Why Did Cliff Lee Avoid The Yankees? He Wants To Win A Ring

Cliff Lee spoke with Philadelphia sports radio station WIP on Friday and explained that winning a ring "or even multiple rings" was the #1 factor in deciding where to sign as a free agent this winter. And wanting to win at least one championship is why the Yankees finished third (or "last") on Lee's list of possible destinations.

Texas probably finished second [to the Phillies] to be honest with you. Just as far as the quality of the team and the chance to win a World Series ring, I think they're a better team. That's just my opinion. The Yankees can do anything at any moment to improve and they're not afraid to go do things. That was part of the decision making process too, but I felt like with what the Red Sox had done and it seems like some of the Yankee guys are getting older, but I liked the Rangers.

David Pinto of Baseball Musings thinks the Phillies "aren't exactly young", but Steve S. at The Yankee Analysts admits that Lee has a point:

It was no secret that the Rangers were privately snickering at the Yanks during the ALCS last year. They out pitched, out hit and out played the Yanks defensively. ...

As a pitcher, particularly one who relies on his infielders to make plays for him, its easy to see why Lee might look at the left side of the Yankee infield and have reservations about pitching in the Bronx. ... Derek Jeter (-5.4 UZR) and A-Rod (-2.3 UZR) were below average defenders last year, and given their respective ages (36/35) it's difficult to see them improving at this point defensively. ... Lee has his own reasons for not wanting to pitch in New York, and they have nothing to do with his wife getting heckled.

I'm loving the fact that Lee considered the Rangers a better long-term bet to win a championship than the Yankees. ... Come on, season, hurry up!