MLB: Bronx Bombers Land Pudge

The New York Yankees have been busy the last few days as they have acquired Xavier Nady, Damaso Marte, and now Ivan Rodriguez.  Last Friday, the Yankees sent several prospects, including Jose Tabata to the Pirates. 

Tabata is a 20-year old outfielder that the Yankees had high hopes for but has dealt with some immaturity issues that has held him back.

The Bombers made a blockbuster trade Wednesday as they acquired future Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers in exchange for Kyle Farnsworth.  This is a big trade for the Yankees as they learned on Monday that Jorge Posada will be out for the remainder of the season due to shoulder surgery.

Pudge is a huge upgrade over Jose Molina who has been filling in nicely in the absence of Posada.  Molina leads the league in throwing runners out at almost 48%.  However, he is only hitting .226 with no home runs and 11 runs batted in. 

This is mostly under looked as the Yankees have one of the better offenses in the league they can afford to have a below-average hitter in their lineup.

Ivan Rodriguez is hitting .295 with five home runs and 32 RBI.  Pudge is a .302 lifetime hitter and has won 13 Gold Gloves in 17 full seasons in the league and won the AL MVP award in 1999.  He also helped the Marlins win the 2003 World Series as they defeated the Yankees in six games. 

The Yankees gave up Kyle Farnsworth in the deal, who will be making his second stint with the Tigers.  In 2005, Farnsworth split time between the Tigers and Braves and had the best season of his career, which landed him the big contract with the Yankees. 

In 46 games with the Tigers, Farnsworth had an ERA of 2.26 and six saves.  Farnsworth has been pitching better of late as his ERA in July was 2.16, by far his lowest of any month this season.

This was a great trade for the Yankees as they will receive a Hall of Fame catcher in exchange for an average middle relief pitcher.  The Bombers bullpen has been solid lately and they should be able to replace Farnsworth without a problem.