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:
According to multiple sources, the Tigers are looking to make a deal that would bring Farnsworth back to the team he pitched 46 games for in 2005. Ideally, the Tigers would like to add Texas closer Eric Gagne but he likely will balk at a deal that sends him to a team where he can't close.
Tigers scout Dick Egan was at last night's Yankees' 7-1 win over the Royals in which Farnsworth didn't pitch in. What the Yankees would get back depends on how much money the Tigers want to pay on Farnsworth's salary.
Farnsworth, who is making $5.25 million this year and $5.5 million next season, is 1-1 with a 4.24 ERA.
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.