Grading the Trade Deadline

One day removed from the most interesting regular-season day of the year, one can begin to analyze the moves the Yankees have made as buyers at the Trade Deadline.

To recap:

Bought
Dàmaso Marte, LHP, Pirates
Xavier Nady, OF, Pirates
Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, C, Tigers
Jhonny Nuñez, RHP, Nationals
Matt Cusick, 2B, Astros

Sold
Ross Ohlendorf, RHP
Jose Tàbata, OF
Jeff Karstens, P
Dan McCutchen, P
Kyle Farnsworth, RHP
Alberto Gonzalez, INF
LaTroy Hawkens, RHP


By the above lists alone, once can see that in the trades the Yankees did make, they came away very well, getting an outfielder having a career year, the best left-handed reliever on the market and a hall of fame bound catcher, for what looks like little cost (unless Jose Tàbata's power magically develops ad he becomes the next Vladimir Guerrerro).

The Yankees filled some of their most glaring needs--a right handed bat, a lefty reliever and a catcher to help take the strain off of Jose Molina--but there is one area that they were not successful: they did not get a starting pitcher.

While one can argue that the Yankee rotation as is can suffice, just remember that tonight Sidney Ponson is pitching against the Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim of the USA of the Milky Way of the Universe...)

Now, just because the Yankees didn't get a strting pitcher at the deadline doesn't mean they're out of option--there's still the waiver deadline later this month, not to mention certain available free agents and Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Aceves, et al, in the minors...

The Yankees were much more active this year at the trade deadline than they were last year, and on the surface it looks as though they pulled off a coup, but all of their needs have not been solved yet.

It's up to the Yankees now to make something happen with the pieces they've gotten.

El Comedulce (Postgame Notes 30 July 2008)

On a team overloaded with Designated Hitters, the Yankees picked up a new one today: Bobby Abreu.

Getting the start at DH to spell him from the field, Abreu had a mammoth day at the plate, going 3-4 with two home runs, three RBI and four runs scored--he either batted in or scored five of the Yankee runs today--and on two occasions, he did both.

More importantly, he helped the Yankees stop their losing streak at three, and helped them go into their four game series with the best team in the league, the Angels, on a high note.

Joba Chamberlain pitched great (can we say 'as usual' yet?)--six innings, one earned run. Still not as economical with his pitches as the Yankees would like, but also still technically a quality start.

Breaking News

According to ESPN, and confirmed by YES, the Yankees have traded Kyle Farnsworth to Detroit for catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

Lesson learned: When Cashman says the Yankees are content with Molina and Moeller, don't take him at face value.