Don’t expect the New York Yankees to publicly admit to wanting both or either of these players.

According to MLBTradeRumors.com, George A. King III of the New York Post says the Yankees are likely to be interested in both Mariners starting pitcher Cliff Lee and Astros first baseman Lance Berkman.

The Yankees have five quality starters on the team at this point, so many may think pursuing Lee would be pointless. In all reality, adding Lee would be more of a move for next season.

Andy Pettitte and Javier Vazquez are free agents after this season, so the Yankees will need another starter if they do not re-sign either or both.

The Seattle Mariners are apparently expecting the Yankees to inquire about Lee. They have been sending scouts to check out the Yankees’ farm teams, a sign they are taking a look at potential trade bait.

It is being reported the Mariners will likely seek Triple-A shortstop Eduardo Nunez and one of the Yankees’ catching prospects.

Would you give up Nunez and Austin Romine or Jesus Montero for Cliff Lee? Lee is one of the league’s top pitchers, but you better be darn sure you can sign him to a long-term contract if you are going to give up prospects of that caliber.

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