He is on his way to the land of Brats and Brews !
I have to admit that I was surprised – but not shocked by the announcement that the Mets had traded closer, Francisco Rodriguez to the Milwaukee Brewers for two players to be named later and cash considerations.
When Frankie First signed with the Mets after the ’08 season had ended it seemed to be a no-brainer acquisition. Frankie had just come off of one of his best seasons, and the Mets were in dire need of a closer after Billy Wagner suffered a shoulder injury – making him obsolete for most of the ’09 season.
You can’t fault then General Manager for landing Rodriguez. Frankie, along with J.J. Putz was supposed to shutdown the opposition. And shutdown he did. Well that is kind of a misnomer. Frankie’s Mets career kind of parallels Armando Benitez’s in some respects. Both get off to dominating starts, but it seemed like the both had a tendency ( when wearing a Mets uniform at least) to melting down in crucial situations.
So in the wake of this trade there are some questions that I – as well as you have to ask ourselves.
1. Will this trade be on the lines of the deal that sent Billy Wagner to the Red Sox for Chris Carter – Or will the Mets get some decent prospects for Frankie ? ( You know – a salary dump)
2. Who will take over Frankie’s role as closer – Izzy or Parnell ?
3. Does this officially signal that the Mets are sellers ?
4. Is Beltran next to go ?
5. And the most important question – How will this effect the Mets ability to sign upper tier free agents next season?
I applaud Sandy for making this move – it was done quickly and I am sure that the fans ( with their memories of last seasons flare ups, meltdowns and beat downs) will not be so upset to see Frankie – and his 17.5 million dollar vesting option go bye bye.
Your thoughts ?
And with that said….. HERE COMES THE INFAMY !!!!!
Mets alumni celebrating a birthday today includes :
Middle reliever from the ’74 season, Jack Aker is 71 (1940).
Reserve catcher from ’83-’84, Mike Fitzgerald is 51 (1960). Mike was one of the key pieces that helped the Mets pry Gary Carter away from the Montreal Expos.
The New York Mets purchased catcher, Joe Pignatano from the San Francisco Giants on July 13, 1962. After his days as a player had ended, he became the Mets bullpen coach under immortal manager, Gil Hodges. He stayed in that role until the late ’70′s.
The New York Mets signed free agent relief pitcher, Bob McClure on July 13, 1988. McClure had previously been one of the top relievers for the Milwaukee Brewers.
The New York Mets released middle reliever, Juan Padilla on July 13, 2008.
Mo Vaughn was so shocked by the news that Francisco Rodriguez was traded that he ate 4 dishes of arroz con pollo and 3 bottles of Jose Cuervo !!!!!
80 comments
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
Of all the players, I think we knew KRod was the most likely to be traded. There was just no way that they were going to let that option vest. I’m more surprised about the PTBNL and just hope we get back something more serviceable than the last guys we got when we traded our closer.
Is Beltran next? IDK but no matter when he goes, I’ll be a little sad. He’s been gracing that OF for so long I’ve almost forgot what it’s like not to see him. Not to fault Pagan b/c hey, no one is Beltran out there but watching some balls fall in front of Pagan this year – that you knew Beltran used to glide in and get in CF – makes you realize just how much we’re going to miss the best CF we ever had.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-5:19pm at 5:19 pm (UTC -4)
I have to agree. I would have thought that Krod would have netted more than just a PTBNL.
And I think that this is the opening of the flood gates.
Mets, up 4-3, going into the 9th and in comes… Bobby Parnell. Tonight’s game is brought to you buy Rolaids and Alka Seltzer Plus. (And I think we’re all ok with that)
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-5:55pm at 5:55 pm (UTC -4)
LOL – not for nothing but we all should have plenty left over from our supply of Rolaids and ALka Seltzer every time KRod came in.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
The cash considerations is Mets to Brewers, right?
With no 17.5 MIL vesting option wonder if this means better odds for resigning Reyes?
Anonymous
7/13/2011-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
5mill to brewers. basically paying all of his salary this year, but Brewers are dealing with option buy out or 17.5 option.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
That’s fine then. Not that disliked KRod as much as some Met fans but of all the players on the trading block, he’s the least likely I had a problem with going.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
surprised it was so early (though it is getting late quick!)
and once again, all the media types throwing crap at the wall, and not 1 mention that this was in the works.
nt sure if it means they are selling big time, but if 1-2 guys step up (maybe iggy back from the minors? ) then they are in about the same position, odds wise, this year anyway.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
off topic, but I know MF will appreciate why this annoys me!
headline in today’s philly paper: NL wins ASG – home field for phils
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
Those smug SOBs.
Watched the game last night, which at some points was slow b/c not much offense due to good pitching….so reading around some blogs while the game was on.
Beerleaguer spent the night discussing their post season rotation and debates such as if Oswalt should be in the BP vs. starting.
If it can’t be us, I really want the Braves to go on a tear, win the division and the Phils lose just enough games to not secure the WC either.
rustyjr
7/13/2011-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
This might be a good thing – it could free up $ for Jose
Anonymous
7/13/2011-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
I hate this move.
We all will after we see what KRod brought to the table as closer.
Adios thoughts of being buyers.
This move could have been made on July 31, at least giving the team another nearly 3 weeks to try to contend.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
- I don’t think KRod was the big difference maker in winning games between now and 31 July.
- Due to the nature of that contract, he almost had to go.
- We don’t know how hard it really might have been for Sandy to try and unload him. Could be the handwriting on the wall indicated this might be their only shot.
- His FB lost velocity he likely was not getting back.
- Even though he is still a very effective closer, his tendency to put guys on before he shut the door means he throws more pitches every year to do so. It also means you’re now not just depending on his talent to shut the door but counting on stellar defense behind you and behind the plate to keep those runners from scoring.
Always better to trade a player one year too early instead of one year too late – especially if you’re in the position the Mets are in.
Plus, as others have pointed out, if this frees up money to resign Reyes, I’m all for it.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
Well, much of this I agree with, but he saved 23 of 26 I think? 23 of the 46 wins? We have nothing remotely resembling a replacement.
I also agree that if his and Beltran’s freed up money help re-sign Jose, then it’s less painful.
But believe it or not, I might have been deluding myself about contending this summer.
With no closer, there will be no contending.
Regardless, if we included cash and all we got was 2 B-level prospects, this could have been done on the 31st—or even afterwards, as it is debatable if anyone would have claimed KRod on waivers without any pre-agreed assurances on his waiving next year’s option.
This is to save money to be sure, but it is also a white flag on contending.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-1:02pm at 1:02 pm (UTC -4)
He’s still an effective closer – I’ll not dispute that. If circumstances were different, I’d have no problem with him staying. But given the financial situation, that 17.5 MIL option and his concerning loss of velocity on his fb, I think it was a necessary move.
Seriously, KRod was not going to be the Mets closer of the future.
Slim chance of making the post season (even though I’ve not given up – yet) so this is as good an
opportunity as any to see if we’ve got his heir apparent in house
already. Half a season left to do that. If not, then can look at
options off season going forward for next year. I see it as this way, we’ve got half a year left here to see once and for all if Parenell or Beauto can take that step forward.
I’m a little surprised the trigger was pulled this early too but I don’t know the circumstances behind it. Have no idea if the consensus was trading him was going to be more difficult than they thought so they took possibly one of the few offers they thought they’d get?
I just don’t believe they’re waving the white flag with this trade. For me, what happens between now and the end of the month might change my mind.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:10pm at 1:10 pm (UTC -4)
Can’t argue with much of that.
I also think that the arrival of Boras on the scene very well might have been the impetus for getting KRod and his baggage and his option the hell out of here instantly.
But Parnell? Disaster awaits.
oleosmirf
7/13/2011-2:49pm at 2:49 pm (UTC -4)
it is going to hurt but again, its not like we were going anywhere if he stayed
John
7/13/2011-1:44pm at 1:44 pm (UTC -4)
“Adios thoughts of being buyers.”
Thank Christ.
Finally someone in the front office making thoughtful decisions for the long run.
TRS86
7/13/2011-1:54pm at 1:54 pm (UTC -4)
Welcome to
TRDM John.
Adam "Prismo"
7/13/2011-4:25pm at 4:25 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed John. Buyers? Lord help me.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-11:02pm at 11:02 pm (UTC -4)
You’re in the minority here as most bloggers lauded this move and believe Parnell will be the next Mariano Rivera. The move had to be made to get the financial monkey off the Wilpon’s back. When you’re in a dogfight to retain control of the team amid alligator’s snapping at your financial rear end relieving the financial pressures even though it’s just one move is essential. The major question is how this move will affect the other players if the Mets start losing games due too the lack of an effective closer. We shall see.
TRS86
7/14/2011-2:47am at 2:47 am (UTC -4)
I don’t see ANYone in this room believing sustained success for Bobby. Too bad, he’s a hometown boy for me.
Dirtysanchez
7/13/2011-12:46pm at 12:46 pm (UTC -4)
I just wonder who is going to close now.
As someone said earlier, I only hope we get someone better than a chris carter on this one
Rustyjr
7/13/2011-1:01pm at 1:01 pm (UTC -4)
I think a 3 headed monster of Beato Izzy & Parnell
Anonymous
7/13/2011-5:38pm at 5:38 pm (UTC -4)
And that’s monster as in bad monster.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-5:38pm at 5:38 pm (UTC -4)
And that’s monster as in bad monster.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-1:05pm at 1:05 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, will be interesting.
We’ll see if KRod’s comment of ‘Parnell is more than ready’, is actually realistic.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:17pm at 1:17 pm (UTC -4)
What a great start to the day. This is a big deal to free up flexibility. With the amount of money that was still on the table I have no problems getting 2 PTBNL. I have said all along it’s about 2012 and beyond and this proves that strategy is in place. Hopefully KROD and let Prince know how great of a place NY is to play in.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:21pm at 1:21 pm (UTC -4)
It definitely does not yet prove that this strategy is in place….we shall see what happens next.
Right now it proves they had no intention of paying KRod’s option and did not care what the absence of a closer will mean for the rest of 2011.
Let’s hope this dough goes towards the re-sign Jose cookie jar.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:36pm at 1:36 pm (UTC -4)
I’ve interpreted the plan to be getting payroll flexibility and improving the team for the long term. Knocking both the option or buyout brings down what is on paper for next year (barring needing to sign players to fill positions) to $64m. If people want Reyes there is now a reality that this can be accomplished.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-1:20pm at 1:20 pm (UTC -4)
On a side note, anyone surprised this went down without this story leaking before hand and Heyman and others tweeting about it coming down the pike?
I think credit has to be given to Sandy and his FO for negotiating without letting it get out until they were good and ready.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:34pm at 1:34 pm (UTC -4)
I am surprised Heyman has ever been right about anything.
Assuming he actually ever has.
Mr North Jersey
7/13/2011-2:30pm at 2:30 pm (UTC -4)
I thought the same thing regarding how hush hush it was.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:21pm at 1:21 pm (UTC -4)
For you non-ESPN Insiders, Keith Law’s take on the trade:
Even under the best of circumstances, RP Francisco Rodriguez, acquired late Tuesday night from the New York Mets, wouldn’t be worth more than a win to the Milwaukee Brewers over the rest of the season. But he’s an odd fit for Milwaukee that makes it likely he’ll be worth less than that.
Rodriguez
is generating the highest ground-ball rate of his career, but is
heading to a team with below-average defenders at three of its four
infield spots. And he’s allowing more balls in play overall this year
with a career-low strikeout rate, meaning there will be more chances for
Milwaukee’s below-average defense (they’re also weak in the outfield
corners) to convert those balls in play into hits. If the Brewers were
set on acquiring a reliever, they should have gone after one who misses
more bats, rather than a guy who used to do that but hasn’t done so this
year.
As for the cost to the Brewers, all we know
right now is that they’re on the hook for at least $3.5 million, the
value of Rodriguez’s buyout, but could end up paying him the full $17.5
million next year based on a vesting clause in the reliever’s contract
that kicks in at 55 games closed — he is currently at 34.
That alone is an awfully steep price to pay for maybe an added win in
2011, but they’re also sending two players to be named to the Mets, and
it could make this even worse if either of those players is a decent
prospect.
Milwaukee’s system is depleted
right now, but they do have players who project to have some major
league value, from Wily Peralta to Tyler Thornburg to Khris Davis (who
needs a promotion to Double-A). Even one of those would be too much to give up on top of the money they owe Rodriguez.
The Mets come out looking pretty good, ridding themselves of that option, its buyout and a headache that threatened to affect how Terry Collins ran his bullpen. If they can also land a useful prospect or two in the bargain, so much the better.
Ceetar
7/13/2011-1:26pm at 1:26 pm (UTC -4)
I like Law less and less the more I read him. (which is less and less) Comes off as arrogant and seems to be that he’s stopped really thinking about things because he thinks he already knows the answers.
that said, while I’m glad that the Mets have the full 17.5 more to spend on being a championship contender next year, I kinda wish they’d gotten more back than likely two scrubs. I’m not so much worried about who closes, I think they’ll get that done just fine, it’s the added 45-50 (which yes only comes out to about 15-20 the rest of the way) innings that will end up going to guys like Igarashi and Thayer and whoever. Unless the Mets make a different trade or have a guy that will actually contribute in AAA.
I hope they don’t wait too long to pick. You’d like these guys to get some playing time _this year_ so that they can be evaluated into future plans.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:32pm at 1:32 pm (UTC -4)
He can be extremely arrogant but he is one of the best writer on prospect evaluations.
If that option vests KROD would be within the top 20 highest paid players in the league and the highest paid reliever. His skills have been diminishing since his last year in Anaheim and I really don’t think anything else could of been secured. At least the team has a list of players to choose from and can take the time to scout them. A big win for the Mets.
TRS86
7/13/2011-1:28pm at 1:28 pm (UTC -4)
Dang, go to sleep early and come back and all hell has broken loose. LOL.
This is a great trade for both teams and bravo to Sandy Alderson. Yes I know we don’t have a clue who it is for yet. However, with us sending cash in the deal I feel comfortable that it was not just another salary dump. Obviously next year’s option not included.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:33pm at 1:33 pm (UTC -4)
A great trade for us?
How exactly?
We could have gotten this deal on the 31st or maybe even after the non-waiver deadline, and it largely does tell the entire roster that the team has no intention of thinking about contending this year.
TRS86
7/13/2011-1:39pm at 1:39 pm (UTC -4)
We do not know that Kingman. All we do know is that closer and closer to that deadline the closer he would be to vesting either for us or who he was traded to. The Brewers can actually have him finish 18 games or so without worry of the vesting option. Say that number had dwindled to less than 10? Not much room for the acquiring team.
Either way, it puts 17.5M back in the Mets pot. As for dreams of contending this year? Come on man. As you say lets be realistic. There was/is no way in hell we are passing the Braves or Phillies this year. Their pitching is just too deep. Sell early and hope you get the most of your return. I can agree with keeping Beltran until later and seeing what happens but Krod I just don’t think you take the risk.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:42pm at 1:42 pm (UTC -4)
Well, all of that definitely makes sense.
Funny how our roles on being realistic are fluid and change over time!
Just really liked how the team played during this stretch of hell schedule….winning 2 against the Yanks would have been nice, but other than the Angels’ series, we won every other one until facing Cain and Lincecum, and lost to Verlander and Kershaw.
Really, they far exceeded what I thought they’d be the last 2 months, and every time it looked as though they could be excused if they folded (the balk-off in Atlanta, the near sweep to the Yanks) they came right back.
I thought this winter the Phils and Braves would be really good, and alas, I was right.
I guess for me my top concern is wondering what Collins and the players think.
Parnell’s a pipe dream, and I must again state, he has NEVER been good consistently above A ball. He sucked in AA and AAA too.
TRS86
7/13/2011-1:51pm at 1:51 pm (UTC -4)
I agree that Parnell has never been consistent and I am on record saying I am worried about closer for next year. However, if we are basically choosing Krod or Reyes then…
As for this team, yeah they have been great to watch and will continue to be. If they did not fold when Davis, Wright or Reyes went down I don’t expect them to fade without Krod. I think a Beltran trade would have much more of an effect. Krod, who knows how he is viewed in the clubhouse. A few spoke up against him last year during his debacle.
Looking at the standings though, we have played just about as well as we could play and are 7.5 games behind the Braves. A Braves team I expect to make a move to add more offense. So think about what level the Mets would have to play at just to catch up to the Braves? 15 games over .500 if the Braves started playing .500 ball?
Anonymous
7/13/2011-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
There are also a bunch of other closers available so it’s good they got this taken care of before guys like Soria and Bell moved which would of created less demand.
Julie
7/13/2011-1:30pm at 1:30 pm (UTC -4)
I think the trade is a good thing. The Mets save some money and unload some baggage. Hopefully this doesn’t mean the end for Reyes or Beltran.
For the closers role, I think you give Parnell the chance. He’s more likely to be on the team for a few more seasons where Izzy is old. He’s done good, but Parnell has more of a future and we need to see what he can do on a regular basis.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-1:39pm at 1:39 pm (UTC -4)
KRod has recently been quoted as saying he thinks Parnell is ready and can do it. We might soon be finding out, if he’s first out of the gate.
TRS86
7/13/2011-1:40pm at 1:40 pm (UTC -4)
I think you also give some chances to Beato who seems to have a decent closers mentality. They could both be holding the spot for Mejia in the longterm.
TRS86
7/13/2011-1:42pm at 1:42 pm (UTC -4)
By the way, welcome Julie! I am sure MF4D would welcome another female perspective now and then.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-1:57pm at 1:57 pm (UTC -4)
Correct – on both points!
Adam "Prismo"
7/13/2011-4:56pm at 4:56 pm (UTC -4)
Welcome Julie!
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:35pm at 1:35 pm (UTC -4)
I like the move. This definitely clears up salary room to sign Reyes.
I also don’t think this is a start of the fire sale. I just think this is a move that had to be made regardless of where they were in the WC race. By clearing KRod’s contract, they should be around $80M next season which means you have room to sign Reyes AND have little more flexibility to add couple more pieces.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-1:38pm at 1:38 pm (UTC -4)
Well, the 1st place Phillies haven’t had a closer all year and in fact are in their 4th guy thrown into that position due to injuries.
Yeah, the closer position is important but living w/o one for a bit doesn’t have to mean waving the white flag.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:45pm at 1:45 pm (UTC -4)
Yes, and Dickey, Pelf, and Niese are definitely analogous to Halladay, Hamels, and Lee.
I am sure Stick has already sprained his finger repeatedly bashing the “like” button…..
TRS86
7/13/2011-1:56pm at 1:56 pm (UTC -4)
But doesn’t that go right back to square one? Is Krod enough of a difference maker to even that comparison out even a little? Through the Braves starting rotation up there. Is Krod going to even our rotation out to theirs? It’s just not happening this year. Perhaps the Mets can be at the other end of the Kazmir trade this year.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-1:58pm at 1:58 pm (UTC -4)
But, unless each and everyone of those starters pitch complete games each time out, someone has been closing those games and getting it done.
Just saying, it is possible to win ball games and shut the door in the 9th with no clear cut closer for the short term. Time will tell.
And at least this gives Sandy half a season to see just exactly what he’s got in house to maybe get the job done.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-1:42pm at 1:42 pm (UTC -4)
Also, by waiting maybe Sandy thought that others would become available for teams like the Brewers – such as Heath Bell – and we’d have less of a chance to make a trade.
So much we as fans don’t know about what’s been going on behind the scenes.
TRS86
7/13/2011-1:53pm at 1:53 pm (UTC -4)
Yup, and I honestly think the earlier the better with Krod because of the added flexibility. The Brewers can have Krod close near 20 games before the option kicks in. If the Mets had kept him and made that 10 that’s a huge difference.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-1:45pm at 1:45 pm (UTC -4)
http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;JSESSIONID=E06DDD36BF8F2B1C8DAB.3124?site=newsday&view=sports_blogs_item&feed:a=newsday_5min&feed:c=sports_blogs&feed:i=1.3021658
Davidoff’s take on the trade.
So far, I’ve not read much from any of these pundits who thinks this was a bad move.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-1:48pm at 1:48 pm (UTC -4)
Well all I am saying is I question the timing, the return, and the effect on Collins and the players.
TRS86
7/13/2011-1:58pm at 1:58 pm (UTC -4)
I just don’t think it has much of an effect on the players. You are assuming they even like him. LOL. In fact it might be a burden off of Collins not having to have the option in the back of his mind or the drama it causes.
The players know that some will be traded and in fact the earlier the better.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
I do think that the uncertainty can have impact on the BP. I don’t know if it’s positive or negative, but hopefully someone steps up to fill in the closer role rather quickly.
Personally, I would like to see Beato in that role. I know he’s had his share of troubles and he’s a rookie, but I think he has better stuff than Parnell or Izzy.
Izzy will get the first crack in filling the role though.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-2:07pm at 2:07 pm (UTC -4)
I’ll be curious to see how Collins handles this.
Anyone else chuckling at the thought that when Parnell got this word last night his first thought was ‘Oh Shit’? LOL.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-2:32pm at 2:32 pm (UTC -4)
Spot on with the drama. 2012 option watch has been going on all year and it definitely wouldn’t have gotten more attention the closer they got to that number. One less negative headline.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-2:34pm at 2:34 pm (UTC -4)
“To get to that point, however, the Mets had to hit every item on this
list: a) Showcase K-Rod positively for prospective suitors; b) get
K-Rod himself back in a good mental state; c) keep the Mets fans happy
by trying to win; and d) satisfy the Players Association concerning
any potential grievances.
That’s quite a balancing act, and Sandy
Alderson and Terry Collins pulled it off rather deftly. You know that
if the old regime were still around, they would’ve botched the
execution, and then the Players Association would’ve gotten a hold of
their plans, just as Principal Skinner found significant evidence of
Bart’s scheme to sabotage the launch of a weather balloon in this
“Simpsons” episode .”
Very good point. It was Minaya that created the mess and the new FO and Terry cleaned it up with no drama what-so-ever.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-2:36pm at 2:36 pm (UTC -4)
Another great point which I haven’t heard from anyone yet “Besides, Boras doesn’t want the option to vest. If it does, that money goes to K-Rod’s former agent Paul Kinzer.”. The Mets were smart for not wanting to take that risk though.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-2:05pm at 2:05 pm (UTC -4)
Thole, Josh 0.414
Murphy, David 0.414
Rubin Tejada 0.414
Turner, Justin 0.414
Bay, Jason 16
Niese, Jon 0.414
Dickey, R.A. 4.25
Carrasco, D.J. 1.2
Santana, Johan 24
Wright, David 15
Davis, Ike 0.414
Saberhagen, Brett 0.25
Bonilla, Bobby 1.9
Total: 65.084
14* League Min of .414 = 5.7
Smallest Possible Salary for 25 man roster in 2012 $70.8M
mrose
7/13/2011-2:27pm at 2:27 pm (UTC -4)
I read briefly through all the comments..
King – the reason for the trade now likely has to do with the fact that Milwaukee does NOT plan on using him as a closer and he was obviously not on the no trade clause since didn’t Boras say earlier this week that KROd would not be a setup man? This could have been a bit of an FU to KRod for saying he’d go as a setup man to a contender then getting Borass.
Anyway, Axford will keep closing, Krod might get a game or two, or some late games if Axford blows it, but they have 20 games to play with if they need him… not lets say 10 or even less…
I’m all for this move because we no longer have to worry that because of being 7.5 games out of a wild card, we are going to potentially hit a 17.5million dollar extension and not have Jose.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-4:39pm at 4:39 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe so, maybe not.
Way too early to tell. If Axford blows a couple, sure KRod will be closing.
Regardless, only time will tell.
And 17.5 million’s not going to automatically mean we re-sign Jose. It’s going to cost a hell of a lot more than that.
mrose
7/13/2011-5:12pm at 5:12 pm (UTC -4)
oh completely..but it doesn’t hurt..also read via someone on twitter that the Brewers would take on the most $$ so..no brainer… if thats true
TRS86
7/13/2011-2:54pm at 2:54 pm (UTC -4)
As for Beltran, it’s funny how times change. I would not mind at all seeing the Braves get Beltran just to give them a better chance to pass the Phillies. It’s bad when I now pull for the Braves over the Phillies. Who would have thought that a decade ago?
Anonymous
7/13/2011-3:01pm at 3:01 pm (UTC -4)
Don’t do that. Root for Beltran to go to the Giants and they can take care of both the Phils and Bravos.
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-3:16pm at 3:16 pm (UTC -4)
This is much more to my liking.
Although if it can’t be the Mets, I’d much rather the Braves go on a tear, over take the Phillies and the Phills fall enough that they don’t secure a WC berth either.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-4:40pm at 4:40 pm (UTC -4)
I wouldn’t mind seeing him go to the BoSox and beat the Yanks either
TRS86
7/13/2011-3:00pm at 3:00 pm (UTC -4)
Not a bad article here:
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/alderson_had_to_make_this_deal_8foedQbluQpGE6ys6NyblI
MetsFan4Decades
7/13/2011-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
From what I’m reading, pretty much most of the baseball analysts have the same opinion: this had to be done, this was a good move.
Mr North Jersey
7/13/2011-3:06pm at 3:06 pm (UTC -4)
Every Mets fan knew that 17.5 vesting option was not going to be good for the team if it vested in 2012.
That option was like a ticking time bomb that Alderson and the Mets were playing chicken with with the Mets seeing how long they could go before they would be stuck paying that 17.5M in 2012.
The Mets made it as far as the ASB and decided now was the time to move.
Why now I guess we will find out soon but some of the possible scenarios could be the addition of Boras to the mix and his comments of blocking any trade to any team in his no trade list if KRod would not be the closer.
Another may be the risk that allowing KRod get closer to that vesting option would make it that much more difficult to deal.
Another may be that making the Brewers wait may see them look elsewhere for a closer.
Another may be that Alderson has been looking to move KRod but could not find any buyers for him due to that option and the Brewers was his best chance on moving him or maybe it was something different all together.
All I know is that having to pay KRod 17.5M in 2012 was not seen as a good thing for the team going forward and Alderson addressed it.
I just hope that it doesn’t turn out that the Mets agreed to pay some of that salary in 2012. As far as the prospects I’ll wait to see what they get but as should be obvious I hope best case scenario the Mets fleeced the Brewers.
Regarding the idea that it means they are waving the white flag. I won’t say that yet. This team has constantly performed above expectation in the face of losing key players ie: Young, Wright, Davis so I don’t expect that to change now (or should I say hope). Lets see how the pen performs the closer duties with no KRod in the pen.
Ceetar
7/13/2011-3:41pm at 3:41 pm (UTC -4)
not waving the white flag for sure, it’s a closer.
But as much as you probably get a better 2 players by not naming them now, it’s too early for the team, despite what fans think of the chances, to wave the white flag, and K-Rod’s depature is still subtraction. But I’m sure there will be additions coming too(beyond the obvious 3 or 4 awesome ones that are already planned). And we can try out, hopefully a different, reliever from Buffalo.
Anonymous
7/13/2011-4:38pm at 4:38 pm (UTC -4)
“not waving the white flag for sure, it’s a closer.”
Ah, almost forgot your brilliant pioneering research into the meaninglessness of closers.
oleosmirf
7/13/2011-3:10pm at 3:10 pm (UTC -4)
1 down, 1 to go…
Adam "Prismo"
7/13/2011-4:29pm at 4:29 pm (UTC -4)
A very good and very necessary trade by Sandy.
This is one of those trades that you get done as soon as you can, by this point in the season. Let’s face it – the team is hovering around .500, 7.5 games back of the WC – they’re NOT making the playoffs.
KRod could start sucking or worse, get injured before the trade deadline. There’s no reason in my mind not to do this trade now.
Not only do the Mets save $17.5MM next season (that’s A TON of money), but we’re also getting back 2 players, at least 1 of which is hopefully better than Chris Carter.
TRS86
7/13/2011-6:32pm at 6:32 pm (UTC -4)
Bingo, why take the chance?
Wanny
7/13/2011-7:40pm at 7:40 pm (UTC -4)
This had to be done and the sooner the better. K-Rod has pitched just fine but it was wise to move him when someone was willing to take him for two reasons: 1) the more games he finished before being traded the closer he came to some other team getting stuck with his option. (this would be an issue if down the line Axford got hurt in Milwaukee); 2) once other pieces get dealt, the market might have evaporated for K-Rod (lots of relievers on the market).
You can also argue that K-Rod’s stuff has been diminishing and he might have destroyed his own market.
Also, there’s no sense in complaining about the return. We don’t know who the players are or from what parameters the Mets will be selecting, i.e. 1 may come from among Milwaukee’s top 10 prospects, etc.
More importantly, the Mets get $17.5m as part of the trade.
I don’t care who closes the rest of the season because even with Mariano Rivera setting up for Bruce Sutter the Mets would not make up the 7.5 games they need to vault 3 other teams to catch the Braves.
I’m a Beltran fan too but I’m looking forward to his departure, as well. And it sounds as if he does too.
TRS86
7/14/2011-2:49am at 2:49 am (UTC -4)
Hey now with disqus I could have just left it at clicking the like button, but then that would not be my verbose self. I agree with every word.