ObjectiveLEE Speaking...
Written by Josh Katz Monday, 25 October 2010 09:22
Anyone who knows me even a little bit knows that I am a die-hard Yankee fan. The Yankees were the first team I rooted for. The first jersey I ever rocked was a Don Mattingly pin-stripe joint (no name on the back, just the number 23). My first clear sports memory was the 1996 World Series, when we beat those chumps from Atlanta in a series we had no business winning. Since that time, I have seen four more World Championships, numerous pennants, various names and faces come and go, and the 2004 collapse against the Red Sox, which still gives me night terrors to this day. If there is one thing I know about Yankee fans, it’s that we’re spoiled like Par
is Hilton. As with any large market franchise, we are in the era of big spending and reckless contracts. The Yankees have trademarked free agency, signing anything with a decent ERA and formidable batting average that can potentially help win a World Series. The Yankees have had some great free agent signings since I was born. To name a few, the likes of C.C. Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez, Paul O’Neill, Orlando Hernandez, Scott Brosius and David Cone all led to championship glory. All are household names. On the other hand, some signings ran parallels with the Bay of Pigs. Carl Pavano, Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield did not work out as the Yankees have hoped. Lucky for the Yankees, they have the luxury of eating bad contracts with a knife and fork. All Cuban Missile Crisis jokes aside, it is 2010. The offseason has officially begun and the Bronx Bombers seemingly have their sights set on a certain Texas Rangers ace:
Clifton. Phifer. Lee.
Lee has been kryptonite to the Yankees. He has given the Bombers fits, including last year's World Series as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 32-year-old is every thing the Yankees hope to attain this offseason. A low-key character guy who goes about his business, all while twirling gems and giving opposing batters migraines every time he trots out of the dugout. He throws hard, stays in the strike zone, and once he sets into cruise control, is nearly impossible to hit.
But this is where I draw the line. I DON’T want Cliff Lee. I used to be a supporter of the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” philosophy. Hell, the Yankees nearly acquired Lee from Seattle mid-season until the Mariners pulled a fast one. Yankee fans were probably lining up outside of Dick’s to get his jersey. But can we keep our dignity here folks? I want to beat this guy, not pay him $150 million dollars next year. Watching him giggle like a 6-year-old girl after makes our lineup look like a middle school team angers me. Watching him jog off the mound like a clown after another 1-2-3 inning frustrates me. Signing Lee would be a cop-out off epic proportions. I want to tear into this guy next time he takes the mound. I want to shell Cliff Lee. I am talking 2/3’s of inning with 8 earned type of shelling. I want his blood. So for all you Yankee fans who find solace in the fact the Cliff Lee will more than likely be in the Bronx next year, I ask you this: What ever happened to beating the best? They are after all the New York Yankees. Right?
