WATCH: Cliff Lee consults Magic 8 Ball during press conference
Cliff Lee held a press conference on Thursday after reporting to spring training. He had a hand from his Magic 8 Ball.
By
Mike Axisa
•
1 min read
The Phillies lost 89 games for the second straight season in 2014, partly because co-ace Cliff Lee was limited to only 13 starts due to elbow problems. He didn't pitch at all after July 31.
Lee reported to spring training this week and on Thursday he sat down for a press conference with reporters. Here's video of part of the media session, and make sure to notice Lee consults his handy Magic 8 Ball for assistance:
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki has a recap of the exchange:
"Phillies president Pat Gillick said the team would not contend until 2017 …"
"Hold on a second," Lee said, picking up the Magic 8 Ball. "Most likely."
...
"Yes, definitely," Lee said, referring to Gillick's comments.
Yes, definitely he wants to be traded?
"Let me see," Lee said. "That's another tough one. I don't know if I want to answer that."
Lee looked at the ball again.
"Very doubtful."
Lee did eventually give a sincere answer about whether he wants to be traded at the deadline. From Zolecki:
"If you could tell me right now you have an opportunity to play on a World Series championship team, absolutely, I want to do that," he said. "I do. I think every player should want to do that. I came here to win a World Series and try to win multiple ones. Obviously, I'm running out of time to do that. This is the last year of my deal. I have an option for next year. I potentially have two more chances.
Lee is owed $25 million this season and his $27.5 million option for 2016 will vest if he throws 200 innings. If not, the team can buy out the option for $12.5 million. So he could potentially earn $37.5 million in the 2015 calendar year if the option doesn't vest and he's bought out.
In those 13 starts last year, the 36-year-old Lee went 4-5 with a 3.65 ERA (102 ERA+). He went 14-8 with a 2.87 ERA (131 ERA+) in 222 2/3 innings in 2013. If healthy, plenty of teams will look to acquire Lee at the trade deadline despite his contract. The Yankees in particular have long coveted him.
And now for the obligatory "Cliff Lee using a Magic 8 Ball gif:"
