Shocked in Seattle: Lee wanted to stay with Phils
Cliff Lee thought he was staying in Philadelphia for the rest of his career. The Phillies’ postseason star proposed a routine counteroffer on a contract extension Wednesday, then headed for the Mississippi River near his Arkansas home to hunt.
He got some stunning news on the drive there. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. called to tell Lee he had been traded to Seattle for three prospects in a four-team deal that brought Roy Halladay to the Phillies. It was the first time that two Cy Young Award winners were dealt on the same day.
Speaking by cell phone Thursday night while beginning a long-planned vacation in Puerto Rico, the 2008 AL Cy Young winner said he was in "disbelief and shock." The 31-year-old left-hander had been excited to rejoin the Phillies for a run at another World Series.
Instead, he’s headed to his third team in five months. "At first, I didn’t believe it. I thought we were working out an extension with the Phillies," Lee said. "I thought I’d be spending the rest of my career there. … I was under the impression they wanted to keep me there for a long time.
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS Feed
