Stop the presses, hold the phone and take a seat. Hell it’s noon somewhere, so crack a beer while you’re at it. Ken Davidoff from the NY Post is reporting that Francisco Rodriguez AKA “KROD” is on the Mets front office list of potential trade targets.
After the heat flashes and heart palpitations passed and I gave it about 5 minutes of thought and felt that it might not be a bad idea. What will he cost compared to the other options? While we don’t know who is officially available, guys like Huston Street, and Brett Myers are regulars on the rumor mill. So let’s take a look at them.
Huston Street:
Seems he is injured every other year. He is more of a location pitcher with an average fastball velocity of around 90-93 MPH while also utilizing a slider and curve. His performance with the Padres this season has been very strong. He did miss the entire month of May due to a strained shoulder, but has bounced back nicely. In 22 games pitched (21 Innings) he has a 1-0 record, 12 saves, 1.29 ERA, .667 WHIP with a 4.67 K/BB ratio. He is currently earning 7.5 million this season with a 2013 mutual option of 9 million or 500 k buyout.
Brett Myers:
“The Boston Brawler” has been mostly a successful starter but is currently closing with decent results in Houston. The only other year Myers was a closer was in 2007 with Philadelphia. Myers is also a location style pitcher with a fastball that tops 87 MPH while also utilizing a curve and slider. In 30 games pitched (26.2 Innings) he has a 0-3 record, 17 saves, 3.71 ERA, 1.313 WHIP with a 3.8 K/BB ratio. He is currently earning 11 million this season with a 10 million vesting option (if he finishes 45 games and doesn’t end the season on the disabled list next year) or a 3 million buyout.
Francisco Rodriguez:
“The Citi Field Brawler” has been a very successful closer that has entered the downturn of his career. He was known for a strong fastball and knee breaking curve, but as he has gotten older the velocity has gone down. KROD was the Mets primary closer from 2009 until mid-season 2011 when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers to get out of a possible 17.5 million option based on games completed. Since being acquired by the Brewers he has served as the team’s setup man behind closer John Axford. In 39 games pitched (36 Innings) he has a 1-4 record, 1 save, 4.00 ERA, 1.472 WHIP with a 2.13 K/BB ratio. He is currently earning 8 million dollars and will be a free agent in 2013.
Choices, choices, choices. Out of these 3, there are very clear and different directions. For results, Street is the best choice, his contract is very reasonable for his age and ability but he will cost the team personal. This is not a trade that San Diego makes to clear payroll; they do it to acquire talent and most likely the younger kind. Also, keep in mind with Omar Minaya in the fold he is very aware of our talent pool. Myers is the middle of the road candidate. Great talent but not as good as Street’s, and is the most expensive option. So that option could offset some of the talent that may be needed to acquire him but it may also mean he is with the club next year for 11 million (or 3m buyout). He is about 20 games completed away from the option vesting. The KROD trade will be what the acquiring team makes of it. The Brewers aren’t in a dire need to clear payroll but I would imagine the more money taken means less talent that is needed to acquire. Also since he is on the tail end of his career, the talent needed should not be anything impactful.
So if Sandy is to make a move, which direction should it be in? It probably depends on how good you think the team is. Personally I would rather take my chances on Myers. The personal altercation was back in 2006, and he has been a good soldier ever since. He has great talent and would be a good anchor for the bullpen. Street seems too expensive for my blood. I feel he is a “put all your chips on the table” move and the team is just not there yet. KROD is a very inexpensive option but I don’t feel he will really change the dynamic of the bullpen. He puts a lot or runners on and can be very erratic. The pen needs stability and I just see him as a different warm body with the same results. Give us your thoughts!
Ken Davidoff’s article: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/idea_nlEkDeVdAFE3Jhi1rhGzgO
19 comments
Ceetar
7/3/2012-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
K-Rod’s velocity is actually up higher than it was the past two years.
He’s the best option of those three, and has the best K rate (less balls in play for the defense) He’s off to a slow start, perhaps in part to some bad batted ball luck, which makes him a perfect ‘buy low’ candidate likely due for some improvement.
If you can get him for junk, you do it.
srt
7/3/2012-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
To recap:
- We’ve got the very public hatred of Street for Bob Geren
- We’ve got Myers who has been labeled a ‘wife beater’.
- We’ve got KRod who once got arrested at Citi filed after a game.
Can we get a guy on this list that can pitch and doesn’t come with all this publicized baggage?
Seriously, already saw a comment from a ‘source with the Mets’ that Street and Geren shouldn’t be an issue.
KRod has reportedly gone through anger management and has not had any repeats of those issues.
Myers I have no idea but have seen many comments from Met fans that don’t want him strictly for that ‘wife beating’ label.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and predict we will pick up a BP arm, possible a closer – but it won’t be one of the three mentioned here.
SaltyGary
7/3/2012-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
SRT, I think you are closer to the truth with a none of the above.
I have read it too, to not bother looking at Streets personal issues with Geren. I also am a firm believer that all people deserve second chances. Not meaning bring KROD back, but to cut some slack for Myers. It was six years ago now and hopefully for his families sake it is in the past.
Stickguy
7/3/2012-11:16am at 11:16 am (UTC -4)
screw the baggage. Any of the situations are well in the past, they paid (whatever) price, and time to move on.
If Brett’s wife could forgive him, so can Met fans!
but, SRT is likely right, they get someone not on the list.
Could be some lesser name set up type guy. Or maybe Balfour from Oakland?
in any case, of the list above, K rod just might be the best choice.
I do think it should be a money (salary dump) deal. Let Sandy use some of the payroll flexibility he hoarded. Have to give some lower tier prospect back. Maybe get them to take someone off the 40 man? A Cahoon type? or some way far away A ball type.
In any case, spend some cash, fill a 2012 need, and don’t hurt the future development of the team. a win-win-win
srt
7/3/2012-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
The only reason I’m thinking it won’t be KRod is I’m thinking the FO won’t want to invest 4MIL for a 2 1//2 month rental. Or approximately 4MIL….whatever is owed on his contract if he came over.
gategem
7/3/2012-5:55pm at 5:55 pm (UTC -4)
You’re one of those that believe as long as the police don’t walk out to the mound, put cuffs on the pitcher and read him his rights he’s fine as long as he gets people out.
NJstuckinTX
7/3/2012-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
Myers has an attainable vesting option for 10 million for next year, so he will not be on the Mets radar. Now, between Street and Krod, I would say Krod would be the choice for 2 reasons. He’s a stop gap that won’t cost a dime for next year and he won’t cost anything large prospects wise. That is a short term fix for this year without sacrificing the long term. Then, Alderson has the flexibility to re-address the BP as he sees fit.
I think the smart plan, though, would be to can Geren and get Street. Why? Because FFF is not a closer and even at his salary he should not be for the next year either. He has the flexibility to close if Street gets nicked up some. The only issue would be what Street would cost prospect-wise.
Stickguy
7/3/2012-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
I agree all around. And I sure as hell am not going to pass on a move to help the team because of Bob Geren!
what about balfour? Why is he no longer being mentioned? Did I miss anything?
oh, and the key really is, no prospects of any note + no LT entanglements. Just take on some salary for this year, then move on.
NJstuckinTX
7/3/2012-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
I’d take Balfour as well! I just think the A’s asking price will be high. But I would take him in addition to KRod or Street. I like your other notes on the changes you’d do to the BP, but I would take it a step further and not have to rely on Acosta.
srt
7/3/2012-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
I like Balfour too but wouldn’t mind Street either.
If we did get a boni fide closer, anyone think there might be issues with FF when they tell him he’s bumped to the set up role? I’m thinking he sees himself as a closer, there’s more money in a closer role and he might not be one of those who think: ‘whatever you need me to do, Skip – just want the team to win’.
From what I’m reading this current clubhouse has a great chemistry. I know players can hate each other but the team still win but I’m thinking some of their success so far this year has to do with a new ‘tutde all the way around.
Stickguy
7/3/2012-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
I would not want to rely on him either, just saying that at AAA he has been pitching very well lately, and you may see him back at some point.
just have to instruct terry, don’t bring him in with men on base, or any high pressure situation. The 7th inning with a 3 run lead and the SP got tired after 6? OK!
I do believe that a team should use the AAA pen as an overflow, and move guys up and down when possible to ride the hot hand.
SaltyGary
7/3/2012-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
My feeling is Balfour is not getting hype because he is technically not a closer. But I am sure him and other setup men are going to get moved.
gategem
7/3/2012-5:58pm at 5:58 pm (UTC -4)
Perhaps a package of Duda and Havens would get it done. Losing both of them would have minimal impact on the future of the team.
Stickguy
7/3/2012-6:01pm at 6:01 pm (UTC -4)
heretic.
Stickguy
7/3/2012-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
I still think we are likely to see a couple more moves out of the minors too, even if they make a trade. And at this point, even the veteran arms could be on notice.
Batista is easily disposable. Hefner (who I actually like a lot) can get sent down. Hampson too, could be dropped.
those are the easy ones. Next on the list is Ramon R., but that is starting to get to be a “real” move. I guess after that, rauch, though he quietly has been doing better.
FFF and Parnell and Byrdak should be cemented in. 3F has actually been very solid after that rough patch early on (and I bet the knee problem was impacting him more than the team let on).
In the minors, Edgin and Beato are the guys that I think could be up sooner rather than later. And the other dark horse? Mr. 2nd half himself, Manny Acosta!
so, by August, you could see a pen of:
3F
Parnell
new guy (closer #3?)
rauch (gut feeling he stays),
Byrdak
Beato
Edgin
Say the new guy is balfour. That gives you 3 guys that can be considered closers to mix/match in the last couple innings. rauch and Byrd are basically OOGYs. and Beato and Edgin are swing men, mop up, long men, etc.
Will it become a lock down pen? Who the hell knows, but it sure looks better than what they had early on, and it has a chance to not be killing the team at least!
so all hope is not lost people.
Ceetar
7/3/2012-11:34am at 11:34 am (UTC -4)
Mets bullpen has been better than average in June.
i repeat, BETTER THAN AVERAGE.
We can probably expect some improvement out of guys like Ramon Ramirez too, who usually pitches better than he has. Francisco and Rauch, even if you think they’re crap, are generally less crappy than this. small sample sizes and all.
Stickguy
7/3/2012-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
Yup. people just look at the ERA and don’t think it through.
a big chunk of that was manny and DJ (plus smaller does of Schwinden and Elivn). all of whom are gone. Someone posted yesterday that Acosta alone gave up something obscene like 255 of the total runs by the pen!
take out the primary arsonists, and the overall numbers are certainly at or close to league average.
heck, even Franky, from mid-may on, has been very solid.
so no, the pen is not 2006 redux, but it also can be respectable enough to not be what sinks the ship.
srt
7/3/2012-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
I see where Acosta has been doing well down there. Have to wonder if they’ll give him another chance up here. Don’t know if his improvement lately is strictly a mindset one – where he’s not pitching under pressure – or the coaches down there noticed something and have him working on it.
Stickguy
7/3/2012-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
or C) AAA hitters are no where near as good as ML ones!
quite possibly, all of the above to some degree. Plus, isn’t he always a notorious 2nd half pitcher?