Cliff Lee

In signing with Phillies, Cliff Lee chases memory of the World Series run, but he may regret decision

Cliff Lee yawned and chewed gum while his glove, a basket hanging near his chest, snagged the Johnny Damon popup. It was Game 1 of the 2009 World Series at Yankee Stadium, and Lee was in the 6th inning of a masterpiece sublime enough to include that iconic moment. In the outfield and dugout, his teammates laughed and marveled at Lee's nonchalance.

That catch represented the peak of an otherworldly postseason for the lefty, and defined Lee for the Philadelphia public as a Phillie forever. It had the same effect on the pitcher, whose hurt was raw when the Phils traded him to Seattle in December to make room in the payroll for Roy Halladay. 12 months later, clearly still pulled by the memory of a heightened experience, Lee did what professional athletes almost never do: He prioritized desire over dollars.

cliff lee

Yankees in Talks to Acquire Cliff Lee

All along, Cliff Lee has seemed destined to go to the Yankees. Lee, the All-Star left-hander, is eligible for free agency after this season, and the Yankees’ deep budget would give them a major advantage in signing him. But Lee, it turns out, might be joining the Yankees much sooner.

The Yankees and the Mariners have made progress toward a Lee trade, according to an official involved in the talks, who added that the final decision is now up to the Mariners. The official was granted anonymity because the deal has not been completed. Joel Sherman of the New York Post broke the story, reporting that the Yankees’ trade package would include catcher Jesus Montero and infielder David Adams.

Lee is scheduled to pitch against the Yankees at Safeco Field on Friday night, so a deal could be finalized quickly. Lee would give the Yankees four All-Stars in their starting rotation, joining C.C. Sabathia, Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes. It would also free the Yankees to trade another starter – presumably Javier Vazquez – for offense or bullpen help before the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline.

Lee, who won the 2008 A.L. Cy Young Award for Cleveland, beat the Yankees twice in the 2009 World Series, when he pitched for Philadelphia, and also won the first game at the new Yankee Stadium last season. He is 8-3 with a 2.34 earned run average this season, with 89 strikeouts and just six walks.

For now, the Yankees are leaning toward keeping Vazquez, which would allow them to slide Hughes to the bullpen as he approaches his innings limit and protect them against an injury to another starter. But trading for Lee gives them options. Vazquez can be a free agent after the season, and he would be an attractive rental, especially for a team in the National League, where he pitched so well last season for Atlanta.

The Yankees have been averse to trading young talent for soon-to-be free agents in recent seasons, passing on a trade for Johan Santana in Dec. 2007 and for Sabathia during the 2008 season. But the circumstances are different now, because of the Yankees’ depth at catcher and second base.

Even without Montero, the Yankees have a stable of highly regarded young catchers including Francisco Cervelli, Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez. They also have Robinson Cano to play second base for years.

The Yankees would also hope to have Lee around for years. Lee, who turns 32 next month, is unlikely to sign a contract extension before the off-season. But he is friends with Sabathia and Burnett and has seemed very comfortable at Yankee Stadium. And, of course, the Yankees will probably make him an overwhelming contract offer to stay.