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.

$100 Million Burning Hole in Steinbrenner's Pocket

Expect Yankees Co-Chairman Hal Steinbrenner's money to burn a hole in his pocket as he awaits a more than $100 million windfall with which to purchase at least a couple more veteran free agents or three -- plus hold onto younger prospects.

Steinbrenner not only actively seeks help now -- including the possible addition of lefty Jerrod Washburn -- but also next fall when he potentially can trade Kei Igawa then cull Bobby Abreu, Mike Mussina, Kyle Farnsworth, LaTroy Hawkins, Andy Pettitte, Carl Pavano and Jason Giambi from the 40-man roster because the team's debt obligations to them can be retired. That would free up more than $100 million to spend elsewhere.

In addition to Washburn -- available without the loss of prospects because the Triple A Mariners probably want to dump the remainder of his near $50 million five-year contract -- other immediate additions might include righty Vicente Padilla of the Rangers, who could be acquired in exchange for talent.

Yankees Peddling Relief Pitcher Kyle Farnsworth

With a soft schedule ahead for the Yankees into August, it seems unlikely the team would throw in the towel while still within shouting range of a playoff berth. Yet hard-throwing reliever Kyle Farnsworth reportedly is being shopped.

Among potential takers is Colorado, according to The Rocky Mountain News. But if the Yankees are not ready to give up on the season, the question appears to be who would be sent to New York in the deal?

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has reportedly been looking for help in the rotation, at first base and in the outfield, but would be expected to pay off a good deal of Farnsworth's contract in order to receive a worthy player in exchange.