I’m glad I got to see you in person twice this year, thank you for making Mariners baseball that much more fun this season. Being an M’s fan was extra nice this year because of you.
Somehow an organization that has seen Randy Johnson, Mark Langston, Freddy Garcia, Jamie Moyer, Felix Hernandez and others will always remember your 2+ months here...
as 2 months of the greatest pitching we’ve ever seen. Goodbye Clifton.
I find it insulting when people refer to Lee as "one of" the best pitchers in baseball.
I haven’t seen anyone pitch consistently as well as he has this season since the days of Johnson, Pedro and Maddux. I know this will offend Robert, but I can’t wait to cheer for the Rangers through the rest of the year. Anything to make Cliff Lee happy.
I have never seen anyone so under control on the mound as Cliff Lee.
I can’t imagine another pitcher I would rather see on the mound for the home team than Lee. Thank you for showing us what a masterful pitcher really looks like.
And we would love to have your back next year. Wouldn’t you want to pitch in a rotation with you, Felix, Bedard, Pineda, and Fister/Vargas? We promise our offense will be better next year.
People thought you were being dbag when you got traded here, but boy were they wrong.
Cliff, you are the ultimate gentleman. You class through this season have been second to none. Your willingness to go out every five days and pitch amazingly despite knowing you knowing you’d probably be traded somewhere without much notice speaks to your character.
If I had a daughter, I’d want you to marry her, and teach her to shoot guns.
Cliff, you have been by far the most entertaining part of this season, and I thank you for that.
You’re an incredible pitcher, you’re always smiling, and you seem like an extremely down to earth guy. Generally I don’t think that baseball players deserve to be paid millions of dollars, but I want to congratulate you on the unbelievable payday you’re sure to get this winter. You’ve really earned it. Good luck with wherever you go, even if it’s New York. <3
Goodbye Cliff and thank you so much for sharing your talent with us these few months.
I’ve never enjoyed a pitcher more. From your run out to the mound, to your beautiful smile, to your talking to the other pitchers about how to approach the game, you are a special player. Thank you. I wish you the best for the rest of your career.
When I die, Cliff Lee will probably be in my top five favorite players of all time.
I’ll second the bandwagon sentiment. Let’s see the Rangers take the title! Good lick, Cliff.
On a side note, I’d be interested in seeing an analysis of post-trade WAR accumulation for trade… okay, I have no idea how to word that. I’m just thinking that with as much as Cliff has been traded in the last couple of years, while simultaneously being one of the best, if not THE best, pitcher in baseball, he may take the title one day of being the most valuable trade piece over the length of his career.
I thought really hard about how to (briefly) describe watching Cliff Lee pitch.
Such awesomeness seems almost beyond the powers of the written word to neatly define.
Then a simple answer occurred to me:
Watching Cliff Lee pitch is literally the exact polar opposite of watching Miguel Batista “pitch”.
From their handedness on through every aspect of pitching they share nothing in common.
One works very quickly while the other prefers a more geologic pace.
One assassinates the strike zone and walks 3 guys in a bad month. The other? I’m trying to forget..
One smiles as he renders entire big league lineups impotent and very much resigned to their own fate.
The other scowls so sadly I sometimes wonder if his own music is permanently stuck in his head. Most importantly, one is ridiculously good and one is tragically bad.
Watching three years of Beluga Tits was like watching the worst low budget movie ever conceived……Over and over until you start to wish for blindness. But it gave me what feels like a deep and meaningful perspective about Mr. Cliff Lee. I now hate the Migger slightly less.
Cliff, It was such a pleasure watching you go through bats like a fuckin’ finely crafted chainsaw. You are just so perfectly awesome to watch pitching. In my heaven all pitchers work fast and throw strikes.
Your time with us was much too short but the *memories will be cherished forever. *Our memories not yours. God your team sucked.
I knew from the first day that we acquired him that he was going to be around, at most, for a year. I expected him to be great, but I’ve seen great players come and go on the Mariners without having too much personal attachment. Most of his starts I watched with admiration, but cold detachment. I watched as countless fools fell for his rugged good looks and ever-present smile. I can honestly say I tricked myself into believing I didn’t love Cliff Lee.
Then, the minute he finished off his game against the Yankees, I was overcome with sadness. Damn you, Cliff Lee. I hate myself for loving you.
I know it makes sense. I know that we need the prospects, and that we had no guarantee that we could have him next year for another six to eight weeks in spring when we might have a shot. Before reality sets in and the Lucy of our batting or our bullpen pulls the football away, predictably, and we realize we should have known better.
But I wanted Cliff Lee to stay. I wanted him to want to stay. What a man. What a talent.
In the team player meeting, I remember he took a leadership role. He knew the score. He got to Seattle in winter knew by spring that he was on his way out the door by summer. Ever the leader, ever the veteran, ever the class act, he led for a team because he was on it and he cared. Man he cared. I love that he cared.
I wanted to throw the kitchen sink at him to get him to stay. We can build a team around prospects, sure. But in the next three years, we could have built a team around Lee also.
made me forget how good Felix is. That in itself is amazing. I know how blessed the M’s were to have his talents for as long as they did. And I thoroughly respect that the man worked his arse off and gave his all every time he stepped on to the mound. Lord I’ll miss him and every start he makes for effing Nolan Ryan’s team is going to hurt. But Lee seems like a professional in every sense of the word, and damn that kid could pitch.
It was a pleasure and a privilige to watch you. I will miss seeing you in a Mariners uniform, but will root for you no matter what team you end up playing for.
The best lefty in baseball
I’ll miss you, dude.
chaney - July 9, 2010
I will love you forever Cliff.
SethGrandpa - July 9, 2010
You had the facial hair of a Greek God.
CapSea - July 9, 2010
I will always be a Cliff Lee fan no matter what team he pitches for.
InSpokane - July 9, 2010
Good thing it was only half a season.
This is painful enough. I can’t imagine saying goodbye after spending a substantial amount of time with him.
I will root for this man wherever he goes. (I may root for his team to lose, but I want him to succeed.)
Joe Metro - July 9, 2010
Will the fans have a shot to say goodbye?
I guess we’ll probably face him in August and can give him a proper standing ovation then.
Snuffleupagus - July 9, 2010
I will name my child after you Cliff!
Maybe not Clifton but definitely Phifer…
I'mSureI'veSeenWorse - July 9, 2010
Goodbye.
SeaKoala - July 9, 2010
Thank you Cliff Lee
Even if it was for half a season. It was special seeing his name listed as the starter, and then feeling confident we were going win that day.
808duck - July 9, 2010
You were my favorite Mariner pitcher since Randy.
You have a fan for life with me Cliff. Even when you sign with the Yankees. You’re literally the best at what you do. Good luck out there.
TheBishop - July 9, 2010
Thank you Cliff Lee
I’m glad I got to see you in person twice this year, thank you for making Mariners baseball that much more fun this season. Being an M’s fan was extra nice this year because of you.
tehbagel - July 9, 2010
Somehow an organization that has seen Randy Johnson, Mark Langston, Freddy Garcia, Jamie Moyer, Felix Hernandez and others will always remember your 2+ months here...
as 2 months of the greatest pitching we’ve ever seen. Goodbye Clifton.
Kenneth Arthur - July 9, 2010
I find it insulting when people refer to Lee as "one of" the best pitchers in baseball.
I haven’t seen anyone pitch consistently as well as he has this season since the days of Johnson, Pedro and Maddux. I know this will offend Robert, but I can’t wait to cheer for the Rangers through the rest of the year. Anything to make Cliff Lee happy.
katal - July 9, 2010
If you want to make him happy that badly there are still three open seats in first class on his flight....
Eyebrows - July 9, 2010 via mobile
Good call!
I think he would like to hear my poetry!
katal - July 9, 2010
Poetry cLLub!
Decatur - July 10, 2010
I've said it several times and I'll say it again.
It has been an honor and a privilege to have Cliff Lee pitch for my team. My favorite team.
Enjoy the rest of your year, Cliff!
ThundaPC - July 9, 2010
They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough, is forever enough
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough
Cause I’m never, never giving you up
♥
CapSea - July 9, 2010
I have never seen anyone so under control on the mound as Cliff Lee.
I can’t imagine another pitcher I would rather see on the mound for the home team than Lee. Thank you for showing us what a masterful pitcher really looks like.
Zwakamatsu - July 9, 2010
We were really lucky to have a half season of Cliff Lee.
Jeff Nye - July 9, 2010
Thanks for giving your all for us, Cliff.
And we would love to have your back next year. Wouldn’t you want to pitch in a rotation with you, Felix, Bedard, Pineda, and Fister/Vargas? We promise our offense will be better next year.
joey90 - July 9, 2010
Thanks to him.
ralphie81 - July 9, 2010
Thanks Cliff
It was great while it lasted and I’ll always remember these special months you shared with us. I wish you luck and happiness in your future endeavors.
AdamTheLord - July 9, 2010
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ LOVE YOU UNCLE CLIFFY ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
We weren’t worthy.
lemonverbena - July 9, 2010
Thanks Cliff!
Good luck, go beat the Yankees and get yourself another ring and another Cy Young! I’ll let the Rangers have this one!
Thingray - July 9, 2010
I love you Cliff Lee
You’re awesome, the best Mariner pitcher I’d seen in years (not named Felix). We will miss you!
Alexander Calloway - July 9, 2010
westbrook - July 9, 2010
Thank you.
People thought you were being dbag when you got traded here, but boy were they wrong.
Cliff, you are the ultimate gentleman. You class through this season have been second to none. Your willingness to go out every five days and pitch amazingly despite knowing you knowing you’d probably be traded somewhere without much notice speaks to your character.
If I had a daughter, I’d want you to marry her, and teach her to shoot guns.
Thanks. I will always root for you.
doublemazaa - July 9, 2010 via mobile
Cliff, you have been by far the most entertaining part of this season, and I thank you for that.
You’re an incredible pitcher, you’re always smiling, and you seem like an extremely down to earth guy. Generally I don’t think that baseball players deserve to be paid millions of dollars, but I want to congratulate you on the unbelievable payday you’re sure to get this winter. You’ve really earned it. Good luck with wherever you go, even if it’s New York. <3
Griffin Cooper - July 9, 2010
THANK YOU CLIFF!
You are up there in my favorite players ever with Adrian.
bagsflyfree - July 9, 2010
God I will miss this man.
CapSea - July 9, 2010
There it is. Terrifying smile pitchface! We'll miss you.
sanford_and_son - July 9, 2010
That elbow...
Schuxu - July 9, 2010
Thanks for everything Cliff
kkobers - July 9, 2010
Bye, Cliff :(
Thanks for a few months of wonderful in an otherwise lack-luster season. The way you ran to and from the mound smiling always made me happy.
Leanna - July 9, 2010
I confess
I enjoyed watching Cliff pitch more than I did Felix. No small feat.
Fearless Frog - July 9, 2010
God speee little doodle
Poochie - July 9, 2010 via mobile
Goodbye, my love.
Alto - July 9, 2010
Godspeed, Cliff.
And even though it’s highly unlikely, I hope you consider returning in the offseason. You were amazing to watch these past few months.
drblacknwhite - July 9, 2010
Goodbye Cliff and thank you so much for sharing your talent with us these few months.
I’ve never enjoyed a pitcher more. From your run out to the mound, to your beautiful smile, to your talking to the other pitchers about how to approach the game, you are a special player. Thank you. I wish you the best for the rest of your career.
TrustBaseball - July 9, 2010
Hey, I have a new bandwagon team now!
Go get that ring Cliff.
Bearskin Rugburn - July 9, 2010
When I die, Cliff Lee will probably be in my top five favorite players of all time.
I’ll second the bandwagon sentiment. Let’s see the Rangers take the title! Good lick, Cliff.
On a side note, I’d be interested in seeing an analysis of post-trade WAR accumulation for trade… okay, I have no idea how to word that. I’m just thinking that with as much as Cliff has been traded in the last couple of years, while simultaneously being one of the best, if not THE best, pitcher in baseball, he may take the title one day of being the most valuable trade piece over the length of his career.
Ike Clanton - July 9, 2010
I thought really hard about how to (briefly) describe watching Cliff Lee pitch.
Such awesomeness seems almost beyond the powers of the written word to neatly define.
Then a simple answer occurred to me:
From their handedness on through every aspect of pitching they share nothing in common.
One works very quickly while the other prefers a more geologic pace.
One assassinates the strike zone and walks 3 guys in a bad month. The other? I’m trying to forget..
One smiles as he renders entire big league lineups impotent and very much resigned to their own fate.
The other scowls so sadly I sometimes wonder if his own music is permanently stuck in his head. Most importantly, one is ridiculously good and one is tragically bad.
Watching three years of Beluga Tits was like watching the worst low budget movie ever conceived……Over and over until you start to wish for blindness. But it gave me what feels like a deep and meaningful perspective about Mr. Cliff Lee. I now hate the Migger slightly less.
Cliff, It was such a pleasure watching you go through bats like a fuckin’ finely crafted chainsaw. You are just so perfectly awesome to watch pitching. In my heaven all pitchers work fast and throw strikes.
Your time with us was much too short but the *memories will be cherished forever. *Our memories not yours. God your team sucked.
Big Jared - July 9, 2010
Chris Snyder owes me another month of Cliff Lee.
Sec 108 - July 9, 2010
I tried not to get too attached.
I knew from the first day that we acquired him that he was going to be around, at most, for a year. I expected him to be great, but I’ve seen great players come and go on the Mariners without having too much personal attachment. Most of his starts I watched with admiration, but cold detachment. I watched as countless fools fell for his rugged good looks and ever-present smile. I can honestly say I tricked myself into believing I didn’t love Cliff Lee.
Then, the minute he finished off his game against the Yankees, I was overcome with sadness. Damn you, Cliff Lee. I hate myself for loving you.
Fuckmikereilly - July 9, 2010
I don't like the trade.
I know it makes sense. I know that we need the prospects, and that we had no guarantee that we could have him next year for another six to eight weeks in spring when we might have a shot. Before reality sets in and the Lucy of our batting or our bullpen pulls the football away, predictably, and we realize we should have known better.
But I wanted Cliff Lee to stay. I wanted him to want to stay. What a man. What a talent.
In the team player meeting, I remember he took a leadership role. He knew the score. He got to Seattle in winter knew by spring that he was on his way out the door by summer. Ever the leader, ever the veteran, ever the class act, he led for a team because he was on it and he cared. Man he cared. I love that he cared.
I wanted to throw the kitchen sink at him to get him to stay. We can build a team around prospects, sure. But in the next three years, we could have built a team around Lee also.
Right now, I don’t like the trade.
SeattExPat - July 9, 2010
Instead of watching the game,
I’m going to keep staring at the photo montage while listening to “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes. I will so miss you Cliff Lee.
Wesley Dodds - July 9, 2010
He is everything I have ever wanted in a pitcher...
I hope he wins every game. (Sigh…)
bomdal - July 9, 2010
Thank you Cliff, for letting me look forward to many a game even when we were out of the race.
Wherever you go, that’s my 2nd favorite team.
Hopefulmsfan - July 9, 2010
Cliff Lee for brief moments
made me forget how good Felix is. That in itself is amazing. I know how blessed the M’s were to have his talents for as long as they did. And I thoroughly respect that the man worked his arse off and gave his all every time he stepped on to the mound. Lord I’ll miss him and every start he makes for effing Nolan Ryan’s team is going to hurt. But Lee seems like a professional in every sense of the word, and damn that kid could pitch.
Shooter McGavin - July 9, 2010
Tis to have half a season than no season at all.
Thank you so much for defining what I can truly call a great pitcher.
bamfor - July 9, 2010
Goodbye, Cliff
It was a pleasure and a privilige to watch you. I will miss seeing you in a Mariners uniform, but will root for you no matter what team you end up playing for.
GermanMariner - July 10, 2010
Sorry we let you down Cliff
Now you get the chance that you earned these last couple of months
dlukas - July 13, 2010
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