Time Machine: November 29, 2005

This proves there is no such thing as time travel. If there was, we'd go back and shoot people.


NEW YORK -- The Yankees appear to be closing in on a deal with right-hander Kyle Farnsworth, which would give New York a young, hard-throwing arm to set up closer Mariano Rivera.

One baseball official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Farnsworth will ink a three-year contract worth $15-17 million. The deal could be announced as early as Wednesday.

General manager Brian Cashman wouldn't confirm that Farnsworth was close to signing.

"I've got nothing to report," Cashman said. "We're engaging a lot of different guys. If it leads somewhere, we'll make an announcement."

Farnsworth, who turns 30 in April, went 1-1 with 16 saves for the Tigers and Braves last season, posting a 2.19 ERA. He struck out 87 batters in 70 innings, holding opponents to a .180 average in 72 appearances.

Farnsworth's signing doesn't necessarily spell the end of Tom Gordon's tenure in the Bronx, as the Yankees continue to negotiate with the 38-year-old right-hander.

Gordon, who is seeking a three-year deal, has drawn interest from the Orioles and Phillies, two teams looking to add a closer after B.J. Ryan signed with the Blue Jays and Billy Wagner signed with the Mets.

The Indians, Tigers and Red Sox have also expressed interest in Gordon, with some of those teams willing to give him a three-year deal. A source with knowledge of the negotiations said Tuesday night that Gordon was "not close" to making a decision.