Two players who were mentioned in trade rumors last week loomed large as the Yankees tried to avoid a sweep in Baltimore. Johnny Damon had a strong game, more reminiscent of the player the Yankees sought as a free agent than one they'd pay someone else to take off their hands, while Kyle Farnsworth continued to make fans wonder what Joe Torre sees in him.
Damon had three hits, two RBI and scored four times to help get the offense back in gear with a 10-6 win. He also made a nice running catch in leftfield on a Brian Roberts drive that kept the score 4-2 in the fourth. The very fact that he's playing left underscores the difficulties that Damon presents as an everyday player this season but given his salary and the limited return one would expect in a trade it's hard to see Damon playing elsewhere on Tuesday night. Farnsworth, on the other hand, may be run out of town by angry villagers in a scene out of Frankenstein. The only reason his latest desultory performance didn't cost the Yankees a win was because of a five-run top of the eighth turned a 5-4 nail-biter into an easy breathing 10-4 lead. Farnsworth responded to the cushion by walking the leadoff man and giving up a home run to Roberts. He gave up another hit and allowed that runner to move to second by ignoring a sign from Jorge Posada. He threw a fastball right into Posada's wrist, causing the catcher to come out for an heated conversation at the mound. This went over like a fart in church for the petulant reliever.
Farnsworth walked off in the other direction after Posada’s message. Alex Rodriguez was there to officiate, patting Posada on the chest protector. Posada did not seem upset after the game, saying Farnsworth simply missed the sign. But when asked if he was fine with Posada, Farnsworth said, “We’ll see.”
The Tigers are still reportedly interested in Farnsworth and the Yankees should do the deal even if it brings Bobby Higginson's carcass, one of Matt Millen's many wide receivers and $10 in poker chips back to the Bronx. They've switched the heralded Joba Chamberlain to relief and don't need Farnsworth for anything except a scapegoat for a game given away in the late innings. The Yankees don't play again before Tuesday's 4PM deadline. It would be a very positive sign for the future if last night was the end of the Kyle Farnsworth Era and that night began Joba Chamberlain's major league career. Right now it looks like the best trade the team can make.
(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
What a joy to find soeonme else who thinks this way.
Posted by: Deacon | May 24, 2011 at 08:50 AM