Talk about lightning striking twice. Last week it was a deal with the Pirates for Nady and Marte. Wednesday, the Yankees went out and got Pudge Rodriguez — now I-Rod to go with A-Rod — from the Detroit Tigers for Kyle Farnsworth. So, they replace Jorge Posada with a 14-time All-Star who is hitting .295 this season. Move over, Molina and Moeller. That is one sweet deal. As nicely as Farnsworth had rebounded — and we know Joe Girardi liked him a lot — grabbing Rodriguez is a steal at this price. Brian Cashman & Co. are going for it and going for it now. With the Angeles adding Mark Teixiera on Tuesday, one has to wonder what Theo Epstein is doing in Boston. Could he be working on a blockbuster deal for Manny Ramirez? He needs to have something cooking if the Red Sox want to repeat. The tough just keep getting tougher in the American League.

Girardi: "He’s hitting over .290 I believe and he’s been hot so we’re looking forward to having him."

Farnsworth: Another team wants me. That’s the way I look at it. They [the Tigers] know my reputation. They know what type of person I am."