I am sure you have read that the Yankees response to the Red Sox signing of John Lackey was to deal a 4th outfielder type in Melky Cabrera in a package to the Braves for Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan. Vazquez was coming off perhaps his bext season in the majors by going 15-10-2.87-1.03 with a K/9 of 9.77 and a K/B of 5.48 in 2009. He also had the lowest xFIP-2.82-of all major league starters in 2009.
Vazquez will be the Yankees 3rd or 4th starter in a rotation that includes CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Andy Pettite, but based on his 2009 season stats, he would be their #1, but we know that won't happen. He pitched with the Yankees back in 2004 with poor results. In 2004, he went 14-10 with a 4.91 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, but only struck out 6.82 batters per 9 innings and had a K/BB ratio of 2.50. Since 2004, his K/9 has not been lower than 8.01. and his K/BB ratio has not been lower than 3.28.
Vazquez had a problem with the longball in 2004 as he gave up 1.50 HR/9 while giving up 33 homers. He gave up 35 homers in 2005 as well, but since then has controlled the longball as he has given up 23, 29, 25 and 20 homers since 2005. That may change pitching in Yankee stadium in 2010.
Like I said the Braves got Melky Cabrera, along with pitching prospects Arodys Vizcaino and Mike Dunn. Cabrera should start in right field for the Braves, with Nate McLouth in center field and Matt Diaz in left field. But, once right field prospect Jason Heyward is ready, Melky could platoon with Diaz in left field. Melky went 13-68-.274-.336-.419 hitting in Yankee Stadium in 2009. Not the definition of the big bat the Braves were talking about getting in return for one of their starting pitchers.
Vizcaino is years away from making the big leagues, but was the Yankees number 2 prospect behind Jesus Montero. Dunn could see time as the Braves set-up guy behind Billy Wagner or could close for them in 2011, so he is one to watch in 2010.