Yanks acquire Javier Vazquez from Atlanta

[Kuzzy Powers]

One of the most consistent and unheralded pitchers of the last decade. Great move by the Yanks to shore up the rotation.

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Fuggin Yankees now have a power 4...damn.

They were also in the market for Derek Lowe, but I guess they went with JV.

Sabathia, Burnett, Pettite, Joba, Vasquez is ridiculous.

[Blade]

You guys realized that Vazquez sucked in NY right? And he wasn't even that good in AL compared to the NL?

Sox get Lackey and The Phils steal Halladay, and this is the best counter Yankees could come up with?

[Kuzzy Powers]

You guys realized that Vazquez sucked in NY right? And he wasn't even that good in AL compared to the NL?

Sox get Lackey and The Phils steal Halladay, and this is the best counter Yankees could come up with?

Considering they're the defending champions id say they're at luxury to bring in a guy like Vazquez to counter Halladay or Lackey. Vazquez is a much better regular season pitcher then Lackey anyways, Lackey's value comes from his supposed post-season dominance. You dont like guys with 2.87 ERA and 1.03 WHIP on your team? All while striking out batters at a better rate then pretty much anyone in baseball? Hmm..

[FedEx227]

One of the most consistent and unheralded pitchers of the last decade. Great move by the Yanks to shore up the rotation.

Uh.....

[Chrispy]

I like it, he's our number 4 or 5, plus we didnt give up much. I don't see Melky as a great outfielder. Now this opens the door for us to go get another outfielder.

[FedEx227]

Melky, statistically was about average in CF.

06 he was pretty terrible with a -10.4 UZR, but was back to average in 07 and 08 with 0.6 and 1.4. Arm wise he's pretty average as well. Mitchel Lichtman’s ARM has him at 0.0 and -0.9 over the past two years...so the Yankees can definitely upgrade their corner outfield defense.

Here's what FanGraphs said about the Braves side of the deal:

I’m not so sure. Melky Cabrera may not have superstar upside, but he’s a quality young player with little projection required. He posted a .331 wOBA last season, making him roughly a league average hitter, and he didn’t turn 25 until August. He’s got good contact skills and gap power, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see some of his doubles turn into home runs as he ages.

Defensively, he’s below average – but not terrible – in center, and he’d make for a quality defensive corner outfielder if that’s where the Braves choose to use him. All told, he’s roughly a league average player, with upside to develop into something a bit above average.

That has value, especially as a young player who will make far below his market value this year.

But it’s not Cabrera who makes this deal work for Atlanta – that’s Vizcaino, an underhyped 19-year-old who destroyed A-ball as a teenager. The classic projectable teenage arm, Vizciano throws a mid-90s fastball with a hard breaking curve, and has proven nearly unhittable in his brief professional career. He’s not close to the majors, but he’s a significant upside bet for Atlanta long term.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-vazquez-deal

[Chrispy]

Melky wasn't a good outfielder? He was solid in fielding, range and had a cannon arm from what I recall.

I said he wasn't a great outfielder, he was good but im not mad we gave him up.

[Chrispy]

Melky, statistically was about average in CF.

06 he was pretty terrible with a -10.4 UZR, but was back to average in 07 and 08 with 0.6 and 1.4. Arm wise he's pretty average as well. Mitchel Lichtman’s ARM has him at 0.0 and -0.9 over the past two years...so the Yankees can definitely upgrade their defense in CF.

Here's what FanGraphs said about the Braves side of the deal:

We already have Curtis Granderson in CF

[FedEx227]

We already have Curtis Granderson in CF

Yeah... I meant to say upgrade their corner defense.

[Chrispy]

Yeah... I meant to say upgrade their corner defense.

yeah right now we have Nick Swisher in RF and Brett Gardner in LF, we def. need another OF.

[FedEx227]

I said he wasn't a great outfielder, he was good but im not mad we gave him up.

Yeah, he's pretty much an average player. He's great for a team like the Braves or a smaller market team because he doesn't make a lot and has great value. A team like the Yankees though really doesn't need him as they always have the ability to significantly update their roster.

[FedEx227]

yeah right now we have Nick Swisher in RF and Brett Gardner in LF, we def. need another OF.

I feel like another move is coming for them. Problem is, horrible FA selection unless they want to make a run at Bay or Holliday.

[Chrispy]

So does this mean Brett Gardner will start? Although I hate the Yankees from the bottom of my heart, I love watching that guy play.

As of right now yes, i love his defense but he can barely hit.

I feel like another move is coming for them. Problem is, horrible FA selection unless they want to make a run at Bay or Holliday.

yeah, ive heard we might be going after Mark Derosa to play outfield, i would laugh so hard if we got Jason bay

[FedEx227]

If they got Matt Holliday they should just cancel the 2010 season.