The interesting thing here is if Gagne doesn't agree to go to Boston (which I doubt) if there will be time left for Texas to still make a deal with anyone else (which I also doubt as Boston will drag this out until 4 PM so that can't happen).
BS, even Olney just said the Yanks would have to trade one of their top arms then Texas trades Gagne to Boston for Gabbard.
The Yankees were told they would have to give up Melke or Kennedy for Gagne...did they ever make the right decision.
Not a done deal yet if this true. Jonathan Papelbon is Boston's closer, and ultimately the Red Sox almost assuredly must promise Gagne some ninth-inning action for him to agree to go. It was unclear as negotiations continue whether Gagne will require the Red Sox to name him as the sole closer or whether he'll accept some sort of agreement to a shared closer's role with Papelbon.
Turns out the Yankees really didn't want Gagne at all..ESPN reports that they added about 6 or 7 more pitching prospects to the list today of people not available at any price. So they weren't willing to trade any pitcher in the minor leagues basically.
Don't sacrifice the cow for the quart of milk, understandable. Admirable, even. IF they hadn't traded away the one guy besides Viz who can go multiple innings while hanging on to Farnsworthless and Myers. But of course, in typical Yankees style, we kept the fat and threw out the meat.
Apparently Gagne has waived his no trade clause and the deal is done. At least that's what Sportsline is reporting.
That's because we couldn't give away Farnsworth to anybody for anything. And he's just another one that we are stuck with for another year. Mussina, Farnsworth, Giambi, Damon,..etc..etc..etc. All the pitchers do is take up spots that could be filled by younger better kids...there is always '09.
This is incredible. Okajima and Gagne setting up for Papelbon, then hopefully they extend Gagne to put Papelbon in the rotation where he belongs next year. For Gabbard who I just said I didn't like much anyway, Murphy who never had any hope of playing in Boston due to guys like Manny, Drew, Crisp, Pena, and Ellsbury all ahead of him, and Beltre who is hitting .215 with 5 HR in rookie ball. He is only 17 so he could improve, but I'm far from upset about it.
Only by a lot. If they move Gagne to the full time closer spot, and Papelbon into the rotation... I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.
