Joel Sherman of The New York Post was the first to report that Mark Melancon, as well as Charleston second baseman Jimmy Paredes, were involved in a potential deal that will send Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman to the Yankees.
Melancon made his much anticipated and hyped arrival in Trenton in May of 2008 and was every bit as good as he was made out to be. During his two month stay, the imposing righty posted a 6-0 record with a 1.81 ERA in 19 appearances before being called up to Scranton at the end of July.
However, despite all of his talent, the 25-year-old could never completely put things together at the big league level, and largely struggled in parts of two seasons in the Bronx. He made all of 15 appearances in a Yankees uniform, including two this season, but was solid for Scranton this season.
Tony Franklin, who managed Melancon in Trenton, was surprised to learn the news after the game from reporters.
“Not hearing anything previous to what you guys just told me, the thought was, ‘Golly, not Melancon.’ He was so good here,” Franklin said.
“Nice guy, I loved the guy. But that’s part of the business. He’s a pretty good pitcher, I could see Houston wanting him. He’ll do a pretty good job there, he may get an opportunity there. Not that he didn’t get one here, he got a pretty good one here. But it’s always a good thing when somebody wants you, sometimes kids don’t realize that because there’s no place like home. The Yankees organization is a special one. But when you’re traded for, somebody wants you. That’s not a bad thing.”
Mike Ashmore, mashmore98 AT gmail.com
