Who do these New York Yankees think they are, the Miami Heat?  The New York Post’s Joel Sherman reports despite intense interest from the Mets, Twins and Rangers, the Bombers are “on the brink” of acquiring 31 year-old left-hander Cliff Lee from Seattle.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman and Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik have been in constant contact over the last week, but it was only last night that the Seattle GM told Yankee officials he wanted to move quickly, possibly before the All-Star break.

The Yanks were not assured of obtaining Lee since other clubs such as the Mets, Twins and Rangers were in talks. But the Yanks were definitely making the strongest move last night, coming from seeming disinterest into the clear front-runner and last night it seemed they were all but certain to obtain the 31-year-old lefty with a package likely to include C prospect Jesus Montero (above).

Cashman might now be in position to either put Phil Hughes in the bullpen to bolster that shaky area or trade a starter, possibly Javier Vazquez, for a few prospects. It was possible that injured Double-A second baseman David Adams also was part of the deal to Seattle since he is a player the Mariners like a great deal.