Many people thought that the Mariners would be a contender this season, especially after they picked up Cliff Lee. It looks like those people were wrong – the Mariners are currently in last place in the AL West and stand 13 games out of first. Since Seattle is doing so poorly, the speculation that they will begin to entertain offers for Lee has begun.
Cliff Lee will end up in pinstripes. The question really isn’t if, but when Lee comes to New York: as part of a trade this summer or as a free agent this winter. If you ask me, do I want Cliff Lee on the Yankees; the answer is absolutely and as soon as possible; I want what I want and I want it now. Unfortunately, what I want and what is the best strategic move for the Yankees is not always the same thing (don’t worry; I have learned to come to terms with this). Based on my strong affinity for lefties and strong dislike for Javy, in my ideal world, the Yankees pick up Lee now and say bye bye to Vazquez. I know this is not going to happen, but we can all have dreams can’t we? It is far more likely that the Yankees wait to make an offer on Lee after he becomes a free agent.......
The Yankees already have 5 starters, all of whom are healthy and (arguably) effective. I say arguably since I am still consider Javy my nemesis, but clearly the Yankee starting rotation is getting the job done, as evidenced by the fact that the Yankees are finally alone in first place. Trading for Lee now would almost undoubtedly mean that the Yankees would have to give up a top prospect, such as Jesus Montero or Austin Romine, something Cashman and the Yankees are highly unlikely to do during the season with the team in first place. However, if the Yankees wait until Lee becomes a free agent, it is less likely they will need to trade away prospects to make a deal. And yes, waiting does mean that another team could snatch up Lee before he becomes a free agent. However, even if a team does get Lee this season, it doesn’t mean he will re-sign with that team for the 2011 season. Therefore, they can just “rent” Lee until he is ready to sign with the Yankees this winter.
The Yankees are also far more likely to need to add a starter after this season is over. While I refuse to even entertain the thought, Andy Pettitte may decide to retire after this season, and if he should decide to do so, the Yankees will need to replace him with a solid starter. Another, much much happier scenario is that Vazquez will not re-sign with the Yankees and will return to National League land where he has proven much more successful. (Andy, please come back.)
Lee also has another reason to want to sign with the Yankees in the winter (aside from wanting to play for a team that has won 27 World Championships): friends. We all like to play with our friends don’t we? Lee is good friends with Sabathia from their days on the Indians and Sabathia has told Lee how great it is to play in New York. Lee is also good friends with Burnett – both are from Arkansas and have the same manager. For the record, I also plan to be Lee’s good friend when he comes to New York – after all, we are both lefties so we already have a lot in common.
Bottom line: when Christmas and Hanukkah roll around, go ahead and buy your favorite Yankee fan a new Cliff Lee jersey.
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