AP Photo/Mark Duncan
Let’s start with the biggest item of the day.
1. The Yankees traded Kyle Farnsworth for Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. Pudge has been hitting over .380 in his past 30 games and he can still play solid defense (although some question his ability to move around behind the plate and block pitches). You’re essentially getting Jose Molina (defensively) but, this time, it’s a Jose Molina who can actually hit. It was a tough call for the Yankees, simply because Kyle Farnsworth had been effective this year. Cashman wasn’t even thinking about the deal last night. Dave Dombrowksi actually called him early this morning with the proposition and they completed the deal under quickly, thereafter (after Girardi and others OK’d it). You can take a greater look at how the deal was formulated, here, as Tyler Kepner brings us the story. With Farnsworth out and Pudge in, we’ll probably see Moeller get DFA’d and Bruney back in the big leagues despite his bouts of wildness during his rehab. For now, Girardi will go setup by committee until Veras, Ramirez, or Marte establish themselves as standouts.
2. Speaking of Edwar Ramirez, Kevin Millar sounds pretty upset about the high pitch he threw in yesterday’s game. I mean, I understand that Kevin Millar is upset because the pitch was over his head, however, the way he’s handling isn’t helping his cause. Here’s what he had to say after the “intentional” shot by Ramirez.
Oriole first baseman Kevin Millar said he was “100 percent” certain Yankee reliever Edwar Ramirez was throwing at him in yesterday’s 13-3 Bomber win.
And Millar, who called the rail-thin 6-foot-3, 164-pound Ramirez a “cute little thing” who was “fortunate he’s in the big leagues,” said it was a good thing Ramirez got ejected, because he was going to deposit a homer into Monument Park.
“One hundred percent [it was intentional]. I was upset they threw him out of the game because he’s really good hittin’,” Millar said. “The kid doesn’t throw that hard and doesn’t have very good stuff, so it’s probably a good idea to throw him out because it’d probably have been Monument Park.”
Well Millar, how did you come up with this evaluation, because, last time I checked, you’ve have 4 AB’s against Edwar Ramirez and you have 1 hit (a double) and 3 strike outs. You know what, stop talking, sit down and enjoy the downward spiral that is your career.
3. A quick update on Matsui and Posada. Matsui continued his rehab yesterday, taking more swings off a tee while wearing a new knee brace for his left leg. When asked about the Nady acquisition Matsui said that he wasn’t thinking about it and doesn’t know how it’ll effect him upon his “return”. Now, in regards to Jorge, he had successful surgery on his labrum and shoulder capsule (yes, apparently we all have a shoulder capsule). There were no surprises and his rehab is expected to last 6 months (minimum).
4. Finally, Brian Cashman, who has been doing a phenomenal job over the past few days (or weeks) with these trades isn’t done yet. He’s likely looking for another starter and we’re still waiting to see what will happen with Jarrod Washburn. The Yankees continue to hold out as they hope that the Mariners will concede a bit and lower the price for Washburn. If not, I would expect the Yankees to go internal (IPK, Aceves, Hughes, in that order). There’s also the outside possibility that Freddy Garcia will impress at an August 5th audition for scouts and the Yankees can nab him. I wouldn’t place bets on Garcia though.
More later (of course)…
