While the Seattle Mariners have been scouting several different minor league systems, including Minnesota’s, Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune writes that nothing is close.
Based on some conversations I’ve had today, I get the feeling the Mariners are not close to trading Cliff Lee, at least not to the Twins. I was told the Mariners are scouting the Twins’ system, but they are looking at several other teams as well. The Twins and Mariners have yet to exchange proposals for Lee.
It only takes one trade offer to make a deal happen, so something could come together quickly if both sides are ready to act. For now though, it doesn’t sound as if Cliff Lee is close to leaving Seattle.