Pudge

I think I like the Pudge for Farnsworth deal. Pudge is batting .295/5/32, a huge upgrade over either Molina or Moeller offensively. I haven't seen him play at all this year, but supposedly he is still a pretty good defensive catcher but nowhere as good as he used to be. I wonder how he is relative to Molina defensively.

Farnsworth, although having a good year since Joba moved to the rotation, still sucks. No matter how hard you throw people will hit it if the ball doesn't move. Answer me this: Would you trust him in a big situation? Girardi showed he didn't when quickly called for Mariano with one out in the eighth in Boston the other night once Farnsworth gave up two base runners (granted on weak hits) making him dispensable. Also, he is probably fourth to come out the pen behind Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras, and Damaso Marte. Basically they gave up nothing to get a little. One other plus, Pudge's contract is up after this year so there will not be any position battle next year when Posada comes back.

Finally, I wonder if Moeller gets optioned to the minors. Earlier this year Girardi kept three catchers but that might have been because he understood Posada could not throw. Moeller has helped Rasner out (his ERA more than doubles when someone else catches him) and has entered games at third to try to increase his value. Still, it is hard to see Girardi keeping three catchers in this situation. One would think that the Yankees would have to call up another reliever to fill in for Farnsworth. Perhaps stud prospect Mark Melancon might finally get a chance. He could relieve for now and possibly start a game or two if Rasner and Ponson continue to suck.