Yankees should just say no to Cliff Lee – for this year, at least

The New York Post’s Joel Sherman is reporting this morning that the Yankees are “on the brink of obtaining Cliff Lee late last night for a package that would include top prospect Jesus Montero.” Let me stand up now and shout “Noooooooooooooooooo!” to such a deal.

Don’t get me wrong; I think Cliff Lee would look pretty nifty in pinstripes next year. But it makes little sense to trade for him now. Especially when it will end up costing the Yankees their top prospect – and some other prospects as well. For what, a three-month rental? Please. How did it work out for the Yankees with Austin Jackson, the last time the Yankees traded a top prospect?

Anyhow, last time I checked, Jorge Posada wasn’t getting any younger. And as much as I love Francisco Cervelli, he’s not going to be a superstar. But supposedly, Montero has that capability – it’s why some Yankee fans didn’t want Joe Mauer to come to the Bronx, because Montero was the catcher of the future. And now there’s a good chance he’ll be moved for somebody the Yankees could just sign for this winter anyway. How does this deal make any sense?

If there is any flaw with this Yankees’ team, it’s the bullpen, not the starting rotation. How will getting Lee fix that? And last year, the Yankees were able to win the World Series last year with a three-man rotation. Right now, they have CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, A.J. Burnett, Phil Hughes, and Javier Vazquez. Even if they could get Lee for nothing, which they won’t, where would they put him – or put the odd man out? Vazquez makes nine million this season – who’s going to take on that salary without the Yankees picking up most of it? A.J.’s $82 million, five-year contract makes him untradeable. And pitching innings limits aside, is it wise to mess with Phil Hughes and bump him to the bullpen again?

Anyhow, I hope this supposed deal is just a rumor. Cashman didn’t go after CC Sabathia in the trade market, figuring the Yankees could sign him as a free agent. Why not have the same policy with Lee, especially when such a trade could have repurcussions for many years? Please, Cash, just say no to Cliff Lee – for 2010, at least.

What do you think? Tell us about it!