It looks like the Mets will hang tight again this season at the trade deadline. Omar gets a lot of heat because of past seasons and lack of activity. However, this season is that what is best? Currently the Mets are 6.5 and 5.5 games back in the playoff races. The Braves are starting to slow down going 5-5 in their last 10 games. However, the Mets during that time are 3-7. When the Mets were needing to make their run they were struggling on the road. However, what we witnessed the last 3 games is exactly what we know about this team. It can compete with any team… at home.
My fellow author pointed out yesterday pitching has not been the issue. Ignoring stats our bullpen continues to be discussed as a hole in this team. While I think that shifting Taka to our bullpen would make us a stronger team, is it a cure? Is it necessary?
What amazes me this season is the incredible price of role players. Obviously you can’t count Lee, Haren or Oswalt as role players. However, those guys each would have cost us at least one of Niese or Davis. Lee the asking price was Davis, they got a Davis prospect. Haren the asking price would have least been Niese in the fact they got Saunders in return. Oswalt, while it was a good deal for the Phillies, we actually had no one comparable to Happ other than Niese. So was Omar right to stand pat in these 3 situations? Back to the role players. Who are they? Guys like Ted Lilly, Tom Gorzelanny, Jeremy Guthrie, Brett Myers, and the like are currently impossible to match considering the Mets current situation.
Reports show that Myers and Gorzelanny are not available. Of course they are but what that means is you better be ready to overpay. What is overpay? The Cubs are rumored to want Thole, our heir apparent at catcher, for 2 months of Lilly.
Or better yet, Kirk Nieuwenhuis AND another prospect for Scott Downs.
Over the past few years the Mets farm system has been considered a problem. However, it appears this year it is starting to turn the corner. With guys like Davis and Niese now looking to be part of the core and Thole ready to step in along with the growth of guys like Captain Kirk and Wilmer. I also thought that Mejia showed himself to have tons of potential as well.  There’s a lot to be excited about there. What is missing still is depth. Why could we not compete for some of those big name guys or why do we have to substantially overpay for role players? We don’t have that middle depth in the minors. The Yankees can afford to trade their top catcher prospect because they have another one waiting in the wings. The Phillies can afford to trade Happ because he has given them nothing this year.
I think, as I mentioned in the comment section yesterday, the Mets like it or not are not a win now team. The Phillies are a no doubt win now team. That hurts for now but that pain will not last long. The Phillies are the oldest team in the majors and have in my opinion a 2 year window. Bravo to them for recognizing that and doing whatever it takes to get it done. Happ was a great pitcher for them last year and may have came back to produce similar stats to Oswalt. However, the Phillies are not in a position to find out. The Mets on the other hand are young in many spots and may continue to get younger next year with Castillo and Barajas giving way to younger players.  I propose that we not make the mistakes of the past. Let this team prove to us over the next few weeks they can get back in the race. There will be help available in August, there always is. If the Mets do indeed fall out, trade Barajas, try and dump Castillo through waivers, bring up the young guys and see what we have for next year. I don’t think there will be too many Mets fans upset if the Mets do determine they are out of the race and make a commitment to some of those guys mentioned before.
Hang tight!
163 comments
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
the Mets don’t have the prospects to get the top players (Ike and Niese are no longer prospects).
all the Mets really need is a #4 SP and move Takahashi to the pen and for gods sake get rid of Perez. I mean you can’t win with him here. He’s cost us at least 3-4 wins this season already…we cant afford to have him lose anymore.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:28am at 11:28 am (UTC -4)
Not sure I agree that he has cost us 3-4 wins. If you go back and look at his starts maybe. However, I don’t think he has hurt us any in the BP, especially the way Valdes has pitched. On the other hand he for sure has not helped.
youngvalerawest
7/30/2010-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
Not having a right handed relief pitcher in the pen to “platoon” with Pedro Feliciano has twice cost us games this week. Pedro can’t face righties in big spots. And with Valdes and Ollie in the pen there just aren’t enough righties available to use as OOGIES to match with Pedro. Ollie is just taking up space that could be used by someone that could actually pitch.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
True, however, Jerry has always had one guy in the pen that he never uses.
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-11:39am at 11:39 am (UTC -4)
While you are correct, that isn’t really an acceptable practice nor an acceptable excuse.
youngvalerawest
7/30/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
That doesn’t change the fact that Ollie’s presence is hurting the team.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:43am at 11:43 am (UTC -4)
My point is not that Ollie is good. My point is that considering the way Jerry uses the pen that spot will never be used anyway. I would expect Cordero to eventually force someone out anyway.
youngvalerawest
7/30/2010-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
This is not a causation argument. It’s an argument over options at Jerry’s disposal.
If Jerry had been able to seummon Sean Green, Ramon Ortiz or friggin Doug Sisk the other night v. Pujols and Holliday, I have a hard time believing he wouldn’t.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:52am at 11:52 am (UTC -4)
Sorry, I missed the topic.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-11:39am at 11:39 am (UTC -4)
exactly, right now he have 2 mop up guys in the pen and Feliciano is forced to be more than just a loogy.
they put Takahashi in the pen and Feliciano can be strictly a situational lefty where he has always been at his best. Obviously the Mets don’t make winning decisions but if they can’t get a SP then you call up Misch and either hide Perez on the DL or send him down until rosters expand.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
LOL, nice shot.
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-11:26am at 11:26 am (UTC -4)
In my mind, with Niese & Ike being untouchable, what else is there to trade but the only really pitching prospect and only real catching prospect, both knocking on the door of playing in the bigs (for a really cheap salary). With impending raises to the current bunch of stars (Reyes, Wright, Santana, Pelf, etc.) you have to make sure you maintain flexibility in payroll by balancing the kids (and their salaries) with said stars (and thier salaries). Unless trading trade chips not named Niese or Ike in order to bring in a Haren or Oswalt, I do not want to see minor leaguers traded for marginal (at best) players.
In summation, I think I’d be content with no moves this season. Viva La 2011.
youngvalerawest
7/30/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
I really can’t see any argument that the Mets farm system is strong. Every farm system has a handful of good players. Good farm systems have enough of them to allow to trade from within and still remain strong.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
I am not saying the farm system is strong. It however, is rebuilding in my mind. It has came a long way from 2-3 years ago. However, you have to admit that if Davis, Niese and Thole are in the minors it gets much stronger.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
it is getting better but the lack of good pitchers in AA and AAA pretty much makes these trades almost impossible.
youngvalerawest
7/30/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
It would be stronger too if Reyes and Wright and Gregg Jeffries were still in it but that’s not how it works.
When Florida graduated Gaby Sanchez to MLB they had Logan Morrison still at 1B, etc.
The Mets farm system right now is completely bereft of any starting pitching. Zip. It doesn’t make me feel better that Jon Niese has graduated and been strong for the Mets. They will need others.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
The SP is in deed barren.
Yes that would make the system top heavy now wouldn’t it.
However, a case could be made that neither Davis nor Niese should have even been starting.
Again, I am not saying the farm is in great shape. I am just saying it gives more hope than it did a few years ago.
youngvalerawest
7/30/2010-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
You can put Niese and Davis back in AAA and the farm system still stinks.
Anyway, I’m not sure what in the world it means that you can argue that they shouldn’t be starting and how that makes the farm system any better.
And if you want to make such an argument then the counter argument is easy — they’re starting (when they shouldn’t be) because they didn’t have any other upper level players who were capable of starting their stead.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
They are starting because Murphy got injured and the Mets did not add a SP. Now granted Ike may have taken it from Murphy during the year and Niese would have been up for Maine or Perez.
As for stinks, I think that is too harsh. I think at this point they are about average.
youngvalerawest
7/30/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
Well, isn’t that unforeseeable. A player got injured and someone needed to come up from the minors to take over.
How unusual.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
LOL, I never said it was unusual. I am saying that our farm system was at least strong enough to place 2 guys into what I consider part of the core and perhaps one more in Thole.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
thats not really saying much though. its improving but even that promising 2008 SP draft class are all struggling. Cohoon, Carson, Shaw, Schwinden are all struggling in AA after being very good previously.
Familia has been terrible, Holt as been terrible, Kunz is a bust. the pitching prospects are just really struggling in the organization. hopefully Omar’s latin signings pay off…
trs86
7/30/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
No doubt the pitching is low.
metsfan4decades
7/30/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
It appears we won’t be buyers by the trade deadline tomorrow.
We might pick up someone off the waiver wire – if available. Preferably a SP that will allow Taka to go back to the BP.
And for crying out loud…if they are remotely serious about making one last run at the post season they have to release Ollie. Now. I have no confidence they’ll actually do it though. Probably Ollie stays unless they do pick up a pitcher and are almost forced to make that decision.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
I think Cordero has a chance to push him out.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
I honestly think at this point they should start Ollie in Taka’s spot and move Taka back to the pen. Right now basically what they are doing is skipping Taka, using him in the pen and starting Dickey on short rest as much as possible. That can work too.
ceetar
7/30/2010-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
it’d be a one start stint Saturday. They could skip Takahashi/Perez again next time through, August 14th at home would be the next time 5th was needed. I wouldn’t be opposed to it. Most of Perez’s starts were low runs, he just threw a billion pitches. So what’s the worst that happens? Takahashi has to throw 3-4 innings anyway?
trs86
7/30/2010-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
Yeah. Saturday vs. the dreaded Barry Enright. I say go for it. If he bombs then you can again approach him about AAA, DL and if he declines then you have to make a move. Keeping him in the pen and not using him is not helping.
ceetar
7/30/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
I’m sure tehre is still scar tissue from the surgery, the same excuse they used last time. But you gotta pitch him first probably, then say you “saw something” give him the MRI, DL him.
or maybe he pitches 8IP 12Ks. *Shrug*
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
you can’t throw away games like that. Even worse then him getting shelled would be if he manages to dance around trouble and goes 5.1 IP 1-2 ER and then we have to use 5 arms in the pen to finish the game that we still lose. Then they give Ollie another start where he blows up and thats another loss.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
UH, actually that 5.1 innings is not that unusual for a #5 starter. You mean that between Taka and Valdes we can’t get through a 5.1 with 1-2 runs?
ceetar
7/30/2010-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
We’ll see what happens. It’s not exactly an obvious spot the Mets need to improve. Everyone can use bullpen arms, and bullpen arms are what’s moved through waivers most probably.
Another starter would be nice, but they’re hardly desperate for it either. Takahashi hasn’t been horrible, and while i think he’d be stronger in the pen with a more consistent starter, it’s not a necessity worth overpaying for.
maybe Omar figures out something creative, maybe he doesn’t. This team could win the way it is, or it could continue to lose on the road. This time next week they could be right there in the division hunt about to play the Phillies. The offense is starting to really wake up, and I don’t think they’ll sleep again.
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
I agree with Oleo the Mets have refused to just get rid of Ollie and eat his remaining salary. He has been a burden all year on the roster. Everyone knows he is in the pen to minimize him hurting the team. They need to play their 25 best players the rest of the way especially if they are not going to bring players from outside to strengthen the club.
Thankfully they are no longer carrying 3 catchers. Once they did they added Hessman who has immediately paid off and I am not referring to his bat but just playing 3rd and 1st. He gives Mets flexibility.
The bullpen has been hamstrung with Ollie in it. If the Mets really wanted to put their best team on field then Ollie would be gone Takahashi would be in the pen and Misch would be the 5th starter.
Ollie in the pen means the Mets would rather struggle by playing a man short than eat his salary. If the Mets believed Ollie could help then he would be starting not in the pen but the truth is they know he will hurt them in the rotation so are hiding him in the pen rather than trying to win and eating his salary which right now is about $16M $4M/2010, $12M/2011.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
Let me ask you this. Honestly if the Mets had no thoughts of Ollie ever helping them again then why are they keeping him? They have already spent the money.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
b/c someone of importance refuses to just flat out release him. Which one it is i don’t know but someone for whatever reason believes that he can turn it around despite what he has shown now and over the last 2 seasons. Does Omar really believe he is gonna get it done by this time next season or is Wilpon’s desire to get something for that money, I have no idea but its evident someone is blocking this from happening
Obviously since i hated him even before we resigned him, i think they are crazy but I don’t see how he can be a SP or even on the active roster of a team with playoff aspirations.
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
At this point the only reason I can see for the Mets holding on to Ollie is the Mets are hoping that they can get some type of a return on their investment next season because they clearly don’t believe in him this season.
They have done everything in their power to get him off the roster. They 1st buried him in the pen for weeks because he would not go down to minors. Then they dl’d him. Then he rehabbed and after they exhausted that were forced to bring him back on to the roster where he is not starting because the Mets believe he will hurt them.
Now he sits in the pen way back in a corner somewhere where every game people pray he doesn’t have to be used but at the same time taking up a spot where a more serviceable player should be.
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-12:08pm at 12:08 pm (UTC -4)
Don’t fool yourself if the Mets could send Ollie down without his consent he’d be down already. He is not on the team cause they believe he can better help out of the pen. He is here cause they refuse to eat the salary.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
NJ, I still don’t understand that line of thinking and I am not sure the Mets feel that way. They have already payed the money so the only reason in my opinion he is still there is they believe that somehow he can help the team. Either by him regaining his form or through a trade that saves some of that money. If they thought there was no hope in either case then …
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
I think it’s 49% they think he might be able to help them and 51% they fear he might help someone else on their dime.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:18pm at 12:18 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t see that either but that’s the thing. Right now because of how they are using him it leads to all kinds of conspiracy theories.
I still think if he is here you have to use him. He’s not a reliever so throw him out there every other 5th day (using this to describe how they are using Taka, skipping him every chance they can). He will either suck or not suck.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-1:59pm at 1:59 pm (UTC -4)
Jerry doesnt want him here. He’s made it as obvious as it can be.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
thats the scary part. they are willing to hurt the team now b/c they feel that he will be a member of the rotation next year.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:18pm at 12:18 pm (UTC -4)
Don’t see that either.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-2:00pm at 2:00 pm (UTC -4)
then what do u see?
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
Did I say they had no hope? I said the opposite.
They hope he can pay off next season so they get a return on their investment.
I am saying that they have no faith in him this season.
Again Ollie in the pen does not make the Mets stronger it makes them worse. If people feel Ollie in the pen is better than say a Takahashi in the pen I respect their opinion I just don’t share it.
Grave said it best he is here because their is a strong fear that he might help someone else on the Mets dime.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
Perhaps, I just don’t see it that way. Now why the hell they brought him up to be in the pen instead of leaving him his full time in rehab is still a question.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-2:04pm at 2:04 pm (UTC -4)
because they cant put him anywhere else. Its either release him or activate him and since Jerry hates him as much as I do, he keeps him in timeout
ceetar
7/30/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
Then why’d they bring him up days before the 30 day maximum stint in the minors was up?
trs86
7/30/2010-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
Confused on that one too. Unless they thought he could earn some trade value. But then you have to pitch someone to get trade value.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-2:14pm at 2:14 pm (UTC -4)
you are assuming Jerry and Omar on same page. Omar/wilpons wants him here and Jerry does not
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
That’s one thing I give the Detroit Tigers tremendous credit for. They recognize mistakes and cut them regardless of how much money they owe them. The Mets, for whatever reason, largely refuse to do this.
I say “largely” because the Mets have demonstrated that they will cut players on their roster that are basically dead weight but only if they make less than $2 million.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
Usually though the player the Tigers are cutting is in his last year of his deal too.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
Given where they are today and who has already been traded throughout the league I am quite content with the Mets doing nothing at this deadline. I far prefer them to do nothing than to do these “LA Dodger-type” deals in which they surrender good prospects for role players. They need to continue to build minor league depth more than they need the pitcher equivalent of Scott Podsednik.
As I’ve said before at this point the only trade I would be happy with is a trade that nets the Mets a player they can control beyond 2010.
trs86
7/30/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
Agreed.
Or if they can get a steal on a guy that is a type A/B guy who will not accept arbitration.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
i can accept that but that still doesn’t give them a pass if Perez isnt deactivated once August 1st comes around. I can understand trying to trade him before the deadline but at this point if no trade gets done you need to find a way to deactivate him.
If they are going to continue to keep Perez on the roster you might as well be sellers and trade Feliciano, Francouer and maybe get a pitching prospect or 2 b/c the playoffs aren’t happening with this current 25 man roster.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think Ollie is the ONE thing keeping us from making the playoffs. It’s not that simple.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
of course not but him off the roster gives us a better chance and him on the roster gives us no chance. thats not debatable.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
I still disagree that they can’t win with him on the roster. He just does not help them win. Whoever takes his spot won’t be used anyway.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
thats not true at all. They might get the fewest innings but they certainly wont sit there in timeout and only get used in 13+ inning games like Ollie is now.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:32pm at 12:32 pm (UTC -4)
Perhaps. They might get the 5 innings Acosta got when he was in that spot for a month.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)
no its not perhaps its fact. if they callup Misch and send Perez down either Misch or Valdes gets more chances than Perez.
don’t give me the “how do we know” line. is obvious Manuel doesnt want him here and wont play him unless he has no choice.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
I agree that with who’s available, Mets should not give up any major prospect for them. However, look what the Phillies gave up to get Oswalt.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
It was a good deal for both teams. Honestly Niese is a better prospect than Happ, because of age. However, who did we have to match Happ?
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
I think the Mets are a win now team. Johan in his prime, Beltran (when healthy) is in his prime, Bay in his “supposedly” prime, KRod in down slope of his prime. Their payroll is going to go up before coming down. A win later team doesn’t have their Ace, #4, #5 or 6 hitter, closer in their primes.
IF the Mets decide to become a win-later team (which I’m fine with), I believe they should clean house and build from the bottom. Trade any pieces that have any value like KRod, like Beltran, like Feliciano, etc.
Look, the Mets in 2011 will be the same exact team. Role players may change, but it’s basically the same team with no room in salary to make significant upgrade. Bravos and Phillies on the other hand, should have enough to be very competitive next couple years. I just see this team as a 3rd/4th place team for next couple years. And this makes me sad.
I think that adding Oswalt or Lee or Haren would give this team at least a chance to be competitive this season. Do we give up Niese or Ike for them? No. But look what the Phillies gave up? Happ had ONE good year. Look at his minor league stats. They are crap and he’s 28. And if Happ was the center piece of this deal WITH $11M coming back to the Phillies, the Mets can’t meet that??? I don’t believe it. I really thought that the Mets had enough chips (outside of Ike and Niese) to get a premier SP like Oswalt, Lee or Haren.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
Sigh….
I will leave your first 3 paragraphs alone and just say I disagree.
However, who exactly would you propose the Mets have traded to get Oswalt, Lee or Haren. We can say that Happ was too old and only had one good year. However, who do we have that compares? Only Niese. These teams want guys that can help NOW not in 3-5 years. Look at who has been traded, Smoak, now and obviously would have cost Davis. Saunders and Happ, now.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
we couldn’t get one of those 3 but if they are giving up on the season, then might as well be sellers now.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
No one has said they have given up on this season.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
Mets need to go 38-22 for the rest of the season to get 90 wins. Not happening with this team.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
Most likely not. That’s why baseball is full of unlikely’s.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah with 9 games coming up with Phillies and Bravos, 6 on the road.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
Yup and it would be unlikely but possible that the Mets go 6-3 and pick up a few games.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
ok.. if they go 6-3, I’ll be very happy, but…
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
Not only would the Mets have to go 38-22 but a whole bunch of teams ahead of them would have to play at a much lower percentage going forward.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
yup.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
if Perez is not deactivated then they are essentially giving up. can’t overcome this deficit and keep up with the Phillies and other wild card teams with a 6 man pen during august
trs86
7/30/2010-12:23pm at 12:23 pm (UTC -4)
They have a 6.5 man pen during August. Taka is being skipped as much as possible. After Saturday they will not need Taka again for 2 weeks.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
why have a 6.5 man pen when you can have a 7.5 man pen?
trs86
7/30/2010-12:35pm at 12:35 pm (UTC -4)
Who the hell knows?
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
If you had traded Perez, Mejia, Fmart (or comparable) and Tejada, taking all of Oswalts salary and probably having to kick in a mill or a few for perez, they might have taken it. Would you want to do that, i dunno. I think it’s a combo of not thinking outside the box and Oswalt not wanting to go to NY. But if you’ll go to philly, why not go to NY? But I digress…
trs86
7/30/2010-12:22pm at 12:22 pm (UTC -4)
No reason for them to have taken that either. They need a pitcher that can start tomorrow not in 3 years. They still have some guys that they need to be competitive next year.
We did not have a Saunders or Happ to trade, plain and simple.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:32pm at 12:32 pm (UTC -4)
It’s Omar’s job to sell his chips. He just can’t lay down just because he doesn’t have the right chips.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
How do we know he did?
Again what we have is based on what reports have said AND what actually happen. What actually happen is that these guys were traded for guys who can play tomorrow.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
What is the result of this trade deadline? what is the result of this season? what is the result of previous 3 seasons??
If Omar or whoever is responsible did his/her job, a team with top 3 highest payroll in NL should’ve made post season at least once in 4 years. Next year isn’t looking any better either, so make it 5 years.
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-12:35pm at 12:35 pm (UTC -4)
Knowing they have Wandy Rodriguez, Bud Norris, Jordan Liles (minor leaguer expected to start next year), Brett myers (assuming he takes the option)& Filipe Paulino, it’s not like they are lacking pitchers. Obviously they need someone better than what they have currently in their starting rotation, but when you clean house, you don’t clean house and expect to contend the next year. You look for 2-3+ years down the road in mind. Happ does fit that role, but I can’t see where the above offer wouldn’t at least be thought about prior to accepting Philly’s offer. I mean Saunders is not good numbers wise (W-L, yes, other numbers, not so much) and Happ had/has a bruised flexor tendon in his left arm (he’s a left handed pitcher. you do the math).
I gues my point of all the nonsense I just wrote is Perez gives them someone who can start tomorrow (to weather out the rest of the year) and the prospects fill out a SP, 2b/SS and an OF position for them. All 3 of those prospects would jump to the top of their minor league depth chart.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
completely agree. throw in Parnell and Misch and you have couple pitchers at the major level.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
DND since when did Misch have value? You do know he was DFA’ed this year and no one claimed him.
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-12:47pm at 12:47 pm (UTC -4)
i konw they want quality, but they also need some serious quantity. And they’ve chatted about moving Carlos Lee to 1B, so that opens up an OF position that the Mets seem to have an abundance on (in relative terms, of course).
Yes, I know we’ll never know what goes on behind Omar’s Shroud, but as people have been writing for several weeks now, where there is smoke there is fire. You could have a thousand smoke alarms in Omar’s office, all with fresh batteries and not one would have gone off in regards to the Met’s making a play for Oswalt.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:43pm at 12:43 pm (UTC -4)
Look at Happ’s numbers last year. If they believe he is healthy he was very good last year.
Saunders in my opinion will produce much better numbers than Haren did this year. Obviously they are banking on the fact that this was just a down year for Haren.
I honestly don’t think we had the prospects to get these guys without including Niese or Davis.
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-12:49pm at 12:49 pm (UTC -4)
Difference in opinion is fine. I’m just glad that asking for Niese or Ike has resulted in Omar hanging up the phone. So we got that going for us.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
You don’t think a combination of Mejia, FMart, Tejada, Flores, Kirk, Gee would’ve worked? Sure they’re not impact players at the moment, but it’s Omar’s job to sell these guys for Lee, Haren or Oswalt.
Sure these teams wanted someone who can be impact players right now. You mean to tell me that DBacks, Astros, Mariners would not be intrigued by the above mentioned combination? Clearly they were not offered and Omar has no intention of trading them for Lee, Hare, or Oswalt.
What I’m frustrated is the talent going back for Lee, Oswalt, Haren aren’t OMG type of players. And I clearly think Omar could’ve done better job at selling what he had. That’s what I’m frustrated about.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe but we have to at least consider the possibility that Omar didn’t have what these other GMs wanted to buy.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:30pm at 12:30 pm (UTC -4)
Again, you nor I clearly have any idea what it would have taken. Gee has no value so lets take him out of the mix.
What we do know is that these teams had Upper rotation pitchers and traded them for guys who could play right now. The Mets could not do that. If you want to speculate that the Mets could have emptied their farms and overpaid to get them, so be it. We have nothing but the trades themselves to go by and based on what DID happen we would have had to give up Niese and or Ike.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
How about combination of Misch, Parnell, FMArt and Familia? That’s a pretty good offer. Parnell, Misch, and FMart can all play now at the bigs. Familia is a raw talent that can be very good in the future.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, how do we know that any of these would work? The only thing we have to go by is the fact they got guys who can and have been playing everyday.
Are you seriously throwing that crap together and saying they would rather have that over what they got?
Misch? He’s a DFA candidate. He’s been available and no one took him. Parnell is a decent bullpen guy in spurts, Fmart’s value is as low as it has ever been and Familia has struggled all year.
None of those guys could step into a rotation or starting lineup and be expected to produce.
Again, if you want to make up scenarios to rip Omar for go ahead. I for one will go based on what actually happen.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)
Look what the Phillies gave up.
Happ – injured, old and had ONE good season
Gose – hitting .263/.325/.385 in Hi A. only thing going for him is his SB and defense. 19 years old
Villar – hitting .272/.332/.358 in Lo A. same with Gose, only thing going for him is his SB and defense. 19 year old.
And they got $11M of Oswalt’s $23M.
You seriously don’t think the Mets could’ve matched above?
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:14pm at 1:14 pm (UTC -4)
Not if they are refusing to add significant payroll, which very well could be the entire case here.
Have to face that possibility/probability/whatever.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-2:22pm at 2:22 pm (UTC -4)
Gose was then traded straight up for a better prospect than we have in our system.
essentially Mets would have had to trade Niese, Flores, Puello and pay for whatever part of Oswalts salary Astros didnt pick up.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)
We just don’t know the answer. It’s certainly fair of you to bring up the possibility but we’re all guessing.
While we’re guessing I think we should remember too that Ed Wade used to be the Philly GM so he might likely have an affinity for players from their system. For all I know he drafted Happ. He certainly didn’t draft Familia or Misch or Parnell and so on.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:58pm at 12:58 pm (UTC -4)
Also important to note is the multitude of stories coming out in the last 18 hours or so that suggest GMs around MLB are pissed at the Astros because the Astros never indicated a willingness to pay part of Oswalt’s salary in discussions with them. http://bit.ly/ajLMD0
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
Does anyone recall what the Mets high water mark for games over .500 was this season?
This is not me asking a trivia question I just want to know as I ponder something.
ceetar
7/30/2010-12:08pm at 12:08 pm (UTC -4)
11 i believe. may have been 10.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
Thank you. After I typed that I recalled that b-r.com keeps that stat. They say 11.
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
14
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
my bad wishful thinking.
Most Games over .500 11 last on Sunday, Jun 27
http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYM/2010-schedule-scores.shtml
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
I thought it was 12.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:23pm at 12:23 pm (UTC -4)
This is not an exact quote but Jon Niese just said roughly about Jerry Manuel:
“He’s a really smart guy and he knows the game really well and we all love him.”
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
of course he does but does he say that privately?
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
None of us know for sure. My own guess is he would disavow the first 2 parts but he probably was truthful, at least speaking for himself, in the last part. Jerry Manuel is the first and only manager who has given him the ball every 5 days at the major league level and I have to believe Niese loves him for that.
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-12:37pm at 12:37 pm (UTC -4)
Niese is a terrible liar.
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
SOunds like the same speach a downed airforce pilot says after he is captured and they video tape him to send a message back to the US. “they are treating me well…”
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
Good point. This was an audio interview so I couldn’t see if he was blinking the morse code for “torture.”
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-12:56pm at 12:56 pm (UTC -4)
Did players say that about Willie and Art Howe?
Hard for many here to accept, but I think a LOT of the players really like Manuel a lot.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-1:08pm at 1:08 pm (UTC -4)
For all I know they did I can’t say one way or the other.
One thing that I can add to that topic is this, which may turn out to be incorrect as it is quite subjective, but what I see is Manuel not taking sh!t from certain players, players who could be considered to present a combination of underwhelming performance and underwhelming attitude.
And I am willing to believe that players who at least have a good attitude and especially those who combine it with good performance don’t want these poor attitude poor performers around dragging them down.
More specifically as an example I know some suggested that Manuel was doomed when he handled Maine abruptly the way he did but I submit that other players saw it more as removing a cancer and respected it. I also believe that players know Ollie has no business being on the roster and are pleased with Manuel for minimizing his ability to destroy them from within.
But that’s total supposition on my part supported by no particular facts or news reports.
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:09pm at 1:09 pm (UTC -4)
I wholeheartedly agree, and this vibe is what largely caused my pro-Jerry period.
I think getting rid of Jacobs, Matthews, Maine, and Ollie was a huge factor in the fine play we saw in May and June.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
Here is one to debate. LOL.
“I like Theriot a lot. He and Thole are very similar at the plate, actually. The Riot will work counts, slap singles and get on base without striking out a ton.”
So in other words he likes Castillo and think Thole is Castillo?
Theriot has been terrible this year. His OPS is .650.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:43pm at 12:43 pm (UTC -4)
he’s Castillo with healthy knees, less bunting ability and without the bad stigma here in NY. would i trade him straight up, yes. do i want Theriot, no.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
That’s the thing, we keep bringing up guys with stats comparable or worse than Castillo even when healthy. These are just bad players.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-12:53pm at 12:53 pm (UTC -4)
even though we all know you think its silly, the thing is most Mets fan’s believe Castillo has a negative impact on the clubhouse, which i myself believe there is some truth to. Not to the extent that most fans make it out to be, but I believe if you replace him with someone with pretty much identical numbers, you will see a positive change.
fongy2
7/30/2010-1:02pm at 1:02 pm (UTC -4)
I’m with you on this Oleo!
TRS, never seems to
think ANYTHING
is a problem.
Not the lack of depth in the BP,not carrying Ollie who is only a negative,not still having Luis with his lack of production and high salary @2B,not the way JBay has
completely let down this team all yr,
nothing…Everything’s always rosey and good in Met-land
w/TRS,
Omar’s not that bad,the farm system’s
not that bad,nothing….
It’s all good!…
While we miss the playoffs again,
and 25seasons have past w/o
a Championship….
Pretty funny…
And not funny ha,ha…
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-1:07pm at 1:07 pm (UTC -4)
If we win a championship, will your avatar be changed to a picture of a happy dog? Just curious.
fongy2
7/30/2010-1:14pm at 1:14 pm (UTC -4)
Thats not just A dog…Its MY dog…Otto the wonderdog….And no…He’s a very serious watch dog….No smiling!!!
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-1:17pm at 1:17 pm (UTC -4)
I bet you Otto cracks a smile when the Metropolitans are crowned champions.
fongy2
7/30/2010-1:24pm at 1:24 pm (UTC -4)
While he’s only four…I’m starting to feel that given the normal life expetancy of dogs, he may not live long enough…Although I could say that about myself….
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:05pm at 1:05 pm (UTC -4)
Lots of Met fans utter the drivel about Beltran being a “clubhouse cancer.”
Recently SNY had a story about how Beltran helped Pagan so much last year that Pagan thanked him in tears at the end of the season.
Do you have even a microscopic shred of actual evidence for Castillo having a negative impact as you say?
What “most” Met fans believe means less than nothing.
fongy2
7/30/2010-1:13pm at 1:13 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah…No Brock,sorry..castillo has had a realpositive effect since he got here……
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:15pm at 1:15 pm (UTC -4)
What has been his negative effect/influence?
And please not the rumors about he and Reyes’ clubbing.
Anything real?
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-1:14pm at 1:14 pm (UTC -4)
i do not believe Beltran is a negative aspect in the clubhouse. I do believe that had we not played Beltran on the road trip we would have came out with better results but i don’t blame anyone for that.
Beltran was rusty and that was always to be expected. Carlos should make up for the game or maybe 2 he cost us this past roadtrip will be made up for by the time the season is over.
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:18pm at 1:18 pm (UTC -4)
OK, great.
Now can you share some evidence of Castillo’s “negative impact on the clubhouse”?
What Met fans “believe” means nothing.
Do you have even one thing to submit here?
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-1:27pm at 1:27 pm (UTC -4)
there are reports all the time about Castillo. if you choose to ignore them then fine but usually when there is smoke there is fire.
obviously he is staying here for the remainder of the season, and while he might just be a scapegoat, Castillo has been here for 3+ seasons and we underperformed since he’s been here.
While he might not be that much a problem, he is definitely not part of the solution. sometimes change is good and this a great example of it.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-1:27pm at 1:27 pm (UTC -4)
I can’t locate them now, haven’t seen them recently anyway, but in the past have read media reports about “moping” related to Castillo.
fongy2
7/30/2010-1:21pm at 1:21 pm (UTC -4)
He’s become a terrible baseball player for 6million dollars a yr my friend
Gotta bail on ya now…See ya later…
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:26pm at 1:26 pm (UTC -4)
Have a great weekend my friend!
May Slappy go 8-for-12 with a couple of walks this weekend!!
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
I’m gonna guess that that remark is related to the alleged Cubs request of Thole for Gorzellany that I read about somewhere yesterday. I don’t think Castillo is involved.
trs86
7/30/2010-12:46pm at 12:46 pm (UTC -4)
Almost, it’s about the Dodgers interested in Lilly and Theriot.
I still think there could be a deal there with the Mets sending Castillo to the Cubs in the off-season but not likely right now.
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-12:52pm at 12:52 pm (UTC -4)
Omar works best in the off season anyway, so I agree with you on that statement.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-1:07pm at 1:07 pm (UTC -4)
He’s also much younger than Luis
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-12:51pm at 12:51 pm (UTC -4)
What is starting to become clear is while the Mets have had some prospects that have opened eyes they still clearly have very little depth in the farm especially when it comes to pitching.
The few good prospects the Mets have that teams like they have had to use to help them be competitive this season ie; Nise, Davis, Thole. So they can’t trade them away.
The other few prospects teams want like Flores Mejia and Kirk N. the Mets don’t want to trade. So you have what you currently see the inability to get a deal done.
The Phillies simply have more depth so that is why they could trade for a Oswalt. They traded away Happ who had 1 good season and was hurt for most of this season and is 27 yrs old. They still have their top prospect Brown and did not have to trade their recently hot 1st base prospect.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-1:06pm at 1:06 pm (UTC -4)
the prospects they gave up are single A guys with speed and defense. but they are hitting around .700 OPS. you mean to tell me that the Mets don’t have that?
fongy2
7/30/2010-1:06pm at 1:06 pm (UTC -4)
i’m more shocked at how much of oswalt’s salary houston’s
gonna payroll.
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:12pm at 1:12 pm (UTC -4)
At this point, payroll simply must be considered a serious issue for the serious Met fan.
How can it not be?
A seriously reduced payroll to start the year, and NO in-season move?
I do NOT think the Wilpons are cheap, but finances almost certainly have to be playing a part here.
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-1:14pm at 1:14 pm (UTC -4)
And payroll isn’t a factor for the Rangers? They’ve been working miracles with a hardline restriction. I know they are in a different place than the mets (prospects, standings, etc.), but that hasn’t stopped them from getting creative.
fongy2
7/30/2010-1:19pm at 1:19 pm (UTC -4)
Mes thought Madoff had little effect on the Wilpon’s
finances AND
weren’t we told
by Sonny Wilpon,
Minister of Biz
Howard AND our
token GM Omar
that money wouldn’t be an issue????
Oh, yeah….
I forgot who
we were hearing this from….
b/t/w, where’s
Escobar????
Also, where are
all the comments from all of those who
spent so much timearguing what
a great signing Ben Sheets would
be????…….
Helloooo Case!!
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:25pm at 1:25 pm (UTC -4)
Well, I was the leader of the anti-Pineiro/Wolf/Marquis/Sheets/Harden group.
The WFAN appearance was simply corporate America 2010. Every word was a lie. That’s the way it is.
Maybe the Madoff thing was big, maybe not, but there is a lot more to the Wilpons’ situation than that. The economy has almost certainly had a huge impact on their real estate situation, as has lowered attendance.
And TV ad revenue could be lower after last year as well.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
Completely agreed. Bay signing I believe was to draw more fans in the seats. Look at his salary structure. He only gets paid like $8M this season.
I think Omar really wanted Molina, but Pineiro’s offer was for show. So essentially the Mets added approximately $10-12M past offseason while shedding a lot more in Delgado, Wagner, etc’s salary.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-1:52pm at 1:52 pm (UTC -4)
FWIW as relates to that topic a beat writer told me that SNY has record high ratings.
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-2:08pm at 2:08 pm (UTC -4)
Oh I think this is correct; I was just suggesting maybe 2010 ad revenues based on 2009 late-season ratings might be lower for advertisers. But 2011 should rebound nicely. (If this assumption is even true.)
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-1:50pm at 1:50 pm (UTC -4)
Sheets was the guy with ace talent. He was always a risk I don’t think anyone that advocated for his signing denied that. The Mets have been mediocre without him and as it turns out they could’ve been mediocre with him. Were the anti-Sheets people in March all saying “don’t worry R.A. Dickey will cover it?” I don’t think so.
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
Well no, I was not saying that.
I was just saying it would be ludicrous to spend 10 million on a guy who had not pitched in over a year.
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-1:25pm at 1:25 pm (UTC -4)
Completely agree. Oswalt made perfect sense for the Mets right before the AS break. Mets take on all the money and send some mid-level prospects for Oswalt.
Given Oswalt’s talent, $16M per is a pretty good bargain. I think the money was a definite factor in not even trying for Oswalt.
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:29pm at 1:29 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with every word of this.
And to take it a step further, when you could have maybe had someone with his resume, and even taking on ALL of his salary it would have been something like 38 mil even with 2012 guaranteed, not trying to do this (if they didn’t) does not bode well for another Bay/KRod/Johan/etc signing.
We better all be lighting candles and putting some extra time in at our Junior Core Worship Shrines.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-1:40pm at 1:40 pm (UTC -4)
of course we didnt have the money but essentially the Phillies traded Niese, Flores and Puello
DNDJohan aka kistics
7/30/2010-1:14pm at 1:14 pm (UTC -4)
same here with what the Phils gave up.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-1:30pm at 1:30 pm (UTC -4)
So is everyone in baseball. Articles all over the web about GMs scratching their heads about how much Houston was willing to cover noting they never made that remotely clear to these teams in talks.
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-1:33pm at 1:33 pm (UTC -4)
Ladies and Gentlemen… I give you Ed Wade…
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-1:30pm at 1:30 pm (UTC -4)
OK so the Mets do not want to give up prospects at a shot at winning in 2010 because the chances of them really winning are slim to none.
Yet if that is the case then can they move some players to get better for next season?
I see the Nats, Astros and D-Backs moving players with an eye to the future and I am asking myself why are the Mets not in on this?
No one wants a Pagan?
No one wants a Feliciano?
No one wants a Cora?
I mean if the Mets are eying 2011 then wouldn’t a Pagan generate a very good arm in return?
If 2010 is indeed over then get something good while you can for Pagan when his worth is at it’s peak. Clearly the Mets eye Kirk N. as the future anyways.
Kingman 26
7/30/2010-1:36pm at 1:36 pm (UTC -4)
Mr N, I think Pagan is our starting RF or CF on Opening Day 2011.
If FMart tears it up in Sept, maybe we try to trade Pagan.
And how can we trade Feliciano? That would leave the pen desperately short.
I would wish that they would try to get anything for Francoeur if possible, and surely if they can unload Cora (or Castillo or Ollie) do it yesterday.
With Beltran’s suspect fiedling and FMart’s suspect everything and Frenchy’s suckitude and Bay’s potential to suck again in 2011, I think they are right to hold on to Pagan for RF/CF and the 2 hole in the order in 2011. Captain Kirk is a year away I would think.
oleosmirf
7/30/2010-1:43pm at 1:43 pm (UTC -4)
well if you are playing for next season who cares if the pen is short going forward as long as you sign a loogy in the offseason.
forget Alex Escobar, Pagan is our starting RF next year.
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-1:45pm at 1:45 pm (UTC -4)
When this season started Pagan was expected to be a fill in till Beltran got back. A 4th outfielder if you will.
Pagan has taken this season and excelled making him the co mvp at worst.
It would be in the Mets best interest to get an arm now for him when his value is sky high.
Pagan has played heads up and remained healthy 2 things that held him back in past.
Pagan could generate a good arm that can help in 2011 and beyond or even a bat.
The starting outfield in 2011 is a long way off and right now Bay and Beltran occupy 2 of those spots.
The Mets could help replenish their farm with a decent pitcher for Pagan and if that is so they should take advantage of it.
Of course the reality is they won’t because they have to show they are trying to win in 2010 and that is where they lose me. This half in half out is enough to drive me to drink.
GravediggerHebner
7/30/2010-1:37pm at 1:37 pm (UTC -4)
I would say yes, no one wants a Cora.
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-1:38pm at 1:38 pm (UTC -4)
lol
njstuckintx
7/30/2010-1:43pm at 1:43 pm (UTC -4)
Mets aren’t in full sell mode, nor should they. Pagan is as close to a lock for the OF next year and he’s good. Really good. Why trade that? Maybe for Haren. Maybe.
Cora, fine, ship him off. But backup Middle infield isn’t an extreme need for the teams in the hunt, that i’ve seen. Maybe Texas? It’d save some $ for next year.
Feliciano might get something back good in return.
Anyway, even as we lament the 2010 season (currently in progress), keeping 2011 in mind does not mean selling off every available part. To me that means keeping the kids, maybe shipping off guys we would have no shot at resigning next year and jettisoning waste (castillo/perez) if possible.
ceetar
7/30/2010-1:50pm at 1:50 pm (UTC -4)
it’s better than “slim to none”. They’re certainly not in a give up mode. So that means no trading Pagan or Castillo. (likely trading both means playing weaker players) Same with Pedro, unless you did get great value from him, and then you consider. Cora I could see being useful to someone. He’s a pretty solid backup MI, he’s better than a lot of what people have out there. But it’s just not a position people are really worried about upgrading, therefore you just won’t get anything to justify trading him. Same with a guy like Barajas, most likely.
Mr North Jersey
7/30/2010-2:51pm at 2:51 pm (UTC -4)
I just want to get to a point where I know what we are playing for this season or next cause right now the line is blurred.
I don’t want to rip the Mets for not trying to win now if in fact now is not realistic but if now is not realistic then I want to focus on tomorrow and act accordingly.
If now is realistic then try to improve. Cut Ollie add a 5th starter and send Taka to the pen.