Yankees To Pass On Gagne?

Jon Heyman wrote yesterday that the Yankees appeared to be the frontrunner for Texas closer Eric Gagne, given the Yanks' need and Gagne's lack of veto power.

However, today Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger says the Yankees' involvement on Gagne is exaggerated.  Apparently the Rangers wanted Melky Cabrera in return.  Joba Chamberlain has been switched to relief at Triple A; he could be 90% of Gagne without the cost.

Comments

[bobo]

After watching their pen day in and day out, I can say they need both Joba and Gagne. If the price is Melky or Kennedy, then no, but Clippard and Marquez, sure.

I'd give up Clippard in a heartbeat. Marquez more reluctantly, but yeah. He's a legitimate prospect - a former 1st round pick.

I also say we have to get rid of Farnsworth. Proctor I'd like to keep as a 4th or 5th reliever - he'd still be among the best at that slot.

How about Clippard, Marquez, Farnsworth, and $4M for Gagne? Farnsworth could thrive in Texas, and would give them a power arm with a bunch of their relievers set to leave. He'd be at a good price for 07 and 08.

Of course we have no idea what Joba would do, but how about a top 4 of Rivera, Gagne, Joba, and Vizcaino?

[SBE]

LOL at the Yankees being concerned with Gagne's salary.

And I think it's HIGHLY optimistic/unrealistic that Joba could come in to the majors right now and give NY 90% of Gagne's production.

[zs190]

Where does it say Yankees concerned about Gagne's salary? The cost referred to here is clearly prospects and not salary. Can't see them trading either Hughes or Chamberlain when they are ready/close to ready for big league club. Doubtful on Cabrera too unless they are sure they are going to go for somebody like Hunter or A. Jones in the offseason with the way Damon has been hobbling.

[Makaveli616]

Man Gagne better get traded somewhere--I picked up Joaquin Benoit in my weekly transaction fantasy league!

[beauhoopman]

You've got to do what you've got to do, and I have no statistical or anecdotal evidence to back this up, but anyone else slightly concerned about shifting a 1st year pro from starter to pen, then back to starter next year? Maybe I'm crazy.

[Not Joe Morgan]

Its probably not a big deal if they don't work him on back to back nights; it could almost be similar to his current start and throw day schedule although obviously the "live" throw day would be more intense. Could be a solid way to limit his innings as well. I just don't know that we can trust Torre on this; he'll either never work Joba or develop a reliance on him.

[JoeM]

If you're unhitable you're unhitable no matter what. Now is he unhitable, is the question.

Regardless, Yankees aren't exactly assured of a playoff spot right now and as tired as they're bullpen is they'll need more than just Joba to take the weight off.

If I was the Rangers I'd take Clippard and Marquez for Gagne. Rangers need pitching prospects period. They're not going to get a high-ceiling guy like Hughes but they can get future 3-5 pitchers. Clippard and Marquez are better than most of the Rangers starting pitcher prospects outside of Eric Hurley. Do the deal JD, then get Salty and another starting pitcher prospect from the Braves.

[bobo]

Agreed, JoeM. Clippard has a decent chance to be an innings eater, as soon as last year. Marquez has a higher ceiling. If adding Farnsworth and some cash gets the deal done, then do it. Plus it will keep him away from a team we could potentially meet in the postseason (Detroit).

I've got no problem with using Joba as a reliever. SP prospects break in as relievers all the time.

In a related story, Ohlendorf was moved to the pen also and was told to be aggressive. He responded by instantly adding 5 mph to his fastball. I don't think he can help this year, but the pen could be in his future as well. The Johnson trade is looking better and better every day.

[bobo]

"as soon as last year" --> "as soon as next year"