Lieber For Farnsworth?

At this point, the rumor appears more speculation than actual confirmed talks between the Yankees and Phillies.  But plenty of folks see the logic in a Jon Lieber for Kyle Farnsworth swap, including Peter Abraham.

The Yankees find themselves with a rotation of Mussina, Wang, Pettitte, Igawa, and pray for rain.  Pavano, Hughes, and Karstens are all hurt.  Igawa is in the rotation mainly by necessity.  Brian Cashman can hold out, hope for a Roger Clemens rescue.  Or he can find some sort of reinforcement now.  Is Lieber the answer?

Has the Lieber of old returned?  It's only been three starts.  Lieber's 6.27 hits per nine isn't sustainable; a 1.7 K/BB is low for him.  And let's not forget how different it is to face the Red Sox as compared to the Nationals.  I know beggars can't be choosy, but we also can't wishcast the current version of Liebs is the same as '04.

The Yanks' bullpen is pitching OK with a 3.97 ERA so far.  Farnsworth has had a rough 9.1 innings in the early going, but I'm not sure he's expendable.  Brian Bruney and Mike Myers have been solid, but that's about it.  The Yanks owe Farnsworth $10.75MM for 2007-08.

Meanwhile in Philly, Tom Gordon flew back to have his shoulder checked.  That increases the need for Brett Myers in the pen, but trading Lieber would further weaken the rotation.  I agree with Tom that the Phils should stand pat.  Or at least acquire relief help without trading away key parts of the team.  Remember, Lieber was expendable back when Myers was starting, Adam Eaton seemed tolerable, and Gordon was somewhat healthy.  All of those things have changed.

Comments

[TribeFan06]

how does cashman have a job??

even if that rotation is heathy its still not very good

[achilles17]

If their rotation was healthy and went Wang-Mussina-Pettitte-Hughes-Pavano, it would actually be very good. Cashman's mistake was relying on Pavano staying healthy - he has evidently made an appointment with the dreaded Dr. James Andrews, so the smart money is on the fact that he's done for the year.

[Ripwa]

Lieber will get ROCKED in the AL East. 4 of the top 11 hitting teams are in the East and Baltimore is no joke either. Fransworth has so much more value to the Yanks, i think a trade like this could end seriously bad for them.

[Yars]

If the Phillies do trade Lieber, what is this telling the fans? The NL East is up for grabs, folks. Who is to say the Phils can't sneak away with the wildcard? Philly got off to a bad start, just lost 2 out of 3 to Atlanta, but still have a chance to turn it around. Trading Lieber isn't the answer. Heck, he beat the Braves on Tuesday night, & now with Flash Gordon's health uncertain, they need to hang on to Lieber. The fact is, every team is looking for starting pitching right now. So many teams right now think they have a realistic chance of reaching the postseason. (Brewers, D'backs, Giants, Blue Jays, Orioles, Indians, to name a few....)

[xxxJamesxxx]

Lieber won't get traded unless someone vastly overpays, and Farnny doesnt equal "vastly overpay". Myers is in the pen for the rest of the season, and even when Gordon comes back, I think Myers remains the closer. He doesn't want to be yo-yo'ed back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen this season.

Garcia and Eaton have both sucked. Lieber has been our 3rd best SP behind Hamels and Moyer. Can't trade him now.

[moebarguy]

I think it was a dumb move for the Yankees to decline his option. He proved that he was a viable starting in the AL -- he only walked 18 guys in 180 innings! That trade would be a steal for the Yankees. How often is solid starting pitching available this early in the season -- especially if the asking price is an overpaid/overrated reliever?

[MickS]

Yars, if you are saying the Indians need starting pitching you are the typical myopic Yankees fan. The Tribe is at least 7 deep in available starters. I hope the Phillies hang on to Lieber and the Yanks injury problems keep multiplying. Maybe you guys should move Farnsworth into the rotation. (Now I'm laughing too hard to continue...)

[CubsAddictMG]

As a Cub fan, I think if the Yankees can trade Farns for Lieber, that would be like trading tumbleweed for a rose. Yes, Lieber has slipped since his Cubs days, but anything is more valuable than Farns, who granted may have improved slightly from his Cubs days.

The Farnsworth contract above all else should have gotten Cashman fired.

On another note, if the Phillies really think that depending on Farns and Antonio Alfonseca for an entire season is a good strategy, then Charlie Manuel will definitely murder someone by season's end.

[moebarguy]

I think that most Yankees fans do not trust Farnsworth in really any situation. He's terrible in pressure situations, and okay in other situations. Everyone knows that he has a great arm, but that can only get you so far. The fact of the matter is that if the Yanks can get a solid starter (which they need badly right now) for a streaky reliever, they should hop on the opportunity.

[bravesbeast]

Since the phillies are already out of contention, i know the braves could use lieber. We would give you mark redman in return, he would be good in the many mop up opportunties philly would provide this season.

[moebarguy]

I do not think the Phils are out contention. And if they were, they would trade Lieber for a solid prospect, not a bum like Redman. Wishful [and misinformed] thinking on your part.

[John Peterson]

It is silly to consider that the Phillies are out of contention. Isn't this what they do every year?

Re: Lieber/Farnsworth, I think Roto himself points out why it isn't likely. Myers is needed in the bullpen, so Lieber must stay in the rotation. The Yankees would certainly get the better of the deal, but can they afford to lose an experience ML relief pitcher? Would they pay Farnsworth's contract?

[PeteRose]

"It is silly to consider that the Phillies are out of contention. Isn't this what they do every year?"

Since it's only the 3rd of May and they're only 5 games out .....YES it is silly...and that pretty much goes for every team right now, w/ the exception of a handful and even they have a shot.
And....the Phillies haven't been out of contention for the last 3-4 years...starting slow and finishing strong is what they've become known for....

[PeteRose]

John..Sorry ...misread your post
I sure wish there was a delete or at least an edit option.

[ColonelTom]

You can't trade Lieber unless you have another viable closer option. If somehow the Phils could get Scott Linebrink or someone similar, perhaps Lieber-for-Farnsworth (which is a fair talent swap, I believe) gets done. But it certainly looks like the Pads aren't going to deal Linebrink for Rowand. Perhaps Victorino?

[GoBoSox420]

I dont see the Phils dealing Lieber for Farnsworth. Myers is taking over as closer. Gordon should be back, and probably in the 7th/8th inning role. Geary is pitching well. I dont think they trade a decent SP for a marginal upgrade in the bullpen.

[rotoenquire]

Pavano looks like he will be having Tommy John surgery and is gone for the year, Hughes coming back from injury is the Yankees best bet.

The Phils cannot afford to trade Lieber right now...Myers will most likely be the closer, Gordon's injury at best could be lik ewhat King Felix is going thru at worst year could be done....