Yankees looking to add catcher?

If you’re one to listen to rumors, and at this time of the year, who doesn’t like to keep their ear to the ground, you’ll hear that the Yankees are looking at available catchers to help out Jose Molina.

A deal at this point would not be to replace Molina as the starter, but to give him some insurance, maybe even get a better bat behind him. I think Chad Moeller has done a great job as a backup this year, and wouldn’t be opposed to having him continue to play behind Molina the rest of the way. I don’t think you can put a price tag on familiarity between a pitcher and catcher.

However, looking at the names that are available-Paul Lo Duca, Miguel Olivo, Rod Barajas and Gerald Laird (coming from Texas, will probably cost a pretty penny), all four are better options behind Molina. I said in a few posts ago (scroll down) the Yankees probably wouldn’t do anything at the catcher position, and still believe that.

Now I think the Yankees will rule out Lo Duca. I can’t imagine they want him back in New York, after everything with the Mets, not to mention the Mitchell Report. So that’s a no on him.

Rod Barajas hasn’t shown anything this season, plus he resides in Toronto. Not sure the Jays want to part with him in the division. Although there was the Raul Mondesi deal a few years ago. Not seeing this one happen.

Texas has a lot of catchers, especially good young backstops, but have historcially overrated their trading pieces. I don’t think the Yankees are desperate. If the price comes down, there’s a chance here, but I don’t see this one happening.

That leaves Miguel Olivo. Kansas City is always in the market for pitching and the Yankees have arms-galore in the minors. Olivo hits lefties very well this season, and according to Ken Rosenthal and MLB Trade Rumors, the Royals are actively shopping him. This would be the only guy I can see the Yankees going after. He’s a better bat, glove and arm than Moeller.

But the question remains, do you value all of the above skills over a comfot level with a pitching staff. Only time will tell.

 

 

 

Don’t waste talent on a lefty reliever

When you look at the lefty relievers on the market (Damaso Marte, Brian Fuentes, Ron Mahay), while any of the three would be a nice addition to a playoff bound team, the price tag that all three teams are asking is not worth what you would be getting back. And if you’re the Yankees, you shouldn’t go near any one of these guys. Sometimes the answer is right under your nose, and for the Yankees, he’s sitting in their bullpen.

I’ve always been a big believer that if you have a righty in the pen that can get out lefties, it defeats the purpose of carrying a lefty-lefty specialist. Fortunately for the Yankees, Edwar Ramirez is that righty. A changeup is a devastating pitch to a lefty hitter, especially when you can spot your fastball well, which Ramirez has been doing a great job of this season. Joe Girardi has been very effective mixing and matching with his bullpen this season, which undoubtedly has been the strongest part of the Yankee team this season. Ramirez can get out lefties and righties, so it affords the Yankees the luxury of not having to hold a spot on the roster for a lefty-lefty specialist. I would trust Ramirez coming out of the pen to get lefties out, without question. With a changeup like he has, and let’s be honest, it’s one of the best in the game, I don’t know many who would argue that. But, you don’t have to take my word for it:

Edwar Ramirez vs lefties 2008: 20 IP, 12 H, 16 K, 1.80 ERA.

I’ll take that anyday.

It seems silly to give up young talent (Ross Ohlendorf) for a one batter pitcher. It would be like trading Ohlendorf for MIke Myers, it makes no sense. I know and understand you can’t keep all prospects, and some get dealt, but don’t do it in a deal like this. It wouldn’t be fair to the future of the Yankees.

 Let’s remember, Fuentes lost his closers job last year, and pitched very poor in the postseason.

WS ERA: 9.82. No thanks.

Learn from Boston’s mistake with Gagne last year. Stick to your guns and continue to use the guys who have gotten you this far. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s been the best part of the team this year, let’s not mess with that.

 

Moose on the loose

I was at the game today, and of all the Yankee games I have been to over the years, this may have been the best pitching performance I’ve ever seen in person.

Mike Mussina was flat out dominant. It just seems as if he can thrown any pitch he wants, in any count, at any time. As a Yankee fan, you just have to hope he keeps himself in this groove because the top 3- Pettitte, Mussina and Chamberlain, have been solid the past month-plus.

You have to sit back and wonder about Mussina’s future. I don’t think there wass anyone who thought he’s be a major factor coming into this season. I thought he was finished after last year, but to be honest, he now may have a legitmate shot at 300 wins-not to mention his first 20 win season.

Our top 3 is set. Ponson and Rasner have been servicable. And at this point, I don’t think the addition of Jarrod Washburn is much of an upgrade over Ponson or Rasner.

One thing is for sure though. Mike Mussina is the # 1 on this staff, and who would have ever imagined that?