Make sure Lee's bobble-head nigh sells out.
By Jacob Kehle
Christmas came early for Mariners fans when reports of a four-way trade involving the Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, and Oakland A’s would send the reigning AL Cy Young award-winner Cliff Lee here to Seattle in mid-December.
Mariner supporters were ready to erect a statue of newly acclaimed General Manager Jack Zduriencik for completing the improbable and highly-unexpected deal. However, everything seemed to fall down to Earth once Lee commented on the finalized trade, stating that he was “shocked” about how things played out.
To Continue...
It was apparent that Lee was expecting a contract extension offer from the Phillies, for whom he went 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA during the regular season, following that up with a remarkable 4-0 record and 1.54 ERA in the postseason. Lee then went on to state that he “enjoyed the way things worked in Philadelphia” and assumed that he would spend the rest of his career there.
As a result, Lee’s motives were put into question and many were left wondering what to expect in his performance in 2010 for his new team. Much of this could be chalked-up to the complete surprise for him. This was especially troubling since Lee’s current contract expires after next season, which makes him an eligible free-agent. The situation became more uncomforting when the Mariners failed to schedule a press conference to introduce the former All-Star pitcher in over a month.
Cliff Lee was formally introduced to the organization and the city of Seattle as a newly acquired Mariner on January 22, and although the sight of him wearing the distinctive cap and jersey could appease the fans, there are still questions left unanswered.
For instance, are the Mariners capable of reaching an agreement that would extend Lee’s contract after the 2010 season? Will Lee’s efforts and motives be conflicted as he becomes a no. 2 starter, behind Felix Hernandez? Is this going to be Erik Bedard v2.0?
The answers to these questions will unfold in the coming weeks and months as we approach Opening Day, but one immediate response comes to mind in the meantime: Charm his ass off.
Mariners fans haven’t had a left-hander this good since Randy Johnson left in 1998.
Regardless if Lee has an outstanding inaugural season at Safeco, this is the guy you want to stick around. This is the man that can have the same impact that Jamie Moyer had on this team and lead us to division titles. So go cheer him.
Go buy his jersey, or his player tee. Make sure Cliff Lee bobble-head night is sold out. Cliff Lee needs to love it here in Seattle, and it’ll take a lot more than the efforts of the M’s front office to avoid a one-and-done situation.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
