Pudge to Yanks; Manny to Fish?

To nobody's surprise, the Yankees pulled off a deadline deal today.

To most baseball fans surprise, they snagged Ivan Rodriguez from potential A.L. playoff rival Detroit Tigers.

Just days after landing RP Damaso Marte from Pittsburgh, New York sent talented but sometimes erratic RP Kyle Farnsworth to the Motor City.

Pudge's value is virtually unchanged, while Farnsworth may have a chance to close by the end of the year if new closer Fernando Rodney keeps struggling.

Manny to Marlins? A day after Manny Ramirez was closely linked to the Phillies, it seems the Florida Marlins have been talking to the Red Sox about a possible 11th-hour deal.

Manny in Miami? Is it possible, but it'll have to happen by 4 p.m. Eastern tomorrow.

It would definitely make some waves in South Beach, but here's three legitimate reasons why it could happen.

1). Boston is offering to pay for either most or all of Manny's $7 million remaining salary this year (Florida's total team salary is $22 million; Manny's is $20).

2). The Red Sox and Marlins have recent history of pulling off blockbusters, i.e. Hanley Ramirez for Josh Beckett/Mike Lowell.

3). Boston seemingly has no qualms dealing a big star to rid the clubhouse of distractions, as it did with Nomar Garciaparra to the Cubs in 2004. And that worked out OK.

Asking price is reportedly either OF Jeremy Hermida or OF Josh Willingham.