Miscast Set Up Man Dominates Red Sox

7.0 Innings
3 Hits
0 Runs
0 Earned Runs
1 BB
9 K
1 BTAKYH*

*Ball Thrown at Kevin Youkilis' Head

**TRADE**

The Yankees have acquired OF Xavier Nady and RP Damaso Marte from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Jose Tabata, Ros Ohlendorf, Phil Coke, and George Kontos.

Jimmy Dugan's Take - At first glance, this looks like a lot to give up for a couple of 'band-aids', but I like this move. Both Nady and Marte could be a part of the 2009 roster, with Nady under contract, and the latter having a $6 million option.
As for what the Yankees are sending to the Bucs, yes, they are giving up some value. Tabata has loads of potential, but his downside has become more evident in 2008. Not only has his power continued to disappoint, his attitude is now in question. Ohlendorf is at best a servicable reliever. Kontos and Coke are similar as they both have solid minor league numbers, but are not considered in the Hughes-Kennedy-Horne-Melancon or even Marquez level of Yankee pitching prospect.

UPDATE - Coke and Kontos have been replaced by minor league pitchers Daniel McCutchen and Jeff Karstens. While most experts have McCutchen rated higher than both Coke and Kontos, Karstens is a spare part - and horribly ugly to boot. Still a good trade.

8 (or so) Questions: Ed Price of the Newark Star Ledger

Ed Price is the Yankees beat writer for the Newark Star Ledger. Always insightful, Ed took the time to speak with Fowl Balls about the upcoming trade deadline, amongst other things.

Jimmy Dugan - You have been right on top of the Jarrod Washburn story since it broke. What is the latest? Also, is Washburn really the answer?
Ed Price - I have nothing new today on Washburn, but it's pretty warm if not hot. He's not "the answer" but he's an upgrade from Ponson or Rasner (if one doesn't consider the salary).

JD - You just broke a story linking the Yankees to Randy Winn. What does this mean? Is he considered a potential corner outfield answer, or does this open the door to move Melky to Seattle for Washburn?
EP - I could definitely see Winn coming in and playing CF if they move Melky for Washburn. Or playing LF if Posada has surgery and Damon is the DH.

JD - Now that ESPN has blown it completely out of proportion, how serious was the Yankees' consideration of Barry Bonds?
EP - Never serious. Hank told an Associated Press writer he'd bring it up. He did. It was shot down quickly.

JD - Play Brian Cashman for a minute (like we all wish we could): Is it smarter not to make a move based on the lack of difference making players available, rather than 'rearranging lawn furniture"??
EP - It's always smart not to overpay. If there's someone who can push you over the top - Sabathia - then you go for it. A championship now is worth giving up someone who has only potential.

JD - If no move is made, do you think that the Yankees have the answers internally to make a run at the division? World Series?
EP - I think they could use another starting pitcher. If the top 6 hitters hit to form and the bullpen stays the way it is, they have a chance.

JD - How will Jorge Posada's potential move to first base affect the Yankees pursuit of Mark Teixiera?
EP - My guess is the Yankees were never hot on Teixeira to begin with -- as a trade now or free agent in the winter.

JD - How much confidence does the organization have in Wang to be a reliable number 1 upon returning after the playoff collapse of 07 and erraticness of mid '08. How much will that determine moves beyond bullpen, rotation backend, and righthanded bat? Are they banking on Joba's development to fill that "ace" role?
EP - Well, I don't know that right now you have to choose between Wang and Joba as the first-game playoff starter. But they aren't worried about Wang's 07 playoffs because they seem to feel they know what caused it -- as long as he fixes it. He isn't a classic #1 -- but Joba could be once he gets his pitch counts down

JD - Is Derek Jeter's haircut now out-dated enough that it could be considered 'retro'?
EP - I think he wishes his slugging percentage was retro.

Thanks to Ed for taking the time to speak with us. Please check out the Newark Star Ledger Blog at http://www.nj.com/yankees/.

Futures Game Wrap Up

Fowl Balls was in attendance for the Futures Game (as well as the Celebrity Softball abortion)and aside from the fact that some Asian guy from the Red Sox system won the MVP, there was a lot to take away concerning the future of the MLB.

Who Impressed Us:
Andrew McCutchen, Pirates CF - Although very little of it will show up in the box score, this guy showed all of the tools to be a star. He moved over to left in deferrence to Rockies prospect Dexter Fowler, but McCutchen takes a back seat to very few prospects. Much like a Ferrari, he has that 'you-know-he's-fast-even-though-he's-standing-still' look about him. To go with his blazing speed,, he also drove a ball into the upper deck in LEFT FIELD, sailing about 10 feet fowl. He isn't as big as other prospects that he has been grouped in with, like Cameron Maybin, but this kid has Keny Lofton-like potential.

Jesus Montero, Yankees C (for now) - Ok, it's a bit of a homer thing to say, but this kid just LOOKS like raw power. Large and imposing, and contrary to prior reports, he doesn't look completely retarded behind the plate (only slightly). Here's to hoping he can stay there.

The Oakland A's System - No matter who they trade away, they are just keep churning out pitching. Trevor Cahill, and Brett Anderson pitched well, but the star of the day was Henry Rodriguez. The slightly-more-than-half-full stadium ooooh'd and aaaah'd as he hit 101 on the gun (on the display in CF, meaning he was probably sitting at about 87 or so).

Deepest Apologies

Big updates coming shortly, including Fowl Balls' trip to the Futures Game, the State of the Yankees, and our reccomendations for moves to be made at the trade deadline.

Rest In Peace, Bobby Murcer

A True Yankee.

Give 70's Porn Representation

Vote Jason Giambi

The Old Mail Sack

Oh my God, someone cares about our opinion. I took the time to answer a question from a loyal reader - one whom obviously does not understand the amateur nature of my analysis, but I decided to indulge them anyway...on with the show

Loyal Subject - What are your thoughts on our rotation going into the second half?
Rasner's pitching some innings and Ponson looks really good. You see
any significant promotions happening?

Jimmy Dugan - My feeling on the rotation is that right now is going to have to do. Rasner and Ponson are stop gaps. Ponson battles, but he just seems to bend too much. Against good teams, he has to reach a breaking point (like when the Rangers pummeled him). There is just something that I don't like about Ian Kennedy. I fear that he has Ed Whitson Syndrome, and the city is just too much for him. As much as I think he has superstar stuff when healthy, Hughes seems to be hurt constantly. If they can stay close (easier said than done), then Wang and a healthy Hughes could be a Sabathia-like swing in power.

Honestly, I think that extra arm in the bullpen could mean a lot more than a starter. I love the Brian Fuentes idea. Let him pitch the 8th, then some semblance of Hawkins, Farnsworthless (who actually looks really good right now), Edwar, and Veras can get the other 3-6 outs that are required to get to Mo.

I don't think that I would call any promotions 'significant' regarding the rotation with the possible exception of Alan Horne, who hasn't been able to stay healthy.

As for relievers, Mark Melancon is a guy whose stats I check every day. He was an elite closer in college, and hes a TJ recovery, with this being his first full year back. They are bringing him along slowly, but hes pitching lights out. His outings have been 2 and 3 innings with no consecutive days, but he has been dominant to the tune of a 0.77 WHIP in 36 innings. Peter Abraham told me that he should be the 8th inning guy, but they are still treating him with kid gloves.

Please feel free to send your questions to jimmyduggan.fowlballs@yahoo.com, and I will be glad to answer them in a timely fashion. That is all.

With All Due Respect...

Next.

Hero of the Day

Maybe he isnt the long term answer, but we'll take it.