The Phillies big free agent prize arrived back in the City of Brotherly Love Tuesday night and NBC Philadelphia’s John Clark was the only reporter there as Cliff Lee spoke the night before he is expected to sign his new deal with the Phils.

Lee turned down more lucrative deals from the Yankees and Rangers to return to the Phillies -- the same team that traded him away a year ago.

So why did he come home?

"There’s a lot of pros and not many cons when you start weighing things out," the 32-year-old lefty said.

And what’s so special about Philly?

"The team, the atmosphere, the environment, the fans, the city -- there’s a lot of things. My family enjoyed it here."

Lee explained that he adapted to being traded to Seattle by the Phils last off-season.

"You've gotta move on," he said.

The southpaw also pointed out that he enjoyed playing with the Mariners and Rangers but that he was excited to be back with the Phils.

But Lee is tempering expectations in large part because injuries could happen to him or fellow aces Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and/or Cole Hamels.

"You've got to let things play out... Obviously health is a huge part of that and guys continuing to do what's become the norm. If we do that it's arguable but, like I said, you gotta go out that and do it first."

Lee should officially rejoin the Phils on Wednesday when he is expected to sign a five-year, $120 million deal after passing a physical.

 

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