New York Yankees

          Reaction: Yankees acquire Jeff Francis

          BALTIMORE -- The Yankees acquired journeyman Jeff Francis on Friday.

          Jeff Francis

          Jeff Francis

          #29 RP
          Oakland Athletics

          2014 STATS

          • GM10

          • W0

          • L2

          • BB3

          • K14

          • ERA5.89

          What it means: Brian Cashman will try to find little pieces to put together this pitching puzzle. I could see Francis possibly starting on Sunday or being part of the bullpen. Joe Girardi will fill us in later.

          Is he any good?: The A's designated him for assignment. As good as the A's are, what does that tell you? The Yankees are giving up cash and a player to be named later. So, in other words, no, he is not great. He might not even be OK. But the Yankees will need to be more lucky than good right now.

          His numbers: Francis, 33, is 0-2 with a 5.89 ERA in 18 1/3 innings with the A's and Reds this season. In his career, he is 70-80 with a 4.95 ERA.

          In other news: Jim Miller has been designated. Matt Daley is back up.

          Question: Can Francis replace Masahiro Tanaka? (Relax, we're just having fun.)