It almost seems like a foregone conclusion that Cliff Lee is going to sign with the Yankees this offseason for a zillion dollars, but they may have a tough time getting the Cy Young winner to leave Texas.
The Yankees will obviously have a money advantage over everybody, but the Rangers' new ownership is looking to spend. If they win the World Series, they'd surely have even more money in the bank to invest.
"We're not going into this with a pea shooter. The old Rangers are gone," managing partner Chuck Greenberg told USAToday.
Yankees fans may have also shot the team in the foot with their treatment of Lee's wife, Kristen, when she was at Yankee Stadium in the playoffs.
Fans apparently threw beer at her and also sent ugly taunts and obscenities her way.
"The fans did not do good things in my heart," Kristen said. "When people are staring at you, and saying horrible things, it's hard not to take it personal."
Family is particularly important to Lee, who has three children, and he thinks Texas is a great fit in that regard.
"For my family, this couldn't be a better situation," he said.
His wife, who grew up with Lee in Arkansas, also feels at home in Texas.
"Cliff can fit in anywhere, but it makes my life a lot easier. We've never had a short commute before. Having a direct flight from Little Rock is great," she explained.
The family recently bought a home in Little Rock, where many close friends reside.
Then, of course, is the issue of how a World Series title would affect his decision.
"If we do that," Lee said, "it would be hard to walk away."
