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“Fearless” Rodriguez Perfect Fit for Yanks


By Frank Russo ~ June 21st, 2011. Filed under: Rumor Mill.

There has been talk about the Yankees interest in Wandy Rodriguez, and after talking to my sources down in Tampa he very well could be the perfect fit for the Yankees.

Rodriguez, who is one of starting pitchers that Yankees have been targeting for a trade, was described to me as “fearless,” and that his ability to miss bats would translate well to the American League. You would not see David Ortiz throwing his bat with Rodriguez on the mound, and it going unpunished. Any deal for the Astros lefty would probably require the inclusion of Jesus Montero, something that I was told the Yankees aren’t averse to doing.

Of course, things could change and there is a chance other pitchers will hit the market. You can be sure if Anaheim decides to put Jared Weaver on the block the Yankees will come calling. I was told that even the Killer B’s wouldn’t be off limits when discussing someone of the caliber of Weaver.

Don’t be surprised if the Yankees also acquire some depth for the rotation as well. The Twins would be willing to part with Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, or Nick Blackburn. Don’t forget that Brian Cashman considered signing Carl Pavano this past winter, and it’s not inconceivable they look at him as well. The Pirates Paul Maholm is also a possibility.

Finally, there is lots of buzz about the Yankees making C.J. Wilson their top target this offseason. Mark Hale of the NY Post wrote about this last week when Texas was in town to play the Yankees. I can confirm this is indeed the case, and they very well will make him a top target in the same fashion they did Cliff Lee this past winter.

Frank is a resident of East Brunswick, NJ and former radio announcer. He is a 4th generation Republican and Yankees Fan. He also enjoys listening to talk radio. His favorite announcer is Shawn Hannity of “Hannity” on FOX and enjoys reading about military history. In addition to rooting for the Yankees, he also has a passion for the New York Islanders. You can enjoy Frank’s work at The Dead Ball Era and his book “Bury My Heart at Cooperstown”. Check out his “Rants and Raves” on New York Baseball Digest.
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5 Responses to “Fearless” Rodriguez Perfect Fit for Yanks

  1. Michael Maggi
    June 21st, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    You don’t give up Jesus Montero for a career NL pitcher who will be 33 in January and does not have the track record of a Halladay or Lee. If he was just entering his prime, of course but not at his age.

  2. John
    June 21st, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    No doubt in my mind the Yankees will trade Montero, but for Wandy Rodriguez? No chance that happens.

  3. Phil
    June 21st, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    Rodriguez has 24 million coming to him in 12 and 13 and a 2.5 million dollar buyout in 2014. I don’t think the Astros can demand Montero for him.
    Would love to get Scott Baker but I doubt the Twins give him up. His contract is very favorable for this year and next.

  4. john lolune
    June 23rd, 2011 at 10:04 pm

    I think we should target Slowey or Baker and keep Montero. Hughes will come back strong and the rest of the rotation has been fine. It’s not the pitching; it’s the lack of clutch hitting, shoddy defense, and poor base running that’s keeping us 2nd.

  5. MichaelN
    June 28th, 2011 at 10:11 am

    I agree that Montero is definitely gone come July 31st, but I wouldn’t give him up for Wandy Rodriguez. And if they’re going to trade any of the killer B’s (Well Brackman is a possibility), they better get someone better than Weaver.

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