While obviously not desperate with five solid starters, the Yankees must be starting to realize that a 1-2 of CC and Lee, with Pettitte, Burnett/Hughes to follow, will be nearly unbeatable in October.The Yankees’ interest in trading for Mariners left-hander Cliff Lee is real, but only at a suitable price.
Lee, the biggest prize in this year’s trade market, is a known target of the Twins, Rangers, Mets and other clubs.
The sincerity of the Yankees’ interest has been in question, but they are indeed “kicking the tires,” according to a source with knowledge of the team’s thinking.
The source, however, estimates that the Yankees’ chances of landing Lee are “less than 50 percent,” and says that such a move likely would require the team to spin right-hander Javier Vazquez to another club.
I like the Yankees approach here. They're gonna sit back, see what other teams offer, and if they can and are willing to match said offer, they will. If not, they go forward with the five they have and will most likely add Lee in the winter.
One thing they must do, regardless of Lee, is fix that bullpen, but that's a whole other story.
