PUDGE TO BRONX
The New York Yankees acquired catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers for pitcher Kyle Farnsworth.
What does it give the New York Yankees
New York wanted a full-time catcher the moment Jorge Posada's season
ended and they got probably the best available; in fact, many sources
didn't think Pudge was available at all. Rodriguez brings both an effective veteran bat and his usual great defense. Even at age 36, the 13-time Gold Glove is again among the best in the league at
preventing stolen bases, and he's remained healthy most of the year.
Losing Farnsworth will weaken the Yankee bullpen, however having
acquired Damaso Marte last week, they had a little bit of wiggle room.
It's a two month rental, but a solid move for a team always in 'win
now' mode.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
This one's a bit questionable on paper, and depends a lot on Brandon
Inge. If the former backstop can make the full transition back to
catcher (he's been picking up playing time here and there this
season), losing Rodriguez isn't the end of the world. Inge doesn't hit
for much average, but through patience and power, his OPS this season
is nearly identical to Pudge's; he won't have the defensive presence,
though. But Detroit needed a bullpen boost, and Farnsworth could be
their top set-up man right off the hop. In fact, if new closer
Fernando Rodney struggles, he might even get a chance finishing games.
Farnsworth is in the midst of his best year in awhile, and his live
arm has always allowed teams to overlook some inconsistency issues.
Pudge was likely headed elsewhere in the off-season, so if the new
acquisition can fill the massive bullpen gap in Detroit, the team
could be better overall as the pennant race heats up.
Fantasy impact
