Yanks Send Melky, Dunn, To Atlanta For Vazquez And Logan

So much for Melky Cabrera being the starting left fielder. According to Sam Borden, the Yankees and the Braves have agreed to a trade that will send Melky, Mike Dunn, and righty Arodys Vizcaino to the Braves in exchange for starter Javier Vazquez and lefty Boone Logan.

Vazquez would become the Yankees #4 starter, although he may be in front of Andy Pettitte come Opening Day. He went 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA and 238 strikeouts for the Braves last year, and finished 4th in the AL Cy Young voting. He also posted a WHIP of 1.03 and threw 219.1 innings.

Many fans remember him for his ugly performance in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS in which the Red Sox clobbered him, but he's a very good pitcher and is a great acquisition for the Yanks. I think he'll do great in the rotation for the Bombers, and may be able to redeem himself if he can have a solid season and get the Yankees back-to-back championships.

Logan on the other hand, hasn't been a great pitcher in the first couple years of his young career. The 25-year old lefty posted a 5.19 ERA in 20 games for the Braves this past season, and has a career ERA of 5.78. Maybe a scenery change will help him, but to me, getting Logan doesn't make total sense to me.

But, what do you think of this move? I love it. And now, this may also mean the Yankees can still bring back Johnny Damon, now that left field has opened up. Great move, great move Yanks.

Holy Embarrassing Costumes, Batman!

Yesterday was the annual rookie hazing day for the Yankees. Each year they pick a theme and make the rookie dress up in embarrassing costumes. This year's theme was 1960's Batman.

(AP Photos/Ted S. Warren)

The first shot shows video coordinator Anthony Flynn as Robin, Mark Melancon as Batman, Ramiro Pena as Catwoman, Michael Dunn as the Riddler, and massage therapist Lew Potter as the Penguin. The second has radar gun operator Brett Weber joining them as the Joker, and Joe Girardi just posing for a picture. The third shows the rest of the Yankees laughing and taking pictures.

Now, I'm not sure why the video coordinator, radar gun operator, and message therapist were forced to dress up, but I assume this is either their first year on the job, or they just had to fill out the cast due to the lack of rookies on the roster. Either way, I hope this good natured fun eased their minds on their way to face the dangerous Angels in Anaheim.

Add Edwar to the List of Call-Ups

Last night we learned that Mike Dunn, Mark Melancon, Ramiro Pena, and Francisco Cervelli would be joining the Yankees. Today, Chad Jennings informs us that Edwar Ramirez will also be added to the roster.

In 29 games for SWB Ramirez is 1-5 with 4 saves and a 3.18 ERA. In 51 IP he's allowed 18 ER on 39 hits, he's walked 16 and struck out 62. Oppenents are hitting .205 against him.

Replacing them on the SWB Yanks roster will be RHP Humberto Sanchez, RHP Eric Wordekemper,
and OF Freddy Guzman. There are still two spots open on the SWB Yanks roster and I will update this post as soon as those players are identified.

Also, Mark Feinsand is reporting what Jennings said yesterday, that Shelley Duncan and Austin Jackson could join the Yankees once the Triple-A playoffs are over.

Four Players Inclduing Mike Dunn Coming Up

John Heyman via his Twitter page is reporting that the Yankees will call up Francisco Cervelli, Ramiro Pena, Mark Melancon, and Mike Dunn tomorrow.

Like I said earlier today, I'm very interested in seeing Dunn pitch at this level. In 37 games with Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Dunn is 3-3, with 2 saves, and a 3.34 ERA. In 72.2 innings pitched, he's allowed 27 ER and 58 hits, he's also walked 46 and struck out 98. With Scranton he had a 2.33 ERA in 11 games.

King: Marte Expected Back Tonight

George A. King III is reporting that Damaso Marte is expected to rejoin the Yankees tonight for their series in Boston. He also said that the Yanks could go with 13 pitchers.

I don't mind the idea of carrying 13 pitchers, but why the hell would Marte be one of them? According to everything I read he never regained the velocity on his fastball, and he's been nothing but ineffective since he's been a Yankee.

I wonder if Cashman is too stubborn to admit his mistake in resigning Marte and is forcing this move to occur to happen. As I mentioned before I'd much rather see Zach Kroenke and Mike Dunn on this team instead of Marte.

Minor Notes: McAllister To DL

We don't know much else but Mike Ashmore has the news that Zach McAllister has been placed on the DL. No idea what's wrong with him but his velocity was down in his performance in the AA All Star Game.

In an unrelated move Mike Dunn has been promoted to AAA. With Trenton this year, Dunn was 3-3 with a 3.71 ERA, and in 53.1 innings has allowed 41 hits, 22 ER, walked 32 and struck out 76.