1) They couldn't find a taker for Blanton. According to Jayson Stark, attempts were made to trade him, w/o success.Why didn't the Phillies just get this done last year?
2) They assumed he would be looking for CC money after the 2010 season, since the market was established by CC's signing at that point.
3) They also figured the 3 prospects they were getting, would actually amount to something.
This year:
1) The market price was a lot lower than the Phillies expected.
2) He actually was willing to sign for way less than what anyone was offering, that's how much he liked Philly. Ruben couldn't afford to go on that assumption last year.
3) According to Stark, atleast 3 teams are willing to take Blanton as long as Phils eat half his salary.
4) Ruben realized he was being too fancy last year, and its time to go for it.
5) Also Phils players are reporting, including coaches and Uncle Cholly, that Lee continously told them he wanted to be back, so I am guess that lit a fire under Amaro's ass.