Here's a rumor that I'm surprised hasn't come up before (though jscape2000 brought up this name in the diaries last month).  From today's New York Post:

I'm guessing that Samela is giggly about this.  And actually, so am I.  Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to post this video.  You know, it's been just about two years to the day since Farnsworth piledrove Jeremy Affeldt into the Comerica Park turf.  (It's at the 2:50 mark, if you're short on time.)

You knew when Big Boy got there, it was gonna get on!  You're welcome.  

Seriously, though - Farnsworth hasn't been great this year (which is presumably why he's available).  Looking at his stats, the most troubling number is 26 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings. That's not really bringing the heat that Detroit's bullpen needs.  Other red flags are the 45 hits and 20 walks that he's given up, and a .280 BAA.  I think the only notable thing he's done this year is criticize the "family clause" in Roger Clemens' contract.

Just last week, Joe Torre said he was considering taking Farnsworth out of his set-up role, adding that he doesn't like using The Farns on consecutive days.  The article also points out that Farnsworth has only pitched four 1-2-3 innings all season, one for each month.  After Ron Guidry told him that he was throwing far fewer sliders than in previous seasons, however, Farnsworth has made an effort to throw the pitch more often and thinks that could be a reason for his struggles.

So what do you think?  Is Farnsworth worth taking a shot on for the right price?  Or should the Tigers pass and look elsewhere?

EDIT:  I should try to put up a video that works, eh?  Sorry about that.  I was working from an old blog posting, and wasn't aware it had been taken down.  I can only assume the Affeldt family is responsible.  Maybe I can round up some buddies to re-enact the brawl in my backyard this weekend, and we can post the video on YouTube.