Yankees may be close to acquiring Cliff Lee...

The Yankees were 'on the brink' of acquiring Cliff Lee last night in a deal that would include top catching prospect Jesus Montero, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik wants to move quickly and has been in 'constant contact' with Yankees GM Brian Cashman over the course of the last week, according to Sherman. Other clubs remain involved, but the Yankees are the heavy favorite to acquire the lefty.

Sherman hears that the Mariners would get at least three prospects, including Montero and possibly second baseman David Adams. Lee is supposed to face the Yankees tonight, but that could change. If a trade is completed today, Lee will not face the Mariners tonight, or possibly for the entire weekend series (all Twitter links).Talks are intensifying between the Yankees and Mariners, Jon Heyman of SI.com confirms. Discussions between the Yankees and Mariners appear serious and it's 'quite possible' that a deal will be completed.

Meanwhile ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports that no deal is in place, and the Mariners could double back to continue discussions with the Rays, Twins, Rangers, Reds and others. The Mariners initially had a ‘huge’ asking price for Lee, but lowered their demands yesterday. As Olney points out, a trade for Lee could mean Javier Vazquez’s days in the Bronx are numbered.

This could be bad if they find a way to get and resign him....

Sabathia

Hughes

Lee

Burnett

Petitte

That's a dirty rotation with guys who could all win 15 games a season.