SEATTLE -- The Yankees stand on the verge of acquiring former Cy Young award winner Cliff Lee from the Mariners, according to a report in today's New York Post, though it will cost top prospect Jesus Montero.

If completed, the blockbuster trade has the potential to reshape an already-tight race in the American League East and trigger a reshuffling of the Yankees pitching staff. The addition of Lee would give the Yankees six starting pitchers, which could perhaps allow them to fix the bullpen last season, by moving Phil Hughes into a relief role.

Lee, 31, could also help the Yankees separate themselves from the rest of the powerful AL East. Though the Yankees remain in first place, the Rays and Red Sox are capable of pushing them. But a top-of -the-rotation pairing featuring Lee and ace CC Sabathia -- close friends and former Indians teammates -- could be enough for the Yankees to pull away.

Not that the Yankees need a reminder of Lee's effectiveness. The left-hander pitched two games last in the World Series as a member of the Phillies, dominating the Yankees in Game 1. Lee, who is 8-3 with a 2.34 ERA, is slated to start tonight for the Mariners in the second of a four-game set against the Yankees.