Heyman Maneuver: Pudge, Orlando(s)

SI.com's Jon Heyman passes along a few tidbits in today's Daily Scoop:

• Catcher Ivan Rodriguez is drawing looks from the cash-strapped Astros and Marlins. Pudge's power is pretty much gone (it went with the steroids?), although is batting average remained respectable - at least until he got to the Yankees (.219 in 33 games) last year.
  
  
• The possibilities for 2B Orlando Hudson look to be the Dodgers or Nationals. But Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times earlier claimed in a column that Hudson was more interested in the Dodgers than the other way around.
  
  
• The Athletics want to sign shortstop Orlando Cabrera, but for no more than $5 million and preferably closer to $3 million.
  

Desperate Yankees Trade for Ivan Rodriguez

Days after losing catcher Jorge Posada to season ending surgery, the Yankees have acquired Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers for Kyle Farnsworth.

The Rays and Red Sox still seem better positioned to make the playoffs, but time will tell if this will help the Yankees squeak in. It's a low risk move for the Yankees. Farnsworth is an average relief pitcher and even if Pudge continues his low offensive production, his ability to handle young pitchers such as Joba Chamberlain will be very valuable. All that said, Brian Cashman may have to make another move for this team to contend.

This is a strange move for the Tigers, who are only 5.5 games behind the struggling White Sox, and are now stuck with Brandon Inge behind the plate.