MLB Free Agency Report: New York Yankees Not "Desperate" for Cliff Lee

According to Fox Sports' South West Division, Brian Cashman has spoken to the media saying the New York Yankees have interest in the Rangers' southpaw pitcher, but they are not "desperate." Cliff Lee is the most talented free agent pitcher on the market this Winter and the New York Yankees are always the most aggressive on the free-agent fronts. 

The Yankees have the money and interest to sign Cliff Lee. The cards just have to fall right and Lee accept an offer. 

A lot has been made about the disrespect received by Cliff Lee's wife at a postseason game at Yankee Stadium. Brian Cashman made a trip out to Cliff Lee's home to meet with the lefty's agent, the pitcher himself and his wife. 

The direct quote from Fox Sports' conversation with Cashman has him saying: "I don't feel like we are in a desperate situation here. I think we have a lot of quality players on this team that won 95 games and fell two games short of a World Series…That's when you have to be willing to roll with the punches and have Plan Bs, Cs, Ds and Fs up there.”

The Yankees believe themselves to be the front-runners in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes due to their money and possible contract length. They could be underestimating Nolan Ryan and the Texas Rangers' front-office. The Angels are also in the game for a pitcher and Lee looks attractive. 

It's pretty clear that the Yankees are not alone and will have some big competition for Cliff Lee and at some point they may have to change their stance from not desperate to absolutely necessary to sign. The Yankees are on the clock to make a move.