clean and now the Yanks won the World Series. How is it feel?
  12. str A's hooter
    12. Posted by str A's hooter Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:54 am EST

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    christine,
    Beautiful weather in the Ozarks! Rode the mountain bike down to the lake. Water to cold for a swim, though. Just laid in the sun. Life is good, even if you are a Red Sox and A's fan!
  13. The Legend
    13. Posted by The Legend Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:59 am EST

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    I really don't think Rollins was serious. If the Phils were to win in this series, it was going to take 6 or 7 games. I have to think JRoll's got more respect for the Yanks than that, it was schtick.
    But it's neither here nor there at this point. Nothing left to do but tip my cap. The Yankees had better pitching and got clutch hits when they needed them. Cry about payroll if you like, but it's sour grapes because the Yanks have had a big payroll for 8 years and that's what they were missing.
    Considering the Phillies had a gas can closer, a former "ace" with an attitude problem, and a patchwork bullpen, I'd say all in all it wasn't a bad year if they got this far. Plus Utley, Howard, Rollins and Werth still have a few good years left. They'll be back knocking on the door, esp if they can add an arm or two in the bullpen, Happ develops, and lock up Lee.
  14. Sox Boy
    14. Posted by Sox Boy Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:33 am EST

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    I think the Phillies should definitely try to sign Cliff Lee to an extension, but Lee must be crazy if he thinks he's going to get a CC like contract.
  15. bowl300
    15. Posted by bowl300 Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:35 am EST

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    The yanks deserved to win, they outplayed out pitched and out hit the phillies. The phillies were not clicking on all cylinders, had they all been hitting this series would have been a different story. Phillies need to learn to hit the ball the other way. Phillies are stupid if they do not sign Lee to a long term deal, and they must deal with two of the
    stars of last years world series Hamels and Lidge need to clear their heads and start fresh.
  16. Rob F
    16. Posted by Rob F Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:42 am EST

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    I would think that signing Lee long term would be a high priority, he is still in his prime and a proven dominant pitcher. They would be foolish NOT to lock him up, pitchers like him don't come around every day.
  17. Rob F
    17. Posted by Rob F Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:51 am EST

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    And I can't believe they would even consider comparing Hamels to Lee, that is redonkulous.
  18. Christine
    18. Posted by Christine Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:53 am EST

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    yes I would love some tissues. My world has been completely rocked
  19. AndrewP
    19. Posted by AndrewP Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:05 am EST

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    Wrapping up Lee is a priority. They also need to work on their bullpen. Lidge had one fabulous year, and we love him for it. However, the bullpen was a disaster, and Lidge put the icing on that awful cake with his performance in game 5. The starting rotation looks good, either with or without Pedro. I'd also like to see them re-sign Victorino. One final thought: That two-year contract for Moyer was a big mistake. I know they wanted to look like good guys and reward him for a job well done in 2008, but to give a guy his age a two-year deal was a bad move. Should've been one year with an option.
    At any rate, thank you Phillies for a great season!
  20. Rob F
    20. Posted by Rob F Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:13 am EST

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    Morning Spooner! No bleach please, maybe some tequila, or uzo, or sambucha, but no bleach (it's not good for the breath). lol. I feel your pain though; as a fan of a team that simply must re-group and re-tool, it sucks.
  21. FreakinRican
    21. Posted by FreakinRican Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:14 am EST

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    cliff lee and the phillies did a great job during the series. a great team. i hope they do sign cliff to keep baseball the great game it is. being a yankee fan i enjoyed all games played by the yanks and phils this year. you guys have a great team, hold your heads high.
    who cares what any player says about any series. thats a competitive nature and makes for great baseball. i feel it makes players play even harder. so what he said we take it in 5? what did you expect him to say? yanks in 4? i mean that wouldnt make any sense. your gonna pick the team you play for no matter what. i dont care if he said phils in 4.
    congrats to my yanks and i hope we can match up with the phils for a great series next year!
  22. FreakinRican
    22. Posted by FreakinRican Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:15 am EST

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    oh and i freaking cringe everytime utley and wreth come to bat.
    those guys can freaking hit
  23. Christine
    23. Posted by Christine Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:28 am EST

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    its gonna be a regroup yr for the sox too I think Rob. UGH
    Pass the tequila
  24. AndrewP
    24. Posted by AndrewP Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:32 am EST

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    Utley is a machine...except against Pettitte
  25. scott
    25. Posted by scott Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:37 am EST

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    I see the bullshi-ott is already starting. Can't wait for Yankees fans to start saying Cliff Lee will look good in pinstripes.

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