When Xavier Nady came out of the Pirates/Padres game in the first inning tonight, whispers started from the broadcast booth. "I don't think he's hurt..." Damaso Marte appeared in the Pirates dugout shortly afterwards, hugging players with a smile on his face. Then word leaked out that a deal was in place, pending physicals. Less than an hour later, most of the details have found their way to the internet and as per Will Carroll it looks like Nady and Marte are going to be Yankees for a quartet of prospects; Jose Tabata, Phil Coke, George Kontos and Ross Ohlendorf (who's not a prospect). The Yankees are certainly improving themselves for a run at the Rays and Red Sox with this deal. Nady's in the middle of a career year, hammering along with a .330/.383/.538 line and 10 outfield assists. Marte is one of the best lefty-specialists in the league and he's been good against righties the past two seasons as well, doing a nice job filling in for Matt Capps at closer this year. Both players will be immediately useful for the Yankees in their pennant run.
For the Pirates, the deal hinges on Tabata. His minor league numbers aren't great, but he's in AA as a 19-year old and most prospect guys love him. He might be a superstar but between his wrist injury and potential headcase issues, he also might not be much of anything at all.
UPDATE: The last two pitchers in the trade have been changed from Coke and Kontos to Dan McCutchen and Jason Karstens.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-25-2008 @ 8:52PM
Vegas Watch said...
Well...the prospect guys loved him in December. Here is BPro's Kevin Goldstein's midseason assessment of Tabata's stock:
"Production: .241/.319/.298 at Double-A (66 G)
Stock Report: Down considerably. Beyond the poor performance is a swing that no longer looks good, and questions are being asked about his conditioning and makeup."
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7-25-2008 @ 9:22PM
luis said...
BY AQUIRING NADY AND MARTE. THE YANKEES HAVE IMPROVED THEMSELVES . IAM SURE THOSE TWO WILL BE A BIG HELP IN THE LONG STRETCH. GO YANKS!!!!!!!
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7-25-2008 @ 10:29PM
ralphgmiami said...
Go YANKS! Brian Cashman made the right move and didn't get two older washed up players from prospects. Miami, Florida, also known as south New York for it's million of fomer New Yorkers, loves the Yankees. Compare the dismal attendance at Dolphins Stadium until the Yankees play there. We former New Yorkers love our Yanks. Marlins fans only love their team when they win. That's why the Marlins are dead last in attendance every year.
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7-25-2008 @ 11:32PM
Yankslova said...
GO YANKEES!!
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7-25-2008 @ 11:58PM
Gilligan said...
The Pirates had the best outfield combo in baseball in Nady Bay and McClouth. This looks to me like another give away of core players getting nothing in return. I am sick of hearing the rebuilding bull. As soon as the players the get to rebuild with get good enough to help they get rid of the so they don't have to pay what they are worth.
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7-26-2008 @ 1:08AM
George B Vieto said...
Brian Cashman just hit the jackpot by getting Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte who will be a big help in getting the Yankees into playoff contention. As of the Pirates keep your fingers crossed that the Yankee minor leaguers don't become flops.
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7-26-2008 @ 3:59AM
ed said...
as usual, Cash-man , buying another pennant!!!!!!!!!!
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7-26-2008 @ 5:20AM
PG said...
So any time the Yankees make a trade, they are buying another pennant???
You must be a jealous Red Sox fan!
7-26-2008 @ 7:58AM
DGB said...
How is making a trade 'buying' a pennant? Nonsense, don't comment unless you know what you're talking about.
7-26-2008 @ 9:00AM
Rich said...
Yankees finally made a good move. Now if they can get rid of
the likes of Gardner, Christian, and Bettimite!
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7-26-2008 @ 9:56AM
Ray said...
Buying a Championship? It was a trade.Something alot of teams do this time of year.Glad to see they picked up a lefty for the pen and a 330 BA.Better than Gardner. Also what about dice K. That was buying. Overpriced for a good pitcher not a great one.Hes only in double win figures because of his run support on the Red Sox. ERA isnt the best when he getting the money for the best.
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7-26-2008 @ 10:53AM
Wayne said...
Daisuke's ERA is one of the best in the league. If his walk total was reasonable, he'd be one of the leading candidates for the Cy Young.
What pisses me off is that other teams continue to make trades with the Yankees that favor the Yankees. The Yankees gave up a pile of crap to get Nady and Marte. If they at least gave up equal value, I'd have no beef with the Pirates. Why do teams let Cashman bully them into unfair deals?
7-26-2008 @ 10:06AM
ROLLINGROCKBOB said...
GO BUCS. THIS DEAL IF THATS WHAT YOU WANT TO CALL IT IS ALMOST AS BAD AS THE ARAMIS RAMIREZ, KENNY LOFTON FOR THE ONE AND ONLY BOBBY WHERE IS HE NOW HILL TRADE.THE PIRATES HAVE BEEN REBUILDING FOR 16 YEARS. WILL SOME ONE PLEASE BUY THE PIRATES AND MOVE THEM OUT OF PITTSBURGH. I WILL NEVER GO TO ANOTHER GAME.ALL THE OWNERS WANT IS MONEY.NO MORE FROM ME. WE GOT THE STEELERS AND THE PENS. GO BUCS ,GO BUCS,JUST GO AND DONT COME BACK.
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7-26-2008 @ 10:47AM
marc b said...
It astounds me how little fans know about the game of baseball. It's convenient to keep accusing the Yankees of buying a pennant, when in fact, over the last five years, they have not received much for their troubles. Even if a team is willing to spend money, there is no guarantee of any return. As previous comments have suggested, trades are not purchases. If it appears the Yankees got the better of this one, chalk it up to a good GM. Every trade must be evaluated two or three years down the road. By the way, how many big time free agents have the Yankees "bought" over the last five years as compared to other teams? The answer might surprise you.
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7-27-2008 @ 6:05AM
MJRAZOR said...
People will always hate the Yankees....NO MATTER WHAT!!! They play in the GREATEST city in the world, with the most knowledgeable fans. As a Yankee fan, I am used to it. So, don't think any minds will be changed no matter how much sense your comments make. Jealously breeds hatred.
7-26-2008 @ 11:12AM
tobrien28 said...
The Yankees have to be considered the favorite for the Wild Card spot now. The Rays will fade, but the Sox will win the division and the Yankees take the Wild Card.
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7-26-2008 @ 2:35PM
JETKEES said...
NOW U RED SOX FANS STOP CALLING THE YANKEES THE EVIL EMPIRE. CALL THEM THE KINGDOM OF BASEBALL SICE ALL PLAYERS WANT TO BE A YANKEE INCLUDING MANNY
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7-26-2008 @ 6:59PM
KendraOregon said...
I bet George Steinbrenner is drooling
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7-26-2008 @ 8:25PM
Oscar Luna said...
GO YANKEES!! How many times have the Yankees been written of early in the season only to have them step it up before the all-star break and finish in the play-offs. This season is no different. Yankee haters can't stand those sweet something for nothing deals. Great job Cashman you've done it again!!
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