Wednesday, July 30, 2008

A Deal Outta Left Field Nets The Yanks A New Backstop.


From ESPN:

The New York Yankees have found a replacement for Jorge Posada.

New York acquired catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers on Wednesday for right-handed pitcher Kyle Farnsworth.

The departure of Farnsworth creates a void in the eighth inning for the Yankees. When Joba Chamberlain moved into the starting rotation and gave up that role, Farnsworth eventually stepped in and had been effective.

As for who takes over in the eighth, Yankee GM Brian Cashman said the acquisition of Damaso Marte in the trade that brought outfielder Xavier Nady to the Yankees from Pittsburgh helps, as does the development of Edwar Ramirez. In addition, injured starter Phil Hughes has made a rehab start and could be close to returning.

"Honestly, I was shocked by this, but that's baseball," Rodriguez said. "Now, I'm just looking forward to playing for the Yankees and maybe I will play against Detroit again in the playoffs."

After New York's 13-3 rout of the Orioles on Wednesday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi expressed his satisfaction with the deal.

"He's hitting over .290 I believe and he's been hot so we're looking forward to having him," he said.

Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente and Rodriguez are the only three players in baseball history with at least 12 Gold Gloves and a career .300 average or better. Rodriguez has caught 2,142 games, trailing only Carlton Fisk (2,226) and Bob Boone (2,225) in terms of longevity behind the plate.

Cashman summed up the risk: "We are robbing Peter to pay Paul so we hope it works out."

At least he's being honest.

It looks like a great deal for the post-season chase to me.

And--hey--aren't all deadline trades a Peter/Paul proposition? 

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