Report: Cliff Lee to Rangers won't happen

ESPN's Jayson Stark reports no deal between Phillies and Rangers over Lee.

By Jack Moore

Jul 30, 2012 at 5:16 pm ET • 1 min read

Cliff Lee has quickly become one of the most prominent names on the rumor mill, with the Rangers among the teams rumored as frontrunners. However, sources said the deal "is not going to happen," Jayson Stark of ESPN reported Monday.

The Rangers have interest in Lee as they look to pick up a frontline pitcher for the stretch run, but Texas is asking for the Phillies to pick up a large sum of the $75 million guaranteed to him beyond this season. Also, the Rangers have been loath to deal top prospects Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt, one of whom who would likely be necessary to pry Lee away, particularly if money is involved.

Lee has just one win this season and hasn't quite been himself, posting a 3.95 ERA, but he owns a stellar 4.87 K/BB and still has the potential to post numbers like his 2.40 ERA last season. Lee is a three-time All-Star and won the AL Cy Young in 2008.

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