The New York Yankees saw an issue at catcher and made a move today to “fill” it. Shortly after, I heard about the trade of Kyle Farnsworth to Detroit for 14-time All Star Ivan Rodriguez.
The Yanks were reportedly in the hunt for Pudge several years ago, but didn’t have the blue-chip prospects. Makes you wonder why they were now able to get him for what some saw as an underachieving middle-relief pitcher.
Don’t get me wrong, Pudge will go down as one of the best catchers in baseball history, but did the Yankees really have an issue at the position? Jose Molina moved into the starting spot after Posada went under the knife. So he isn’t knocking the ball out of the park, but he does have 15 doubles.
- B/R Ticket Guide
The important thing here is he has thrown out 26 of 55 runners trying to steal off him, and as of the other day, he led the majors in that category. Pudge has only caught 18 of the 50 runners.
You can’t say Farnsworth didn’t put himself in this position, but he was starting to turn things around. He has been on a hot streak, bringing his ERA down to 3.65, and he was becoming a dependable member of the 'pen. He returns to an organization he pitched for in 2005, when he split the season with Atlanta.
The Yankees were doing just fine with the catching tandem they had before the game ended. If they felt another move was needed, I don't think a catcher was it. I knew something was going on when Chad Moeller played third base during the ninth inning of today’s game.
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4 months ago
They did need an upgrade offensively at catcher and Brian Bruney was coming back soon to take Farnsworth's spot anyway.
4 months ago
Could get Bonds too...
4 months ago
Pudge will definitely not be one of the best catchers of all time.
from 4 months ago
Why do you say that? Just curious why. I'm not debating your position but that's a bold statement, right or wrong.
from 4 months ago
I'll challange that statement...and I'll use the sports reporters and anyone with general knowledge of baseball stats.
The dude had a rocket arm during his prime and no one - even according to J.Bench -ever had a stronger arm.
Consistently around .300 hitter and run producer...
He is not the best...but one of the best is certain.
4 months ago
I agree. Bullpen was the most pressing issue for the Bombers and Farnsworth was starting to get better in that very same pen.
4 months ago
I still don't understand why the Yankees give up their 8th inning for a guy who will hit 8th in the lineup and probably only has a couple years left.
from 4 months ago
This was a great trade for the Yankees. They gave up their 8th inning guy because they have a ton of depth in the bullpen. Jose Veras has given up just 4 runs in his last 23.2 innings pitched and will take over in the setup role. Edwar Ramirez hasn't given up a hit or a run in July and will move to the seventh inning. The Yanks also just got Damaso Marte and have Brian Bruney returning soon. They didn't need Farnsworth and so they figured they could trade him to upgrade their offense at the catching position. Jose Molina had been great defensively, but you don't lose a whole lot in that category when you pick up a 13-time Gold Glove winner and Pudge is hitting 70 points higher than Molina. This was an important move because it adds length to a Yankees lineup that has been shortened by injuries to Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui.
4 months ago
I don't see this deal making an huge impact on either team. Was this a money move?
With Griffey Jr. moving to the South Side, I haven't seen a deal yet that changes the standings in 30 days.
4 months ago
I think the yanks got a steal. Farnsworth did have a period where he did not give up a hit (but did get hit hard and was saved by the defense) but has the habit of giving up the long ball. Lets also remember his last 2 outings(Friday at Boston where Rivera had to come to his rescue and against Bal. where he gave up the long ball again. Maybe he will find himself again in Detroit but you could not count on him in NY.
Pudge will help the offense and the pitching staff. I agree that Molina has done well this year but what would have happened if he got hurt? Good catchers are hard to come by. Now if we can just get one more solid starter.
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