Padres Have Interest In Igawa?

From the San Diego Union-Tribune -

The Yankees recently demoted left-handed pitcher Kei Igawa, for whom the Padres bid $10 million last offseason. The Padres view Igawa as a potential “buy-low” acquisition, but the Yankees aren’t making him readily available.

This is all about Cashman wanting to save face on the $26 million posting fee that he paid on Igawa. His contract has 4 years left on it - for $4 million per year. That’s very cheap and there has to be some team willing to roll the dice on that now.

There’s no reason why Cashman can’t move Igawa - other than the fact it’s a white flag move on the acquisition of the player and then Cashman has to admit that the $26 million was money thrown out the window. But, as long as the Yankees keep Igawa, Cashman can dodge the bullet, to an extent, on the question of the wasted posting fee - by claiming that they still expect Igawa to help the team in the future.

Fess up Brian. Admit your mistake here and get rid of Igawa while you still have a chance to save $16 million on the rest of his contract.

July 31, 2007 | Filed Under Trap Door Items

Comments

4 Responses to “Padres Have Interest In Igawa?”

The Scout on July 31st, 2007 9:03 am

I tend to be skeptical of many reports around the trade deadline. In this case, I suspect the Yankees want another team to eat part of the posting fee, along with Igawa’s contract. Other teams balk at that price. Cashman may reason that Igawa could pitch well in the minors and regain some of his value. If so, there is no urgent need to deal him now. I believe — and hope — there’s more to it than Cashman’s ego. It was a foolish signing no matter when the Yankees cut Igawa loose.
Yu Hsing Chen on July 31st, 2007 9:08 am

On the other hand, the best way to “prove” that he was right in bidding for Igawa might be to let him go and see him succeed elsewhere… because it sure seem far more likely there than here. both due to the enviornment and the lack of openings.

Just look at the Jose Contreras situation, there’s no talk abuot it anymore, no one blame the Yanks for a massive bid on him anymore… because he did prove in 05/06 that he can indeed to down right awsome, while no one really blame him for dumping him either. because he was downright awful in 04.

I’d say package him and Farnsworth to a team (say Mariners) and just go for prospects still very far away. (and hopefully gamble right on a jewel)
Raf on July 31st, 2007 9:54 am

There’s no reason why Cashman can’t move Igawa - other than the fact it’s a white flag move on the acquisition of the player and then Cashman has to admit that the $26 million was money thrown out the window.
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Not necessarily. It could be that he doesn’t want to give him away, it could be that he sees untapped potential in Igawa.

It could be a number of things
rbj on July 31st, 2007 10:24 am

Is Igawa blocking a more promising prospect if he’s pitching in Scranton? I don’t think Cashman has to make a deal just to get rid of Kei. If you can get something of value, then go for it, if not, then see if Kei can learn to pitch in America — maybe half a year isn’t enough.