His primary set-up man is gone, but Mariano Rivera thinks the Yankees improved as a team with Wednesday’s swap with the Tigers of Kyle Farnsworth for 14-time All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez.
Rivera yesterday put his stamp of approval on GM Brian Cashman’s unexpected pre-deadline deal, which provides the Yankees with a full-time replacement behind the plate for the injured Jorge Posada, but further depletes a bullpen that already lost Joba Chamberlain to the starting rotation.
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“I think it will help the team,” Rivera said. “[Rodriguez] being with the team gives us the opportunity to be a contender. It’s great.”
Farnsworth had a 4.33 ERA in his 2½ seasons in pinstripes, but he sports a 2.70 ERA since May 30. The bridge work now falls to the largely untested trio of Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez and David Robertson, as well as recently acquired lefty Damaso Marte. Brian Bruney, out since April with a foot injury, could rejoin the Yanks soon.
“We’re definitely going to miss [Farnsworth],” Rivera said. “We have to do the job with what we have. I think the guys have done a tremendous job. Veras, Ramirez, Robertson – all those three kids have been outstanding for us.”
The Yankees relievers now have to familiarize themselves with a new receiver in Rodriguez, a 13-time Gold Glove winner and lifetime .302 hitter. Rivera called Pudge “a tremendous catcher, one of the best catchers there is.”
Rivera, at the age of 38, is in the midst of one of the finest seasons of his Hall of Fame career. His 1.33 ERA would be a career low, and his rate of 10.84 strikeouts per nine innings is second only to his 1996 mark of 10.87. Rivera has not blown a save in 26 chances this year.
“This year has been special,” Rivera said. “Thank God, because we need that. We need all the pitching we can get.”