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Sunday, July 27, 2008

Quick to the Bat Poll

We cut the the bat poll short since the Yankees acquired Xavier Nady on Friday night. "Funnily" enough, 8 more of you filled out the poll before we closed it, with 3 selecting "Blake or Nady". Ironically, Blake was dealt yesterday as well to the LA Dodgers.

So now we want to know what you think of the trade. We don't agree with Pa Yankee, John Sterling, that it was phenomenal, but it was very good.

Nady has been overhyped due to the season he's having, but he's a serviceable outfielder, who could take over in right field next season for Bobby Abreu.

Marte, of course, has been an outstanding set up man in his career, and even part time closer this year, with the White Sox and Pirates. (Note to ESPN's Larry Hardesty, who was on 1050 with Jody Mac yesterday. Marte pitched 4 seasons with the White Sox, so you don't have to wonder if his stuff will translate to the AL. Your a professional, do you homework.)

Jose Tabata could be the real deal, but at 19 he's still a good ways from the majors. He's had a balky wrist issue, and maybe more important, maturity issues.

Jeff Karstens is mediocre, Dan McCutchen may or may not be good, and Ross Ohlendorf could still turn into a decent pitcher, though we think losing him is no biggie.

So what do you think? Quick, to the trade poll, Robin. Boy that was stupid.

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Saturday, July 26, 2008

Nady-Marte Deal is Revised

Word from WFAN radio this morning is that the Yankees deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte, has been revised. Instead of prospects Phil Coke and George Kontos, the Yankees are sending pitchers Jeff Karstens and Dan McCutchen to the Pirates.

Karstens has made 15 career apperances, appearing as both a starter and long reliever. It was obvious that he would never be a star in the league, but has been serviceable at times. He was set to make the Yankees out of spring training before a strained groin set him back.

McCutchen excelled at Trenton in the Eastern League before a promotion to Scranton of the International League. He's got off to a slow start at Triple-A, but had been pitching very well of late. Scouts, however, project more as a late inning set up man or closer rather than a starter.

Why the change in the deal? Either it wasn't accurate to begin with, or one or more players failed their physicals.

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Friday, July 25, 2008

Breaking News: Yankees Acquire Nady and Marte

SI's Jon Heyman is reporting that the Yankees have acquired right-handed hitting outfielder Xavier Nady and lefty set up man Damaso Marte from the Pittsburgh Pirates for outfielder Jose Tabata, and pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Phil Coke, and another minor league prospect.

The Yankees have not made an official announcement yet and all players will have to clear physicals.

Update 8:25 PM EDT

According to mlb.com, the 4th player is believed to be pitcher George Kontos.

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