"Not luring Cliff Lee to New York leaves the Yankees with a gaping hole in their starting rotation, and a sizable amount of cash burning holes in their deep pockets.

With Andy Pettitte contemplating retirement and with few proven replacement options available, however, the Bombers also can invest some of those funds in a bullpen upgrade.

And while Joakim Soria has the Yankees among the teams listed in a no-trade clause in his contract with the Royals, the two-time All-Star closer told a Mexican newspaper this week that he wouldn't block a trade to the Bronx.

"There is a no-trade clause to the Yankees in my contract, but I did not put it there," Soria told Vanguardia in Spanish. "My agent put it in, as a strategy, but if the Royals decide to move me to New York, I would be happy to play with the Yankees or any team."

Kansas City shipped ace Zach Greinke to Milwaukee for prospects this month after the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner demanded a trade, but Soria officially hasn't made a request to be moved, according to reports."