Yankees Need To Get Cliff Lee

Back in 2010, the Yankees failed to get Cliff Lee because minor league infielder David Adams didn't pass a physical due to a bum ankle and so the trade never happened with Seattle and Lee went to Texas instead and helped the Rangers win the pennant.  Lee, at that time, was the surest pitcher in baseball.  He isn't that now, at the age of 34, but the Yankees should still go get him.  

CC Sabathia has been up and down.  Andy Pettitte is 40.  Phil Hughes is a roller coaster despite four straight solid starts.  Ivan Nova has regressed a ton and is injured.  The Yanks need Cliff Lee.  2013 Lee isn't 2010 Lee.  The guy three years ago who won 12 games despite no run support.  The guy who had 7 complete games and 185 strikeouts and 212.1 innings pitched.  The same guy who helped Texas get to the World Series thanks to beating the Yankees in the ALCS.  Lee isn't that Lee, but he is still damn good.

New York's clubhouse would be a welcome sight for Lee.  Former teammate Sabathia (from their days in Cleveland) is there.  The Yanks have a shot at the playoffs.  There is pitching depth where he would not have to be the number one guy.  The Phillies have nothing but depression, old age, heartless players and losing going on.  Lee to the Bronx makes sense.

Normally, older players with big fat contracts aren't a good idea for the Yankees.  In this case though, Lee is just 34 and is signed through 2015.  The Yanks could use another ace-type guy.  And they could use another lefty.  And, if Hiroki Kuroda is pitching incredibly well at age 38, why can't Lee help the Yanks at age 34?  Brian Cashman should at least make the phone call and see what the asking price is or get another team involved to get Philadelphia what it needs.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike," 1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter @MikeLSports.