Looking over at the Sportsypder widget it appears there are numerous stories on the Mets being interested in trading for Lowell, again. Of course during the off-season we had the rumor of a Castillo for Lowell swap.  Now there would be no reason for the Mets to make that trade. However, could they be revisiting a move for Lowell as just a salary dump? Perhaps an excess reliever or OF for Lowell? Murphy and Jacobs have both struggled at the plate so far this spring. Davis has looked great but most would like for him to go to AAA to further develop. Could it be that the Mets would make the move to add a more polished veteran to the lineup to try and take up part of the slack left from Beltran and Reyes?
UPDATE: From Phil Rogers’ MLB whispers (Chicago Tribune)
The teams scouting Mike Lowell include the Mets, Marlins, Brewers and Twins. His surgically repaired thumb appears fine, and a trade appears likely as the Red Sox don’t want him stuck behind Adrian Beltre, Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz. “He can still really hit, he can play first and can probably go to third once in a while. If the Sox pay most of the $12 million, this guy is a valuable asset to any team,” a scout told the Boston Globe. …
93 comments
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:17pm at 7:17 pm (UTC -4)
I wouldn’t be opposed to it – he when healthy is alot mote reliable than Jacobs and he is allegedly a vocal clubhouse guy ala loduca
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-7:19pm at 7:19 pm (UTC -4)
Would he be the everyday starter right off the bat? How would he affect Murphy?
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-7:20pm at 7:20 pm (UTC -4)
Carter for Lowell?
Carter: What? I been traded back to where???
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:23pm at 7:23 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe murph would be part of a potential package ?
trs86
3/21/2010-7:25pm at 7:25 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think Murphy would make sense for them nor do I think it would take him.
trs86
3/21/2010-7:26pm at 7:26 pm (UTC -4)
I would imagine that Murphy would become the LH super sub and Lowell would get a lot of starts at 1B.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:29pm at 7:29 pm (UTC -4)
Possibly but I was speculating about murph being in a package but ge could me sent to the minors or be a second dh option – do I want murph gone the answer is no / rather see Jacobs released btw how many yes does lowwel have on his contract ?
trs86
3/21/2010-7:31pm at 7:31 pm (UTC -4)
1 year 12M I think. Sox would have to pick up a lot. Possible that they would want Santos?
ceetar
3/21/2010-7:32pm at 7:32 pm (UTC -4)
hah..Maybe that home run off Papelbon convinces them he’s worth something?
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:34pm at 7:34 pm (UTC -4)
Lol I think they are deep at catcher maybe Sean green and Nick Evans ?
trs86
3/21/2010-7:39pm at 7:39 pm (UTC -4)
Actually if you remember they wanted to trade him for Max Ramirez earlier.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:40pm at 7:40 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t remember that
trs86
3/21/2010-7:43pm at 7:43 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah it was a done deal but Lowell’s injury prevented the trade at the time and was going to be revisited once he proved his health this spring.
Red Sox, Rangers Considering Mike Lowell Trade
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-7:36pm at 7:36 pm (UTC -4)
I am looking forward to seeing how everything shakes out as the Mets finalize their plans for the roster.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:40pm at 7:40 pm (UTC -4)
I agree – something is telling methat this migh be a special year
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-7:49pm at 7:49 pm (UTC -4)
I say quit f’ing around.
Tejada goes to SS not because of his bat but because of his defense.
Leave Murphy at 1st and let him play himself out of the lineup. Next year at this time the Mets will either admit they once again over hyped a player or we will be singing the praises of Murphy.
Put Takahashi in the pen to help out Feliciano as another lefty.
The 5th starter will probably not be needed till April 19th vs the Cubs so in the meantime the Mets can either carry another arm for long relief or a bat. I prefer an arm maybe Igarashi or Calero.
trs86
3/21/2010-7:52pm at 7:52 pm (UTC -4)
So we should not be looking for ways to improve on those guys? Especially 1B considering it’s not like the replacement is just on the DL.
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-7:54pm at 7:54 pm (UTC -4)
Sure that would be nice?
trs86
3/21/2010-7:55pm at 7:55 pm (UTC -4)
Lowell playing 100 or so games is most likely an improvement over Murphy IF he can handle 1B. Have not been watching Sox ST games to find out. LOL.
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-8:05pm at 8:05 pm (UTC -4)
On the surface Lowell looks to be better. I have no idea how he is healthwise or what it would take to trade for him. I’d need to know those things before I would say getting him is worth it.
Murphy’s chances of being an everyday 1st baseman for the New York Mets is looking bleaker by the day.
Personally I am at a crossroads with him because I love his attitude and how he fights so hard to get better but I just don’t think he has what it takes to excel in MLB.
The worst thing that ever happened to him was the Mets machine hyping him up after the 2008 season.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:11pm at 8:11 pm (UTC -4)
I just did not see them every hyping him up. He was holding a spot for Fmart and then platooning with Sheff.
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-8:18pm at 8:18 pm (UTC -4)
I may be wrong but I distinctly recall Murphy being compared to Mattingly. In any event it is clear we have yet to see the Murphy that many had hoped for and that Murphy may just never happen.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:32pm at 8:32 pm (UTC -4)
He was for sure by the fans. Not sure if Mets management did or not.
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-7:52pm at 7:52 pm (UTC -4)
Strike that about the Mets admitting. That would be asking too much.
trs86
3/21/2010-7:53pm at 7:53 pm (UTC -4)
You think they ever “over-hyped” Murphy?
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-7:54pm at 7:54 pm (UTC -4)
You don’t?
trs86
3/21/2010-7:56pm at 7:56 pm (UTC -4)
Not really. I don’t think they went out and campaigned that much for Murphy as much as the fans did.
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-8:10pm at 8:10 pm (UTC -4)
You may be right but I recall for some reason Minaya talking about Murphy on Francesa show in comparison to Mattingly I may be wrong but that is what I remember.
If I am right that is an unfair comparison for Murphy.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:16pm at 8:16 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t find it but you could be right.
metsfan4decades
3/21/2010-8:44pm at 8:44 pm (UTC -4)
I remember something about this too. Omar was very high on Murphy going into the 2009 season.
vcmetsfan28
3/21/2010-8:57pm at 8:57 pm (UTC -4)
i agree i think murphy is a fan made favorite… I am one of those fans…
I think the Mets organazation just likes how hard working he is
ceetar
3/21/2010-7:56pm at 7:56 pm (UTC -4)
I wonder if they figured Murphy would be semi-acceptable and Fernando Martinez would show up mid-season last year. Or Sheffield would revert to being good. Or a trade would open up.
This year I’m sure they definitely viewed him as decent and part of a stacked lineup and just holding down the fort for Davis.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:00pm at 8:00 pm (UTC -4)
I think so. They were never going to “give” Murphy LF long-term and were looking for another position for him even after 2008. They decided to give him LF as a chance to prove himself and liked his work ethic. Other than that I never got the feeling they were portraying him as the NEXT…
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:57pm at 7:57 pm (UTC -4)
I disagree murph when he came up in 08 had little fanfare attached to him
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:53pm at 7:53 pm (UTC -4)
Still a chance for mahay beimel or Ron villone btw schoenweiss may be released if he refuses a mil assignment with the brew crew – I for one wouldn’t mind Scott back if he was used properly
trs86
3/21/2010-7:54pm at 7:54 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t bring him back. Time bomb with the fans. Like bringing Heilman back. Would not be given much of a shot. His personal issues would buy him about a month.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:58pm at 7:58 pm (UTC -4)
You are right but I feel both Jerry & Willie misused him
trs86
3/21/2010-8:02pm at 8:02 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah but that’s normal. Show just has not pitched well really for his career.
stickguy
3/21/2010-8:03pm at 8:03 pm (UTC -4)
Rusty, I think you need a break man. Maybe get back on the meds? Off the meds? Something.
actually, mahay, beimel and villone are all pretty crappy. Why bother? If taka is in the pen, or Misch, you should get the same bang for less buck.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:08pm at 8:08 pm (UTC -4)
I Do work at a methadone clinic lol
trs86
3/21/2010-8:35pm at 8:35 pm (UTC -4)
That reminds me. Saw a church sign today advertising the following.
“United Meth Men tonight 7:30 in basement”
Think they might have wanted to use a different wording.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:37pm at 8:37 pm (UTC -4)
Were they advertising for breaking bad ? I’m a atheist so what do I know lol
trs86
3/21/2010-8:47pm at 8:47 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, man we could really do some non-baseball debating. Different site. For some reason I think that one would bomb.
LGM.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:50pm at 8:50 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah probably right it would be as funny as al sharpton bs Chris hitchins though lol
trs86
3/21/2010-7:57pm at 7:57 pm (UTC -4)
David Lennon makes my day: “Nelson Figueroa, who is unlikely to win a job on the Opening Day roster,”
rustyjr
3/21/2010-7:59pm at 7:59 pm (UTC -4)
You are a killjoy lol
trs86
3/21/2010-8:01pm at 8:01 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, it’s now an obsession. I can’t help it. Too many people the last few weeks trying to convince me he is a good MLB player.
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-8:25pm at 8:25 pm (UTC -4)
Really? I thought I was alone in the appreciation of how Figgy has been fighting for a job this Spring.
I know you are just having fun since if he ever made the roster it would be due to the Mets seeing something in him that you don’t and it is well documented how much you trust the Mets judgment. I just hope if he makes it (which looks doubtful) he pitches well.
Realistically though it looks like he may be on the outside looking in again.
I just hope whoever gets the 5th spot they do well.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:31pm at 8:31 pm (UTC -4)
You are right, if he makes it I will be getting Figgy all the time.
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-8:39pm at 8:39 pm (UTC -4)
Of that there is no doubt.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:45pm at 8:45 pm (UTC -4)
You know once the season starts I love me some Mets, even Figgy.
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-8:49pm at 8:49 pm (UTC -4)
De eso no hay duda.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:53pm at 8:53 pm (UTC -4)
Think you can reach me in spanish?
Mr North Jersey
3/21/2010-11:27pm at 11:27 pm (UTC -4)
De eso no hay duda.
english translation:
Of that there is no doubt.
trs86
3/22/2010-7:48am at 7:48 am (UTC -4)
Yeah I got that.
prismo
3/21/2010-8:01pm at 8:01 pm (UTC -4)
If Lowell’s such a valuable asset…why are the Sox trying to get rid of him, even if it costs them most of his salary?
(cue “It’s a trap!” from Admiral Ackbar)
trs86
3/21/2010-8:02pm at 8:02 pm (UTC -4)
Very deep at that position and also to “do right by a veteran” by giving him a chance at playing time.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:05pm at 8:05 pm (UTC -4)
Still does he have any range left or would he be delgado part duex ? With less power
trs86
3/21/2010-8:10pm at 8:10 pm (UTC -4)
That’s what I said above. I have not been watching Sox ST games. Mets have been scouting him all ST.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:14pm at 8:14 pm (UTC -4)
He’s 1-4 this spring
trs86
3/21/2010-8:17pm at 8:17 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, just started playing games this week right?
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:21pm at 8:21 pm (UTC -4)
I believe that’s right
stickguy
3/21/2010-8:10pm at 8:10 pm (UTC -4)
If Lowell comes on a sheff type deal? I guess give it a shot. He would effectively replace jacobs, so no loss there (actually a gain).
Of course, I have no idea if he can play 1B better than jacobs, but I assume he can still hit.
So, keep Davis in AAA, and try to maximize production at the position with a murphy/lowell platoon? Probably puts them much closer to average at the position then they are otherwise.
No lefties off the bench on days that murphy starts. Is that an issue? Probably not, since lowell can hit RH pitchers, likely way better than Jacobs does.
Santos for Lowell? Not too much risk there i guess.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:13pm at 8:13 pm (UTC -4)
Might see Tatis traded or released I guess.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:19pm at 8:19 pm (UTC -4)
I lme tatis but I’ve been saying that he has no true role or use on this team
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:20pm at 8:20 pm (UTC -4)
*like
trs86
3/21/2010-8:30pm at 8:30 pm (UTC -4)
Without Lowell he has a large role as THE RH pinch hitter and super utility guy.
Hazmet
3/21/2010-8:25pm at 8:25 pm (UTC -4)
On the website SB Nation there was a poll asking is Mike Lowell worth trading for a Met’s prospect Kyle Allen.
Granted it’s a misc website poll but for my money no thank you I’ll keep Mr. Allen.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:28pm at 8:28 pm (UTC -4)
Info on this Kyle Allan kid ?
Hazmet
3/21/2010-8:36pm at 8:36 pm (UTC -4)
From Mets Minor League Blog:
Note: He just turned 20, he could go either way but I’d like to find that out with him in the Met’s system.
2009: Allen’s ERA dropped a whole run in the second half of the season, despite his K/rate also dipping. The improvement was nearly purely in his ability to prevent extra hits on balls in play, which testifies to the amount of weak contact he induced.
Dr. Pangloss Says: Allen’s really an interesting prospect. However, it’s really hard for even me to predict stardom with a fastball that largely sits 90-91. However, he touched 93 and if as he fills out, he starts to sit more 92-93, I can hang a #3 starter on him with his superlative changeup. Working out of the bullpen in short stints should also allow for a little extra velo too.
Debbie Downer Says: RHP without a plus fastball aren’t impact big leaguers, simple as that.
Projected 2010 Start: St. Lucie rotation.
Hazmet
3/21/2010-8:40pm at 8:40 pm (UTC -4)
FYI – there was a report on 3-19 that he was hitting 95 on the gun.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:44pm at 8:44 pm (UTC -4)
I honestly could not see the trade occurring for any decent prospect unless the Sox were picking up almost all the money.
Hazmet
3/21/2010-8:51pm at 8:51 pm (UTC -4)
I agree, I think they’d need to pick up a large chunk of change regardless of who they trade him to. I like hanging onto as many pitching prospects as possible and losing one in a trade for Mike Lowell just doesn’t do it for me. Rather save them for something bigger later on and keep them building up farm system depth.
trs86
3/21/2010-8:51pm at 8:51 pm (UTC -4)
What if it was our boy Kunz. LOL.
Hey maybe it will be Figgy.
Hazmet
3/21/2010-8:56pm at 8:56 pm (UTC -4)
I’m sorry but they can’t have Figgy unless they throw in Beckett.
trs86
3/21/2010-9:09pm at 9:09 pm (UTC -4)
Is his rookie card listed in Beckett Magazine? LOL
Speaking of, I wonder when Figgy’s rookie card was?
trs86
3/21/2010-8:29pm at 8:29 pm (UTC -4)
Depends on how much money comes with Mr. Lowell.
rustyjr
3/21/2010-8:52pm at 8:52 pm (UTC -4)
I’m sure it would have to be most of it ala the gmjr deal
vcmetsfan28
3/21/2010-9:00pm at 9:00 pm (UTC -4)
I like the idea of Lowell coming to the Mets… brings another veteran/leader type to the clubhouse and most importantly a guy who has actually won… plus I think it would mark the end of F.Tatis as a Met… I can deal with 90-110 games of M.Lowell at 1b plus he could play some 3b to give David a rest… I’m all for it…
trs86
3/21/2010-9:08pm at 9:08 pm (UTC -4)
It could mean the end of Tatis for sure.
Blanco, GMJR, Murphy/Lowell, Cora, _______
I guess that could be Tatis as much as someone else though.
metsfan4decades
3/21/2010-9:24pm at 9:24 pm (UTC -4)
IDK….maybe it’s me but….
I get how Omar is always saying he’s constantly looking to improve the club. O.K., I can understand that, it’s his job.
But…we seemed to be linked lately to too many released and/or below average FAs and/or guys clubs are looking to get rid of and partly salary dumps.
By this time in ST….shouldn’t there be a plan for the most part?
Take 1st base for instance. I’m thinking after Delgado was a done deal, the plan was to use Murphy to start the season. Brought in Jacobs for insurance? Looking at Carter ’cause hey, we got him anyway. Now looking at Lowell? Is this all insurance for offense in case either/or Beltran/Reyes don’t make it back in a month?
I feel like I’m stuck in a time warp and it’s 2009 all over again. Like Ground Hog Day.
metsfan4decades
3/21/2010-9:30pm at 9:30 pm (UTC -4)
And just to make it clear, I’m not necessarily opposed to Lowell. Depends on the money and/or prospect(s) they want in return.
asod75
3/21/2010-9:44pm at 9:44 pm (UTC -4)
I like Mike Lowell. A lot. Good interview, too (I write for a newspaper in Naples, Fla. and have covered Red Sox spring games the last few years). Good clubhouse guy, but more than anything, a professional hitter. I remember watching Marlins games where there would be a runner at third, less than two outs and Lowell always got the run in. I mean sometimes he’d just flip the bat out and hit a weak roller to second, but he found a way to get the run in. Don’t think he can start every day anymore, but I think this would be a solid acquisition, as long as you’re not giving up a premium prospect for him (which I would doubt, Sox want to shed the contract).
Kingman 26
3/22/2010-9:45am at 9:45 am (UTC -4)
Not sure if this has been mentioned, but Mike Lowell has never ever played first base in a pro game aside from 4 games in the minors in the late 90s.
He has been hurt until just recently, has played 3 spring games, and played third when he played yesterday.
Has he given any indication of wanting to play 1B?
trs86
3/22/2010-9:52am at 9:52 am (UTC -4)
Yeah he has been interviewed and is fine with the move.
We mentioned the fact that it would be up to the Mets to scout him and see if 1B was a good move for him. Obviously health would be an issue but perhaps it’s a platoon with Murphy or at least enough to keep Murphy sharp against RH and Lowell rested.
To me it really depends on who is given up and how much we are paying. If we are paying 2M for a guy like Lowell and giving up what we did for GMJR then I am fine taking the risk. Could be this year’s Sheff.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/22/2010-10:02am at 10:02 am (UTC -4)
That’s interesting that Lowell has never played 1B. Perhaps Omar is hoping that he’ll learn during the season?
I don’t know about Lowell. Just like everyone else here, I guess if the conditions are right, I would like him. But what kind of message does it send to Murphy?
Mets must have very little confidence in Murphy at 1B. To try to bring in a semi-washed up, injury-prone, never played 1B to platoon with Murphy at 1B…. hmmmm…
trs86
3/22/2010-10:14am at 10:14 am (UTC -4)
I don’t think they have sent many mixed messages to Murphy. Murphy we are putting you into a competition with Jacobs and possibly a platoon with Tatis and we REALLY like Ike.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/22/2010-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
Speaking of Ike, I’m assuming he’ll be brought up next year to start (if everything goes as planned). What do they do with Murphy? I know some people brought up that he can be the 2B, but do you really want to ask him to play 2B? It can’t be too good to be jerking him around the field like that.
I don’t have the solution either, but it would be interesting to see what they do with Murphy.
trs86
3/22/2010-10:24am at 10:24 am (UTC -4)
If he stays with the Mets then he has to learn the career of DeRosa. 1B, 2B, 3B, LF. Gotta actually focus a little on defense, something he admits he never did until the bigs.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/22/2010-10:35am at 10:35 am (UTC -4)
But what if he’s a fantastic defensive 1B after learning from K Hernandez?
Say Murphy hits .290 .350 20HRs 85RBI and a good defensive 1B, then what? Move him to 2B to try and see if he can play there too?
Even if Murphy becomes the super utility guy in 2011, he’ll barely play at LF, 3B, or 1B (assuming that Ike does well this season). Which means that Murphy will split time at 2B with Castillo (assuming he stays). I don’t know if that makes sense.
I’d rather trade for a solid SP IF Murphy has a solid season.
trs86
3/22/2010-10:45am at 10:45 am (UTC -4)
IF he had that kind of trade value sure. I just don’t know that he will.
DNDJohan aka kistics
3/22/2010-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
You mean that Murphy alone can’t bring a solid SP or he won’t have the stats?
I agree with you if it’s the former statement. I meant to say that use Murphy as a part of the trade in getting a solid SP.
trs86
3/22/2010-10:51am at 10:51 am (UTC -4)
Uh both?