Kyle Farnsworth is Available

While the Rays have told teams that pitcher James Shields is off limits this July, the club hasn’t put the same restrictions on their current closer Kyle Farnsworth.  Buster Olney is reporting that Tampa Bay is willing to move Farnsworth this summer.

Farnsworth has pitched extremely well in his first year with the Rays.  The 35 year old has completed 19 of his 23 save opportunities while posting an excellent ERA (1.99) and WHIP (0.98).

Much of the big righty’s success has to do with his career low mark of 1.77 BB/9.  Farnsworth has continued to limit his hits surrendered, and though his strike out numbers are down, he’s shown much better control so far this season.

Tampa Bay signed Farnsworth to a 1 year $2.7 million deal this offseason which includes a $3.3 million team option for 2012.  He pitched for the Royals and Braves in 2010, finishing with a combined FIP of 3.06.

Before last season, Farnsworth went through a rough 4 year stretch, posting an ERA of 4.54 while a member of the Yankees, Tigers and Royals.

While it’s hard to argue with Farnsworth’s production this season, teams may not value him as highly as Tampa if they don’t think he can sustain his current walk rate.  Contenders will also see that Farnsworth’s BABIP of .254 shows that the reliever may be getting a bit lucky.

Though Farnsworth has closed games this season, he’s only totaled 46 saves over his 13 year career and nearly half of those have come in 2011.  Trade partners may be viewing him more as a late inning reliever and not a bonafide closer.

Still, there are tons of contenders looking to add bullpen arms and it certainly won’t hurt the Rays to listen on Farnsworth while he’s in the midst of a career year.

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