Javier Vazquez traded back to Yankees

Javier Vazquez was given just one year to prove he could handle pitching in New York, but he couldn’t. Now, he’ll get another shot, as he was traded to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera and Mike Dunn.

The Yankees also received lefty reliever Boone Logan from the Braves, but his numbers aren’t very pretty.

Judging from the numbers, the Yankees acquired a big time starter for an average — at best — left fielder and two promising relievers.

UPDATE: Sweeny Murti confirms the Yankees also sent pitching prospect Arodys Vizcaino to the Braves.

First reaction: Advantage Yankees (still). But let’s look a little deeper.

Vazquez is owed $11.5 million in 2010 before his contract expires, so that’s definitely a negative. But that’s what he’s been making for the last six years (if you go back to his contract with the Yankees).

“I’m outraged and I’m disappointed and I wish them the worst,” my dad says of the trade.

Here’s why he might be upset. The Yankees have already tried out Vazquez, and he failed. He was an All-Star, actually, but he ended the year with a 14-10 record, 4.93 ERA and 150 strikeouts — his lowest total in the last 10 years by 29.

If you don’t recall, he was one answer to my trivia question last week. If you don’t recall, the Yankees traded away Nick Johnson for Vazquez in 2004, and then re-signed him to a lucrative contract. After blowing Game 7 of the ALCS against the Red Sox (I’m gonna cry), he was dealt to the D’Backs for Randy Johnson. Nice history with the team.

Anyway, this trade opens up the outfield market again, unless the Yankees want to go with Brett Gardner in center and Curtis Granderson in left with Jamie Hoffman as the backup (not terrible). The available left fielders: Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye (RF), Mark DeRosa and a guy named Johnny Damon. There are options.

It also boots Joba Chamberlain and/or Phil Hughes to the bullpen (which I like). I’d prefer Hughes stays in the rotation, but I think Chamberlain will stay because he is more experienced as a starter at this point in time. Remember, they both can dominate the eighth inning.

Bottom line: It’s another big trade for the Yankees, and that means a whole new can of worms is open.

Interested in the Yankees farm system?

If you are one of those dedicated fans that want to know the inside scoop on the Yankees minor league prospects, check out this interview with former MLB scout Frankie Piliere.

Joba Chamberlain and big-name prospects like Austin Jackson, Pat Venditte, Alan Horne, Mike Dunn, Wilkins de la Rosa, Jesus Montero are discussed.

Yankees September call-ups: Cervelli, Dunn, Melancon & Pena

It’s Sept. 1, and it’s time for September call-ups. Jon Heyman is reporting via twitter the Yankees will call up catcher Francisco Cervelli, LHP Michael Dunn, RHP Mark Melancon and utility infielder Ramiro Pena.

All but Dunn have played for the Yankees this season. Dunn is a left-handed reliever who had a fine year in the minors. He started the year in Trenton and was promoted with a 3.71 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 53-1/3 innings. In 19-1/3 innings with Scranton, he has only allowed five runs and has struck out 22. However, his BB/IP has gone up significantly since the promotion.

Here is a breakdown of the rest of the call-ups’ stats in the majors this year.

• Cervelli: 25 G, 78 AB, 10 R, 21 H, 1 HR, 9 RBI, .269/.284/.346
• Melancon: 9 G, 11-1/3 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 6 BB, 7 K, 3.18 ERA
• Pena: 53 G, 94 AB, 14 R, 26 H, 7 RBI, 3 SB, 1 CS, .277/.313/.351

I completely agree with this first group of call-ups. I would have chosen the same four myself. In the beginning of the year, I was expecting Austin Jackson to be a call-up for sure, but I would not be in support of that now. There should be a few more call-ups later on in the month.

UPDATE (4:23 p.m.): Bryan Hoch tweets Edwar Ramirez was also called up.

Gardner continues tear, Yanks fall short to USA

Brett Gardner posted a three-for-three day, including a double, a stolen base and a run scored.  Technically the game does not count toward his spring training stats, but if you do include the numbers, he is 8/13 with three doubles and three stolen bases.

Phil Hughes started and was knocked out of the game on Derek Jeter's second single of the game with two outs in the top of the third inning.  Jeter played the whole game going 2/4 with two RBIs, a walk and a strikeout.  This was the first time the captain has ever played against the Yankees in his illustrious career.

Hughes was hit with the loss, but Eric Hacker could not record an out in the sixth inning, and surrendered four runs (three earned).  Phil Coke, Michael Dunn, David Robertson and Jose Veras did not let up any runs in 6 1/3 combined innings.

It was a fairly impressive performance for the Yankees, playing against some of the best players in the U.S.  They managed one run each off Roy Oswalt and Matt Lindstrom, and even tagged Matt Thornton for three runs.

Going back to the centerfield dilemma, the Yankees have to take note of Gardner's performance so far.  However, there is still a whole month left of spring training games and anything can happen in that span.

Jeter was interviewed today and was "informed" that he was the captain of the USA team.  It is clear that everything will be handled lightly because he has known most of the guys from the past.  He said he felt honored and "enjoyed" playing for the USA in the last World Baseball Classic.