Pudge in Pinstripes

Today's trade sending Ivan Rodriguez to the Yankees for reliever Kyle Farnsworth made me like many fans think and ponder about the transaction. Here are my observations/thoughts:

1. The Tigers should have held out for more from the Yankee's. With Posada out for the year the Yankees were in a desperate position, Detroit could have got a little more than a journeyman middle reliever. Perhaps a prospect packaged with Farnsworth? Maybe a couple minor leaguers as well? Either way this trade the Yankee's got an old but solid catcher for a good price.

2. A-Rod and I-Rod in the same city, how will Madonna handle this? A former Detroiter herself Madonna might find a reason to party with the new catcher in town rather than the third basemen who has outlived his welcome in her home.

3. Who will close for Detroit? Will it be Farnsworth? Or perhaps one of three stooges (Zumaya, Jones, Rodney) that currently are battling over the coveted role, I think you have to give the job to Zumaya or Rodney and allow Farnsworth to continue being a solid set-up man like he was in New York for Mariano Rivera. Also I wouldn't be surprised to see Jones headed elsewhere, perhaps the NL West real soon.

4. Rodriguez will find the form he had in 03' when he was one of the best clutch players in the last decade leading the Marlins to a World Series title. The bright lights of New York, a change of scenery and the benefit of batting in a lineup that boasts Abreu, A-Rod, Giambi, allowing Pudge to be a quite contributor will allow him to regain form and have a breakout last two months of the season, immediately leading to Detroit fans demanding GM Dave Dombrowski's head on a platter.

5. Where does Pudge rank all time in MLB history as a catcher? Now remember I'm 19 and a Mets fan so my top 5 is going to include Mike Piazza, true he couldn't throw me out and I have a bad knee but his hitting ability more than made up for his defensive struggles. Heres my quick list of the top 5 MLB catchers in my opinion:

1. Yogi Berra- 10 World Series Rings, 358 career homers, Berra was a rock behind the plate and who could forget his "Yogi-Isms."
2. Johnny Bench- Probably the best all-around catcher in history, he was a better fielder than Berra but Yogi gets the slight edge as he had a better career average and even though it was with the Yankees he did win 10 rings.
3. Carlton Fisk- Redsox great known for waving the ball fair in the 1975 World Series, Fisk hold MLB records for games caught, runs and total bases.
4. Ivan Rodriguez- Arguably the best defensive catcher of all time during his prime, winning 11 gold gloves and AL MVP award and a World Series MVP award. While his hitting skills aren't what they used to, Rodriguez is still better than most catchers with the bat.
5. Mike Piazza- Once again the best hitting catcher of all time, in my opinion he should have retired before becoming a journeyman DH his last couple years, but either way easily the best hitting catcher of all time.

6. And one last thought, September 1 the Yankee's and Tigers meet in Detroit. I wonder what kind of welcome will Pudge get after it was rumored he wanted out anyway and had to waive a no-trade clause for the deal to go through. Also I hope Tiger manager Jim Leyland brings in Farnsworth to face Rodriguez and that one-on-one showdown can be the determining factor of who got the better deal.