The Yankees have acquired 36-year old catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers for righty relief pitcher Kyle Farnsworth. This was a no-brainer move for the Yankees who needed a catcher due to Jorge Posada’s year ending injury. Rodriguez has played in 82 games for the Tigers this season and he was 89 for 302 (.295 avg, .755 OPS) with 33 runs scored, 5 homers, 32 RBIs and 6 stolen bases. Rodriguez should fit right in with the Yankees and he should really help them on defense as he still has a howitzer attached to his right shoulder. Rodriguez has now played in 2,234 games in his major league career and he is 2,584 for 8,549 (.302 avg, .817 OPS) with 1,242 runs scored, 293 homers, 1,214 RBIs and 120 stolen bases. The Yankees like to collect Hall of Fame players for the stretch run and Rodriguez definately qualifies.

The Yanks shouldn’t miss Kyle Farnsworth too much as a few of their own youngsters should be able to handle some late work. Farnsworth pitched in 45 games (0 starts) for the Yankees this season and he was 1-2 with 1 save, a 3.65 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. This was a good move for the Yankees but they aren’t likely done dealing yet as they are still in the market for a starting pitcher.