by Brian on July 30, 2008 at 5:18PM
Buster Olney is reporting a shocking deal. The Yanks have apparently traded Kyle Farnsworth for Ivan Rodriguez.

Wow. Farnsworth had settled in as the 8th inning guy for the Yanks, but look at it this way, he's still the same pitcher who struggled mightily for the past couple of seasons. The Yankee pen was absolutely a strength, and they dealt Farnsworth while his value was at its highest.

In Pudge they get a guy who can shut down the running game and will at least top Jose Molina's offensive production. Pudge is hitting .295 with a .338 OBP and slugging .417. I love the move. It will probably mean the end of Chad Moeller's days in a Yankee uniform, at least he got an AB today.

As for the Yankee pen, I'm going to assume Veras gets promoted to the 8th inning role, with Marte, Edwar and Robertson sharing the duties of getting the ball to Veras/Rivera.

I'd like to say Farnsworthless will be missed, but does a good half season make up for all the angst he caused us? I suppose all's well that ends well. Pudge will probably be a type A free agent as well, so that's two draft picks if he walks after the season.

23 hours to go until the non-waiver trade deadline, are the Yanks done?

Hat tip to MLBTR for the link.



Also on the Network:
√ Four Straight? [Depressed Fan]
√ A Little Help? [Depressed Fan]
√ The first taco [Cobra Brigade]




[July 31, 2008 1:42 AM]  |  link  |  reply
tom said

HOW IN THE WORLD CAN U LIKE THIS TRADE???? WE HAVE 2 GUYS I TRUST BESIDES MO FARNS AND VERAS.. NO TO MENTION MOLINA IS THE BEST DEFENSIVE CATCHER IN THE GAME AND THE PITCHERS LOVE THROWING TO HIM THIS TRADE WAS PURELY FOR A GUY THATS GUNA HIT .290 WITH 9 HOMERUNS I HATE IT TERRIBLE TERRIBLE MOVE.. CANT WAIT TILL EDWAR IS PITCHING IN THE 7TH WITH A RUN LEAD GOOD LUCK THIS TRADE HAS KILLED US

[July 31, 2008 2:47 AM]  |  link  |  reply
Brian replied to tom

I like what Molina gave us defensively, but it was basically a national league lineup with him batting ninth, plus he isn't exactly a physical specimin. Do you really think he would've lasted the season catching everyday?

As for Farmsworth, he's been much better over the last couple of months, but can you honestly say you trust him with a one run lead in October? If the answer is no, which it should be, then he was expendable and getting a starting catcher who gives you great defense and above average offense for him was a steal.

Also, keep an eye on Melancon, who was just promoted to AAA, he may wind up being this year's Joba in the 8th if Veras can't hack it. Don't knock Edwar either, he's been unreal.

One last thing, stop typing in all caps, we can hear you, no need to shout.

[July 31, 2008 8:37 AM]  |  link  |  reply
Aaron replied to Brian

I like this move too. If anything at least it provides a break for Molina, catching 5-6 days a week would have eventually gotten to him.

Prudge is a gamer, he is very competitive. I like that sort of gritty play. I think that is one of the things that the Yanks have been lacking the past few years.

I would like to see us get a starting pitcher, the Ras and Sir Sidney just don't cut it.

[August 1, 2008 5:43 AM]  |  link  |  reply
JJ said

Great move by the Yankees!

While Boston is playing addition by subtraction and diluting their lineup by trading away Ramirez, the Yankees are acquiring a veteran who could start everyday, if necessary.

(So glad they didn't bite on Barajas)