My eyes lit up when I read this today. Apparently the Yankees are showing a great deal of interest in Mariners lefty Jarrod Washburn. I’m not a huge fan of Washburn, but then again I don’t have any issues with the guy. The reason I’m so desperate for the Yankees to make this move is because the player who is rumored to be going to Seattle is the infamous Kei Igawa. I can’t believe that any team will surrender anything more than a bucket of balls to take Igawa off our hands, but if they are, then the Yankees should jump at the very first chance. The fact that we could potentially get back major-league talent for Igawa makes it even better. Please Brian Cashman, do this. No more Igawa. Here is the story from SI.com:
The Yankees and Mariners have begun trade discussions that could land lefthanded pitcher Jarrod Washburn in the Bronx, if the finances can be worked out.
There is hope for a deal. But the talks could still be derailed by attempts to include some other big contracts in any potential trade.
The Yankees are believed to want to send disappointing lefthander Kei Igawa to Seattle to offset Washburn’s contract. Meanwhile, the Mariners could counter by asking that almost-as-disappointing designated hitter Jose Vidro be sent to New York along with Washburn.
Of course, if the sides can’t agree on the other players, a transaction involving Washburn alone still could be a possibility. The Yankees have admired Washburn from afar, and it’s no wonder, considering his lifetime 2.56 ERA against the storied Bronx team. The Yankees also would prefer to add pitching without surrendering any of their better prospects, and this may be one way to do it.
While Washburn is only 4-9 with a 4.75 ERA this season, he is handicapped by playing for an awful Mariners team. He also has been much better in recent weeks. Over his last eight starts, he’s 2-2 with a 2.65 ERA.
Washburn, 33, is 97-95 lifetime with a 4.12 ERA.
Some more numbers that may determine whether a deal can be done are the ones in the contracts of Washburn, and possibly Igawa and even Vidro.
Washburn has about $4 million of his $9.85-million salary remaining this year, plus another $10.35 million next year, meaning he’s owed close to $15 million. Igawa, an absolute bust in the Bronx who’s contracted through 2011, is owed about $14 million at his $4-million-a-year rate.
So the two lefthanders are nearly a wash monetarily. But considering that Washburn’s value as a solid No. 4 type starter is a lot higher than Igawa’s, it’s possible the Mariners may suggest the Yankees pay part of Igawa’s deal or take Vidro, who’s batting .222 with five home runs.
The Yankees are seeking a righthanded batter, so the switch-hitting Vidro would fit the bill, but it’s uncertain how New York would react to that suggestion since he’s been so unproductive.
Filed under: MLB - Yankees, Writer - Bill Slattery
