Posted Tuesday December 14, 2010, About: Daniels on Lee: Not about money

Check the facts on the deal, 5 years $120, with a vesting option for a 6th year at $27.5M. The deal was worth more dollars than the Yankees were willing to give him.

Posted Tuesday December 14, 2010, About: Daniels on Lee: Not about money

I will give you that on Lester being just as good as CC when he is on, but Buccholz is not as good as you think he is, he pitched out of his mind last year. Comparing ERA is a joke...just ask Austin Jackson and his batting average (ie check his BABIP). Buccholz had an ERA of 2.33, but his FIP was at 3.61 and his xFIP was 4.20, ie he got so lucky. That is HORRIBLE! To compare him to your own starter, Lester had an ERA of 3.25 and a FIP of 3.13 and an xFIP of 3.29. Lester was a bit unlucky, but the closer the FIP is to the ERA, the less luck there is factored in. CC had a WAR of 5.1, good for 13th overall as a pitcher in the MLB. Lester was 10th with a 5.9 and Buccholz was 38th overall with a 3.7.

Posted Tuesday December 14, 2010, About: Daniels on Lee: Not about money

How exactly is this not about the money? The Phillies offered him more guaranteed money than the Yankees and he has a vesting option for a 6th year that brings the total contract to $148M. $24M/year + a 6th year at $27.5M. Bravo Cliff, you are so honorable for taking "less" money.

And yes, at this very moment, the Phillies payroll is higher than the Yankees.