If you own or did own a Rangers jersey with Lee's name on it, what will or would you do with it if Cliff signs with New York?

a. You have it framed and then hang it on a prominent wall because it represents winning the AL pennant and the team's only trip to a World Series.
b. You still wear it because he's your favorite player and it's the only Rangers jersey you own.
c. You take it to the Ballpark when the Yankees come to town and just before the first pitch you throw it onto the field.
d. You burn it or organize a jersey burn the minute an announcement is made.

The Rangers were his fourth team in less than two years and he was about to be a nine digit free agent.

e) - Anyone who bought a Lee jersey is a moron.

If the Yankees are at 7 years, $161M, and the Rangers are at 6 years, $120M, then even after NY vs. Texas tax differences, and without factoring in the substantially higher endorsement money that will come with playing for NY, the guy would be effectively be paying around $25,000,000 out of his own pocket to live in Texas instead of New York.

Anyone booing someone for choosing not to do that is beyond dumb.

Agreed. Rangers' top offer is either 6/$144ish or better, or they're not even in this with a prayer.

Do the math guys. A 7 yr $161 contract after the 9% NY income tax is $144 million. Why wouldn't the rangers have a shot with a 6 yr $144 million offer?

The number us 7% and it's really 5% because it's deductable from Federal Income Tax.

Scooby,

Don't know if it is deductable, but it is 9%.

http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/228.html

Nobody knows what the offers are, yet. Has everyone forgotten that the Rangers have a couple of Billionaires in their ownership group, one of which made the trip yesterday to Arkansas? If the ownership group really wants Lee and is willing to run with the Yankees, they DO have the means. Personally, I think they are crazy to offer any 32yo pitcher 7 years.

My question got taken over!!! Just trying to have fun but a few of you have sent this in a different direction.......

Joey has the post about Cliff Lee's contract offers so please put those comments there!?

It's not 9%...it's 4.5% because only half his games are at home...and is effectively 3% after the federal tax benefits he would derive.

As a tax professional myself, it never ceases to amaze me how much false information gets thrown around about taxes. This subject has come up tons of times here over the last couple months, and unfailingly, people get it wrong.

I'd keep his jersey if I owned one. Those things are expensive.

I would keep the jersey as a reminder of the magical season where everything worked. You never forget your first time, boys.

I'd frame it and stick it somewhere in between my Kip Wells and Fukumori jerseys

My question got taken over!!! Just trying to have fun but a few of you have sent this in a different direction.......

Welcome to the internets.

***Welcome to the internet***

I hoped the second time you responded inappropriately that you would have at least answered the question...otherwise what's the point. Obviously the "100" in your name doesn't count for a perfect score, but hey, at least your a Rangers' fan.

I don't need to buy an identity......

Crash and burn

Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor

With all due respect to the people who point out the tax difference....I am from NY. When I moved here, I did take home more than I did in NY.

But there is one thing I would like to point out. I did not make 24million dollars a year. People who do tend to have good accountants, who are able to get around the taxes

Oh, and I didn't buy a Lee jersery. Wasn't expecting him to be here long.