Rumors not to blame for Cliff Lee’s shakiness Sunday

But in the 48-hour window to negotiate a deal, Los Angeles didn’t have enough to convince the Phils that they shouldn’t keep their Cy Young-winning left-hander, and Lee took the mound at Citizens Bank Park Sunday against the Diamondbacks a little more than a half hour after that deadline.

“I don’t worry about it, really,” said Lee, who got a no-decision after giving up four runs on eight hits, including three home runs, in eight innings of the Phillies 5-4 win Sunday. “It’s all rumors until (general manager) Ruben (Amaro Jr.) tells me I’m moved or something. I don’t really worry about it to be honest with you.”

...Lee, who is winless in 10 starts at Citizens Bank Park this season, is focusing on pitch selection and location. After signing a five-year, $120 million contract two winters ago, he’s not worried about his long-term future with the Phillies, despite the events of the last week.

“You never know what’s going to happen, but I signed here to play here and they signed me here to play here,” said Lee. “I think it was way overblown. They put a lot of players on waivers throughout the year. It’s a standard deal. I don’t know why it became a story. There are a lot of guys put on waivers and claimed. I don’t know why it’s a big deal.”

Thanks to Butch.