Ian Kinsler Trying to Lure Cliff Lee to Texas with Texts

The free agent market and Cliff Lee has been the talk of the town for weeks now.  It was less than a month ago that the Rangers visited Lee in his Arkansas home for the first time to discuss future options.  They have now visited him again, at his home – the visit took place yesterday.

In addition to Rangers’ President Nolan Ryan and GM Jon Daniels being at Lee’s house discussing his future with the Rangers, teammate and second baseman Ian Kinsler was exchanging texts with the left-handed free agent pitcher according to Dallas’ ESPN Radio.  Kinsler reported that Lee informed him the Rangers were in Arkansas again.  Ian went on to tell him to sign whatever it is that they give him and Lee replied back that he would have to wait and see.

The problem that many people see in Cliff Lee is his age.  He is 32 years old and isn’t getting any younger; however, my personal opinion is that he still has a lot in him.  He helped the Rangers get to the World Series for the first time ever in Club history and I think he can do it again.

While the Rangers are in the running for signing Lee so are the “rich” Yankees.  The Rangers nad the Yankees are the two teams that have the most potential in signing the free agent pitcher even though there are some other teams that are interested in Lee.

The Rangers and Yankees both have their own advantages on Lee:

• The Rangers have no state tax as well as a closer proximity to his Arkansas home, which could very well play a huge factor in the decision.However, the Yankees have the funds to offer Lee an enormous amount of money, which could possibly make him the second-highest paid pitcher in the MLB.  PLUS, he has actually stated that he loved it there and he would like to stay.
• There have still been many reports saying that the Rangers are ready to meet the reported five-year deal for Lee that the Yankees are offering – but does that mean the money too?  The Yankees plan to offer him anywhere between $115 and $140 million…do the Rangers have this kind of money?  While they do have more spending room this year under new ownership and management, it’s unlikely.

So, it’s a close game between the Yankees and the Rangers.  I just hate them damn Yankees and I don’t think I could bear it if they ended up signing Lee.  With that said, I obviously hope the Rangers are able to sign him.  The team loves Lee and he still has some pitching years left in him – and hopefully many more American League Championship Series victories and World Series appearances AND wins!

But, don’t expect a decision anytime soon because I don’t think it’s going to happen.  Everyone expects a decision by the Winter Meetings, which kick off next week, but I’m not so sure.  I guess, in the words of Cliff Lee, we’ll just have to wait it out and see what happens.