BOSTON – Yankee ownership and GM Brian Cashman sent an ear-splitting message to the clubhouse last night, where it received wall-to-wall approval.
In the fourth inning of a scintillating 1-0 win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park, the Yankees and Pirates agreed to a deal that brings righty-hitting outfielder Xavier Nady and lefty reliever Damaso Marte from Pittsburgh to The Bronx for a quartet of minor-leaguers.
Going to Pittsburgh are pitchers Ross Ohlendorf, Phil Coke, George Kontos and outfielder Jose Tabata. Only Ohlendorf has major-league experience, and that consists of 31 games.
“It’s a great move,” Alex Rodriguez said of the deal that wasn’t announced because the players have to take physicals. “It’s rare that you get two players in their prime for premier roles.”
While Cashman refused to acknowledge he completed what many in baseball were calling a steal for the Yankees, the cramped clubhouse was buzzing.
Not only did Joba Chamberlain out-duel Josh Beckett across seven innings against a Red Sox lineup that welcomed David Ortiz back from the DL but was without Manny Ramirez (knee), two major pieces were on their way.
“Ownership and Cash answered the bell,” said Jason Giambi, whose infield single to the left side foiled the shift and produced the game’s only run in the third. “They are covering their bases, hedging their bets [against Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada] coming back. This is huge. We were playing good baseball and they answered the bell.”
Since none of the four players going to the Pirates are top-tier prospects – though several talent evaluators believe Ohlendorf has the stuff to be an effective big-league pitcher – many were gave the edge to the Yankees.
And Cashman may not be done. According to Fox Sports, the Mariners last night asked Jarrod Washburn about waiving his no-trade clause. The Yankees have a strong interest in the lefty starter.
Nady, 29, is a move for today and tomorrow. His .330 batting average was fifth among NL hitters going into last night’s action. He also had 13 homers and 57 RBIs. He makes $3.35 million this year and is eligible for arbitration. He will be a free agent after the 2009 season.
The acquisition of Nady has many implications. It means Johnny Damon will DH. With Damon as the DH, that means Giambi’s playing time will come as a first baseman. Brett Gardner or Justin Christian will be sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for Nady.
A former Met, Nady gives the Yankees an option in right field next year if free agent Bobby Abreu isn’t resigned.
Marte, 33, provides manager Joe Girardi with a legitimate lefty in the bullpen. Lefties are hitting .255 (14-for-55) against Marte, who makes $2 million this year and can become a free agent if the Yankees don’t pick up a $6 million option.
“Lefty on lefty, he is as good as anybody in the game,” Giambi said of Marte, who fanned him on June 24 with a filthy breaking ball.
Marte’s addition could mean the end of LaTroy Hawkins’ ineffective stay in pinstripes.
Not long ago, Tabata, 20 next month, was considered the Yankees’ best every-day prospect. But he was suspended twice this year at Trenton (Double-A). In 79 games, he batted .248 with three homers and 36 RBIs.