A lot of teams in the Majors are thinking about bidding for Cliff Lee this off-season, including the New York Yankees. It’s clear that Lee will be the hottest free-agent this winter, and the pursuit of the left-hander will probably be fierce.

In an article published by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, it mentions that Lee’s wife Kristen was offended by Yankees fans while she was in the family visiting section at Yankee Stadium. Apparently the people near her were shouting obscenities to her, throwing her cups of beer and even spitting on her from the sections above.

“The fans did not do good things in my heart,” Kristen says. “When people are staring at you, and saying horrible things, it’s hard not to take it personal.”

This behavior from the Yankees fans might affect Lee’s decision to go to New York. According to Nightengale, Lee’s home in Arkansas is closer to Texas, and the Rangers have made very clear that they will bid strongly to land Lee for next season.

It’s possible that the Rangers could get Lee without being the highest bidder since they have the location and wife-friendly fans working for them. If Lee decides not to go with the Yankees, maybe their fans are the ones to blame.

Lee’s agent, Darek Braunecker, later told ESPNNewYork.com as reported by Andrew Marchand, “The story is not an issue to us.” Braunecker added, “Her experience in New York is certainly a non-issue. She enjoys New York as much as anyone enjoys New York.”