Phillies Network

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Cliff Lee thought he was meant to be a Phillie this season. He thought his future was in Philadelphia. That all came to a crashing halt Wednesday, when he found out he was traded to the Mariners for prospects that led to the completion of the Roy Halladay deal. Lee admitted he never saw it coming. “At first I didn’t believe it,” Lee said. “I thought we were working out an extension with the Phillies. I thought I would spend the rest of my career there.” Lee said contract negotiations were being discussed, and the Phillies had extended an offer. Lee says he was traded before he and his agent countered the offer. Other belief is the deal was rejected, and ultimately led to the trade for Halladay. Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed a contract offer, calling it “a pretty substantial offer.” The Phillies ultimately decided to move on and pursue Halladay, and were able to complete a deal and sign him to a contract extension. Lee made it clear he didn’t want out of Philadelphia, but was grateful for his time there, and understands this is a baseball decision. “There was nothing I could do. I’m not bitter. But it’s a little disappointing. I loved it there. They did a lot of things right and I wanted to be part of it. They had a chance to get the best pitcher in baseball. I can’t blame them for wanting Roy Halladay instead of me. If you had one pitcher to build a team around, he’s the best and has been for a long time.” Lee hopes to help the Seattle Mariners next season, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll look to extend his time there or test the waters of free agency in the 2010 offseason.