Pudge Behind the Plate

Ivan Rodriguez a New York Yankee.  There were many times in the 1990's and early 2000's that I wished that would come true.  Don't get me wrong, I loved Jorge Posada and think he will take his place as one of the greatest Yankee catchers of all time.  However, Pudge is Pudge.  Now, that dream has finally come true.  Ivan Rodriguez is now a New York Yankee.  And, to make it even better, all it cost was Kyle Farnsworth.  That is right, this is not a typo.  Kyle Farnsworth was traded for Ivan Rodriguez.  

With the season-ending injury to Jorge Posada, the Yankees needed to improve their catching situation.  Jose Molina has been filling in very well but his offense is lacking.  However, his defense has been amazing.  Chad Moeller is a career backup and is not the answer.  The Yankees needed some pop at this position.  Rodriguez brings exactly that.  Through 82 games this season, Pudge was hitting .295 with 5 homers and 32 RBI's.  His defense isn't what it once was but it is still among the games best.  

Pudge will help with the Yankee offense, be able to handle the Yankee pitchers, and will fill-in admirably for the injured Posada.  Adding Pudge will improve the Yankee lineup three-fold.  Imagine a lineup that looks like this:

C  Ivan Rodriguez

1B Jason Giambi/Richie Sexson

2B Robinson Cano

3B Alex Rodriguez

SS Derek Jeter

LF Johnny Damon/Xavier Nady

CF Melky Cabrera

RF Bobby Abreu

DH Xavier Nady/Giambi/Damon/Sexson

Not a bad lineup if you ask me.  GM Brian Cashman did an excellent job.  The bullpen has been a strength for the Yankees all season.  Adding Damaso Marte last week and Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras emerging has given the Yankees the flexibility to turn Joba Chamberlain into a starter, release LaTroy Hawkins, and deal Farnsworth.  Give Cashman all the credit here.  He has done an excellent job of fortifying a team that seems to be on another second-half run.  I know I have been down on Cashman lately but I have to give him his due, he has done an excellent job.  This deal also doesn't put the Yankees in a payroll bind for next season either as Pudge is eligible for free agency after this season.  This means the Yankees will still have almost $80 million coming off the books next season.

As for the Jarrod Washburn deal, the Mariners are being foolish.  Suddenly they think Washburn is C.C. Sabathia.  According to ESPN.com and SI.com, the Mariners approached an NL team and asked for two of their top prospects for Washburn.  This is a far cry from reports late last week and early this week that had Washburn being traded to the Yankees for a marginal prospect.  Recently the Mariners asked for Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner in return for Washburn.  That is a little much when you take into consideration the Mariners expect the Yankees to take on Washburn's full contract.  That, by the way, is $14 million.  A little much if you ask me when you consider the price they want in return player-wise.  Cashman is right in not pulling the trigger on this deal.  Phil Hughes, Chien Ming Wang, and even Carl Pavano (not that I'm counting on him to do anything) are all coming back from injury soon.  There is also Ian Kennedy who has been impressive in his minor league stint lately.  All are equal or greater than Washburn and all are cheaper.  

Here come the Yankees!