That’s all. I just had a heart attack on that ball hit to Betemit.
The redemption of Kyle begins
Let me set the scene for you.
It’s 5-2 Yanks after six innings. Roger Clemens, over 100 pitches, had given up his share of hits, but a nifty variation of the strike ‘em out, throw ‘em out double play kept the Tigers from really breaking out against the Yanks.
Out in the bullpen, Joba Chamberlain, rookie stud, is unavailable. But Edwar Ramirez is. Instead, in trots Yankee Enemy Number One: number 48 Kyle Farnsworth.
Uh, oh.
Farnsworth had lost the set-up job after months of inconsistency. Recently, he had pitched better but only in non-pressure situations. Today, it would be different. Farnsworth would have to protect a three-run lead against the Tigers’ 2-3-4 hitters including the hated Gary Sheffield.
Well, Krazy Kyle kame through. He K’d the last two hitters he faced and got the first out after running the count full to start the inning. The crowd erupted. On Tuesday, we came to bury – or is that boo? – Farnsworth. Today, we came to praise him.
Luis Vizcaino pitched the 8th, and our fears were assuaged when Mariano nailed down the save. All was well in Yankeeland.
Seeing Farnsworth throw well is huge for the team. If he can throw consistently and get outs, the Yanks could have a stellar and solid bullpen. For now, though, we’ll take this inning. One day at a time for the Yanks and Farns.
And, hey, when all is said and done, Farnsworth is no Eric Gagne. Just ask the Red Sox fans.
Farnsworth clears waivers
That’s the word from Joel Sherman. The Yanks are now free to dish him to any team. The likely return in this kind of scenario is a younger, non-40-man roster player, since they can be traded without clearing waivers themselves. The Yanks will almost certainly be on the hook for $4 to $6 million if they choose to dish him.
Hat tip to Steve
Answer: Just DFA him
Question: What should the Yankees do with Kyle Farnsworth?
A note on Kyle Farnsworth
A lot of folks are less-than-thrilled that Kyle Farnsworth is still a Yankee. Considering the boos Farnsworth heard last night upon entering the game and the last-minute trade the Yanks turned down, it’s understandable. But Farnsworth could still be on the move. He’s owed a ridiculous $7.1 million over the next few seasons. With a contract like that, he will definitely clear waivers to be traded before August 31. And if he doesn’t clear waivers, he becomes someone else’s problem.
Remember that bit about Wickman?
Turns out it could have happened. Take it away, Pete Abraham:
It seems the Yankees could have gotten rid of Krazy Kyle. Atlanta was willing to trade the Yankees Bob Wickman but wanted all $7.1 million of Farnsworth’s salary. That was a no deal for Cashman.
I still would have done it.
Rumors: Kyle Farnsworth
In his oft-updated trade deadline piece, Ken Rosenthal notes that the Yanks are, according to an MLB source, “begging” to get rid of Kyle Farnsworth. There’s no way this guy’s still on the Yanks tonight.