Javier Vazquez is heading back to the Bronx as the Yankees shipped outfielder Melky Cabrera to Atlanta for the right handed picture. The deal also included some throw-in players but basically this was Cabrera for Vazquez.
photo credit: Kevin.Ward
In response to the Red Sox improving their rotation last week with the signing of Lackey, the Yankees got another good arm to join a rotation that already contains CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte.
The trade pushed the Yankees payroll for next season over $200 million. New York’s top four starters will combine for $64 million in payroll; more than four teams paid their entire rosters last season.
So on paper it looks like a good trade for the Yankees. They get a durable pitcher who has reached at least 198 innings and 32 starts in each of the past 10 seasons. The trade will also allow the Yankees to keep Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes in the bullpen, and that by itself makes them a better team.
I am just not sold that Vazquez can shine under the bright lights of Broadway. Yes he has been successful in Atlanta and Arizona, but they are not high-pressure baseball towns. He struggled in Chicago and the last time Vazquez was in a Yankees uniform he was giving up two homers to Johnny Damon, including a grand slam, as the Yankees lost Game 7 of the 2004 AL championship series to Boston.
Cabrera will help Atlanta. He is still young ( 25) and coming off a career year where he hit 28 doubles and 13 homers, while batting .274.
“Melky will fit in our club very well,” Braves general manager Frank Wren told reporters. “He can play all three outfield positions, has postseason experience and is a switch-hitter with a really strong throwing arm who can defend. That versatility really helps our ballclub.”
