The Cliff Lee sweepstakes

Tonight is Game 1 of what is sure to be one of the least watched World Series ever, much to the chagrin of Fox. However, much attention will be paid to the pitcher taking the mound for the Texas Rangers tonight, Clifton Pfifer Lee. Lee, now playing for his fourth team in the past two seasons, has developed a reputation for postseason dominance, with a postseason record currently standing at 8-0. This offseason, Lee will be a highly soft after free agent, and could possibly receive a contract comparable to the 7 year $161 million deal that C.C. Sabathia signed with the Yankees two years ago. Let us take a look at Lee's possible destinations.

New York Yankees
The Yankees, recently defeated by Lee's Rangers in the ALCS, have a clear need for starting pitching given the under performance of A.J. Burnett and possible retirement of Andy Pettite. Lee's postseason dominance of the Yankees over the past 2 years has only served to further enamor them with him. A factor that may work against the Yankees is that Cliff Lee's wife was reportedly harassed and spit at in Yankee Stadium during the recent playoff series. However, the Yankees usually get their man, and they are further aided by Lee's close friendship with his former Cleveland teammate Sabathia.

Texas Rangers
There is much incentive for Lee to remain with his current team. They are in the World Series, and have a strong core that is likely to contend for the next several seasons. Texas is close to Lee's home state of Arkansas, and has significantly lower income tax than New York. With new ownership in place, the Rangers have secured a new tv deal and have money to spend, but it remains to be seen if they can prevail in a bidding war with the Yankees.

Philadelphia Phillies
Although only a Phillie for half a season, Cliff Lee reached folk hero status in Philadelphia during his dominant 2009 playoff run. Lee's legend has only grown given his current status as the one that got away. General Manager Ruben Amaro has been widely criticized for trading Lee to Seattle for three prospects last offseason, although his acquisitions of Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt seem to make up for it. Lee clearly enjoyed his time in Philadelphia, and was vocally upset when he was traded. With several contracts, including Jayson Werth, coming off the books, is it possible the Phillies could find the money to make a run at Lee? Although the prospect of a Halladay/Lee/Oswalt/Hamels super rotation is salivating, it is also extremely unlikely, especially considering that one of the major reasons for trading Lee is that Amaro didn't feel he would resign. With that being said stranger things have happened, and in the immortal words of Jim Carey, "You're telling me there's a chance!"

Verdict: It would not be surprising for Lee to resign with Texas given all the factors in their favor, but I just have a nagging feeling that the Yankees will tap into their financial resources and make Lee an offer he can't refuse. Look to see Lee in blue pinstripes next year.