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Wild trade rumors

RealityChuck Jul 14 2006 11:38 AM

[url]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jon_heyman/07/14/daily.scoop/index.html[/url] ]A decidedly drab pitching market is on the verge of receiving a major shot in the arm. The White Sox are sending out word they're willing to trade one of two veteran front-line starters -- either Freddy Garcia or Javier Vazquez -- if a team will relinquish a top-flight set-up man. One potential target is Phillies All-Star closer Tom Gordon. ... The White Sox are targeting a list of top relievers, and it's believed that roster includes the Mets' Duaner Sanchez.

OlerudOwned Jul 14 2006 11:41 AM

No thanks. How about Heilman?

MFS62 Jul 14 2006 01:59 PM

]JAKE WESTBROOK, RHP, CLEVELAND Rumors have had the Indians open to trading Westbrook for some time; with a team that was expected to be in the race down to the final days of the season badly underperforming, there's no reason to think they wouldn't become increasingly open as the July 31 deadline approaches. Westbrook isn't the sexiest option available, but he's 29, under contract for a reasonable $5.6 million next year, and is a very good pitcher who's cleared 210 innings two years in a row. He's a power sinkerballer who's reliant on his infield defense and not giving up the longball, which makes him a good fit for the Mets, and while he's not as good as the 3.38 ERA he put up two years ago, neither is he as bad as the 4.49 he posted last year. Verdict: Not a bad idea I guess the writer hasn't envisioned the fate of a sinkerballer with the limited range of the right side of the Mets infield behind him. But with Belliard a free agent after this year, maybe they would be interested in Keppinger plus???? Later

smg58 Jul 14 2006 04:54 PM

I have to agree with Olerud Owned concerning Vazquez or Garcia; Heilman is negotiable, Sanchez isn't. Westbrook could post a sub-4 ERA at Shea. Milledge and Pelfrey would not be on the table for him, but I could see them asking for Bannister and I'd have to consider it.

Yancy Street Gang Jul 14 2006 04:56 PM

Heilman should be more than negotiable, he should be available. And now he's in the game as I type this.

OlerudOwned Jul 14 2006 06:11 PM

Mets to inquire about [url=http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/yankees_and_mets_both_inquire_about_abreu_yankees_joel_sherman.htm]Abreu, Gordon, and Lieber[/url] if they are made available, per NY Post and their excessively long urls.

Nymr83 Jul 14 2006 06:32 PM

Heilman and Milledge for Gordon and Abreu? is this feasible or is it a stupid WFAN-caller trade?

seawolf17 Jul 14 2006 06:55 PM

Why don't we give them Wright, Reyes, Tom Seaver's retired number, Met-El, Lenny Dykstra, Roger McDowell, and the naming rights to the new Bob Murphy Stadium? Gimme a break, Post. FWIW, I'd take Westbrook.

Zvon Jul 14 2006 09:09 PM

]Many scouts say they would not touch Abreu because of indifferent play. Yet others say the negativity of Philadelphia has worn on Abreu and that he is the ultimate change-of-scenery player. I really think this is true, re: change of scenery. And I dont think of it as indifferent play- more so playing too cautiously. But I dont think I want to see him as a Met. Not if the Phils are looking for top prospects. (I never, never, NEVER want to see Burrell as a Met). Id love to see the Mets pry Gordons arm from the Phils tho. They would be crazy to let him go the way he's been as their closer.

Yancy Street Gang Jul 15 2006 07:14 AM

David Lennon in Newsday: ]...the Mets were interested to hear that the White Sox are thinking about trading Javier Vazquez, Freddy Garcia or Jon Garland, but at this point, they don't appear to be a match. One person familiar with the situation said Friday that "there's nothing going on" between the two clubs, primarily because Chicago wants a top-flight reliever in return and the Mets don't want to disrupt their bullpen. The Mets are more focused on the Nationals' Livan Hernandez, despite his unimpressive numbers, because they know his price - in talent - is expected to drop as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches. ] The Mets apparently have other concerns besides their pitching staff. Just before the All-Star break, general manager Omar Minaya let it be known that he wants his club's on-base percentage to improve, and his recent interest in the Phillies' Bobby Abreu (.447 OBP) is part of that plan. A person familiar with the club's thinking said Friday that Abreu's name has come up but that he doesn't seem to fit at the moment. With Xavier Nady still bothered by a broken bone in his wrist, the Mets have an excuse to make room for Abreu in rightfield, and Cliff Floyd is in the walk year of his contract.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 18 2006 07:47 AM

MLB.com ]Notes: Rumors fly around Lopez 07/17/2006 7:56 PM ET By Michael Gluskin / MLB.com BALTIMORE -- One day after discussing trade rumors in general terms, Baltimore starter Rodrigo Lopez learned Monday that he may have a new specific destination. Buster Olney, a senior columnist for ESPN.com, said in a webchat earlier in the day that he expects Lopez to be traded to the Mets by the end of the week. Jim Duquette, vice president of baseball operations, was unavailable for comment, but Lopez took the news in stride. "I'm not surprised," Lopez said. "After three or four years with the same team and seeing the needs, at this time of year, nothing surprises me. It's not just with me. It can be with anybody on the team. I guess it's part of baseball, part of this sport. I wouldn't be surprised." Lopez, who's making $3.75 million this year, has started three Opening Day games for the team, including this season. He won on Opening Day, but struggled for much of the next two months. From April 25 through May 20, Lopez lost six consecutive starts, and he hasn't been able to find a consistent groove all year. Lopez, who is 6-10 with a 6.44 ERA, earned his sixth victory Sunday, pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings against the Rangers. That result may have fueled the rumors, but Lopez isn't letting it bother him. "I just worry about pitching well," he said. "And wherever I go, wherever I'm going to be, I'm just going to keep working hard." Starting pitching is one of the needs for many teams around the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, and Lopez is attractive in part because of his past success. He's won at least 14 games in three of the last four seasons and is 57-53 in his career. There's reason to believe Lopez's second half could be better than the first, judging by his career numbers. Lopez is three games under .500 with a 4.94 ERA before the All-Star break, but is 28-21 with a 4.63 ERA in the second half. Lopez has been with the Orioles since November 2001, when he signed as a Minor League free agent. He has never been traded during his career, and said it would probably be difficult on his family. He's married and has two sons. "We got to do our jobs whatever happens," Lopez said. "I guess the only hard part for me and my family is the move in and move out I guess. But beside that, I'm not saying it's going to affect my performance."

Rotblatt Jul 18 2006 07:54 AM

Lopez isn't a bad guy to target. He's been a solid pitcher in his career, although he's having a bad season. Still, his peripherals look good--he's just given up a ton of HR this year, something which Shea (and moving out of the AL) will really help. Depending on what we give up, I'm down with R-Lo.

Yancy Street Gang Jul 18 2006 09:04 AM

]There's reason to believe Lopez's second half could be better than the first, judging by his career numbers. Lopez is three games under .500 with a 4.94 ERA before the All-Star break, but is 28-21 with a 4.63 ERA in the second half. So he tends to have a better winning percentage in the second half, but his ERA isn't all that much different. It sounds more like the Orioles have been a better second-half team than Lopez has been a better second-half pitcher.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 18 2006 09:06 AM

He was very effective two years ago (I believe 5th in ERA+) and has won 15 games a few times in his career already. Plus, he's Mexican. Wouldn't at all doubt Duke goes for some of the leftovers of his short-lived system -- Bell, Keppinger, etc., if any kind of Met-O's deal gets done.

Yancy Street Gang Jul 18 2006 09:07 AM

We know he likes Victor Zambrano...

Edgy DC Jul 18 2006 09:18 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 18 2006 09:32 AM

The question is, where does Lopez fit in if it can't be established up front that he's better than what the Mets already have? I do believe the power alleys of Shea can hold in flies that the power alleys of Oriole Park cannot. But I also believed that relative to Jorge Julio, and I got two black eyes for my trouble, and I wasn't very pretty.

Yancy Street Gang Jul 18 2006 09:28 AM

I'm with Edgy; I don't really see the point of Lopez. Given the Mets current situation, I'd be willing to mortgage some future for a Dontrelle Willis. But even if no trade is made, we could go into the postseason with four of the following pitchers as starters: Martinez, Glavine, Trachsel, Hernandez, Pelfrey, Maine, Bannister. That's not as good as I'd like, but it may be good enough. Lopez doesn't improve it significantly, if at all.

Edgy DC Jul 18 2006 09:32 AM

And, if it is an improvement, it'll take five times through the rotation before we find out. Then, if not, we go back to one of the guys we shelved and give them another shot with the postseason that much closer and them that much rustier.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 18 2006 09:42 AM

Well, just as silly to dismiss him out-of-hand when there's no indication of what they intend to do or whom they give up. Maybe they like him as a reliever... who knows.

soupcan Jul 18 2006 09:47 AM

A healthy Martinez, a solid Glavine, a steady Trachsel is not so horrible. Wouldn't the odds favor one of the group of Pelfry, Bannister, Maine or Hernandez having some success from this piont forward? I'm with Yancy - I don't think that in the long run the pitching is as bad as people are being led to believe. Go get another starter be it Rodrigo or Livan and throw them into the mix as well. Why not?

Edgy DC Jul 18 2006 09:52 AM

Not so wild challenge trade brewing, from The Kansas City Star Deal in the works The Royals and Mets appear close to completing a trade of minor-league second basemen: Ruben Gotay for Jeff Keppinger. Gotay, 23, is batting .264 in 87 games at Class AAA Omaha after spending parts of the two previous seasons in the big leagues and batting .242 in 130 games. Keppinger, 26, is batting .297 in 85 games at Class AAA Norfolk. He batted .284 in 2004 in 33 games for the Mets. Gotay up until this year. It doesn't mean much, but check out that rip through spring training in 2005. Gotay in 2006.

Elster88 Jul 18 2006 10:08 AM

I don't see why the Mets are doing that one. But I don't see why not either.

TheOldMole Jul 18 2006 10:10 AM

Julio Gotay's nephew. His dad had a minor league career.

Edgy DC Jul 18 2006 10:50 AM

Elster88 wrote: I don't see why the Mets are doing that one. But I don't see why not either. Yeah, but that's often true of challenge trades. But part of why trades are made is that teams have different assessments of talent. Both guys are out of options at the end of the season, and maybe a new environment can push either or both in their make-or-break stretch run. Gotay has a little more power, and probably more power potential, and switch hits. Kepp has more average, and a little more versatility. Neither is much with the wheels, but Jeff steals at a more responsible rate.

Vic Sage Jul 18 2006 04:28 PM

]A healthy Martinez, a solid Glavine, a steady Trachsel is not so horrible. no, its not horrible In fact, that would be quite good enough. But we don't have those things. What we DO have is an unhealthy Martinez, a slumping Glavine, and a trachsel thats steady at an above-league avg ERA for whom the Mets score a ton of runs. ]Wouldn't the odds favor one of the group of Pelfry, Bannister, Maine or Hernandez having some success from this piont forward? Perhaps, but we need TWO of them to have success, not just one. And the odds of THAT, while gettng back a healthy Pedro, and having glavine return to solidity, and having Trax' steadiness level out at 1/2 run of ERA less, are NOT odds you really want to bet on. ]I'm with Yancy - I don't think that in the long run the pitching is as bad as people are being led to believe. And i think you and Yancy are delusional. But i mean that in the nicest possible way! :) ]Go get another starter be it Rodrigo or Livan and throw them into the mix as well. Why not? cuz those guys blow. We need a solid #2-#3-type starter that can push Trax to #4, leaving only the 5th slot open rookies and has-beens. And I don't think there are any available right now. But if there were, you'd have to give up something of value to get him. Either F.Garcia and J.Vazquez sound like possibilities, if they'd take Heilmann and a prospect in return. Sanchez, however, has been too important to the bullpen to move now. As for Dontrelle Willis, trading Pelfrey and/or Milledge for him (even if thats all it would cost us, which i doubt) is not trading away the future. D-Train is 24 years old! He IS the future. But whats good about him is that, unlike Pelfrey, he's the present, too. But i don't think there's any way FLA trades him to the Mets.

Yancy Street Gang Jul 18 2006 04:46 PM

I'm glad you mean it in a good way! For the record, my position, in a nutshell is that the Mets rotation can certainly stand to be upgraded, but if it isn't it may prove to be good enough. I'd love to get a Dontrelle, but as for some of these other guys, I don't see much point in getting another starter with an ERA over 5. And the Mets only have to choose one guy to go along with Glavine, Pedro, and Trachsel. You only need four starters in the postseason.

Rockin' Doc Jul 18 2006 08:25 PM

Yancey - "And the Mets only have to choose one guy to go along with Glavine, Pedro, and Trachsel. You only need four starters in the postseason." Yup ©

smg58 Jul 19 2006 09:29 AM

Gotay is younger. I'm worried that his BB/K ratio has dropped this year, but I think the Mets see more long-term upside with him, while the Royals probably see Keppinger as a guy who can play for their big league club. The Marlins could compete with the Mets next year if they stand pat, and at some point that would have to factor into their thinking regarding Willis. At least you would think it would. I'm guessing it would take both Milledge and Pelfrey to get their attention, and that's an offer I wouldn't make.

cleonjones11 Jul 19 2006 09:52 AM

Maybe Pelfrey is all we really need. They dont have to do anything.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 19 2006 09:53 AM

Kepp looked like a goner from the start. He's not an Omar Guy in the least. I think Omar given a choice prefers his middle-infield reserves to possess strong gloves, secondary skills and upside as opposed to fully developed hitting skills and suspect everything else.

Nymr83 Jul 19 2006 10:02 AM

]Perhaps, but we need TWO of them to have success, not just one. And the odds of THAT, while gettng back a healthy Pedro, and having glavine return to solidity, and having Trax' steadiness level out at 1/2 run of ERA less, are NOT odds you really want to bet on. We really only need 4 guys pitching well not five, the 5th starter doesnt pitch in the playoffs and i'm not worried about missing the playoffs if 4 guys are pitching well.

metirish Jul 19 2006 10:37 AM

From the Chicago Sun Times.. ] IS THAT A YES? Greg Maddux was asked whether his former Atlanta Braves teammate Tom Glavine had given him a private sales pitch, while Glavine was in Chicago with the Mets, about Maddux approving a trade to New York before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. Maddux got a big grin on his face before trying to dummy up. "Huh?'' he said, dragging out the word for comic effect.

Edgy DC Jul 19 2006 10:40 AM

You wonder if Peter Gammons is scrawling out rumors on his bedsheets.

TheOldMole Jul 19 2006 10:51 AM

Then we'd have three Hall of Famers in one starting rotation. Maybe four. Pelfrey has not ruled himself out yet.

Yancy Street Gang Jul 19 2006 11:20 AM

Maddux's agreement is only part of the process. I wonder what the Cubs would want to make such a deal?

Johnny Dickshot Jul 19 2006 11:46 AM

Edgy DC wrote: You wonder if Peter Gammons is scrawling out rumors on his bedsheets. I was going to remark how sad it was that Gammo won't be around to lend some air-traffic control to all the rumors this summer. Even tho ESPN foolishly locked him in their pay-for-content box, if it were big enouigh we'd get Gammons' take one way or another. This is also a sad opportunity for Gammons' would-be successors. I'm sure we'ver all seen Newsday's Jon Heyman is now doing a daily rumor update at SI.com; Ken Rosenthal is getting more face time at Fox Sports; and ESPN is using Olney as lead baseball newshound in Gammo's absence. Of the three of them, Olney probably writes best, tho he and especially Heyman rarely manage to keep their opinions out of their pieces. Heyman's a real sourpuss who seems to take delight in reporting something that makes someone look bad. I guess Rosenthal is the least objectionable but it's questionable whether he's capable of generating the kind of clout Gammons could with a column. It may be Gammons is the first and last of the breed.

MFS62 Jul 19 2006 12:01 PM

Johnny Dickshot wrote: ="Edgy DC"]You wonder if Peter Gammons is scrawling out rumors on his bedsheets. This is also a sad opportunity for Gammons' would-be successors. I'm sure we'ver all seen Newsday's Jon Heyman is now doing a daily rumor update at SI.com; Ken Rosenthal is getting more face time at Fox Sports; and ESPN is using Olney as lead baseball newshound in Gammo's absence. It may be Gammons is the first and last of the breed. JD, you sitting down? Last year, I was listening in my car when Gammons was interviewed on ESPN Radio about the passing of Jack Buck. The announcer asked him who he thought were the best of the young broadcasters. The first (and only) name out of his mouth? Michael Kay. I hope the powers that be weren't listening. If Kay gets the national gig as Gammons' replacement, Heaven spare us. Oh, I quickly recovered and there was only minor damage to my car. Later

seawolf17 Jul 19 2006 12:07 PM

I think I would have to give up baseball for soccer if Michael Kay were given a national voice.

Vic Sage Jul 19 2006 01:23 PM

From HARDBALL TIMES website: http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/mid-term-report-card-new-york-mets/ ]The other thing to note about the Mets' top three starters is that they all have FIPs (Fielding Independent Pitching ERA) higher than their actual ERAs. This could be due either to luck or superior fielding, it's not easy to tell which, but some regression to the mean in the second half should be expected. Those three pitchers, though, have started 52 of the Mets' 89 games thus far. That has left 37 starts to a motley crew of crafty veterans (e.g., El Duque), good-looking youngsters (Bannister) and various Quad-A anonymities (Jeremi Gonzalez). Bannister made five starts early, going 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA, before going down with a bad hamstring. On the other side of the coin, Jose Lima was given four starts (wha?) and fared even worse than most of us thought he would: 0-4 with a 10.00 ERA. As a group the 4-5 starters have gone 9-16 with an ERA of 5.55, while pitching about five innings per start. The Mets would certainly like to shore up the bottom of the rotation, especially since Pedro has recently shown some health concerns, missing his last two starts before the All-Star Break. Perhaps Mike Pelfrey, the Mets' top draft pick in 2005 who has recently joined the rotation, will be a key performer. In any case, the Mets are rumored to be searching desperately for an established starting pitcher to bolster the bottom of the rotation. yes, you only need 4 pitchers for the playoffs. But you still have to get there, and while we might not blow the entire lead, we may end up playing little better than .500 over the 2nd half because of the lack of starting pitching, and we'll certainly be putting a strain on an already overworked pen. Thats not the way you want to go into the playoffs. If Pelfrey continues to pitch OK, then maybe he fills one of those slots. But i'm not sanguine about ElDuque/Main/etc filling the other slot in a way that gives me enthusiasm for our post-season chances. I don't mind handing one slot out of 5 over to rookies and has-beens, trying to catch lightning in a bottle, but handing over 40% of the rotation for the 2nd half of the season to huge question marks (when the remaining 60% are so fragile) is just begging for a 1st round knockout.

Yancy Street Gang Jul 19 2006 01:36 PM

I don't have any worries about missing the playoffs. The possibility is too unlikely. But arriving in a battered state and getting knocked out in the first round is all too real a possibility. I wouldn't let Pedro return to the rotation until his hip is 100%, or until September, whichever comes first. I'd give Delgado a bunch of days off over the next few weeks. Give Glavine an extra day of rest wherever possible. I'd pull Wright, Beltran, and Reyes in the late innings of any lopsided games.

Vic Sage Jul 19 2006 01:42 PM

those are all good ideas, but i think they're window dressing. The view outside the window, however, shows storm clouds in the distance. This is why i say we need another decent starter.

Edgy DC Jul 19 2006 01:53 PM

cleonjones11 wrote: Maybe Pelfrey is all we really need. They dont have to do anything. Welcome to the fold, cleon.

Frayed Knot Jul 19 2006 04:11 PM

]... Gammons was interviewed on ESPN Radio about the passing of Jack Buck. The announcer asked him who he thought were the best of the young broadcasters. The first (and only) name out of his mouth? Michael Kay. You mean that an ESPN employee being interviewed on an ESPN outlet gave a plug for an ESPN broadcaster? Well color me shocked! ESPN so rarely allows cross-promotion like that as part of their programming.

Rotblatt Jul 19 2006 04:57 PM

I think we need to keep Trachsel & Glavine on regular rest (they work better that way) and give Petey as many days off as we can until we hit the post-season to keep them fresh. If there's any physical question about any of them, we need to delay their starts and be quick to throw them on the DL if it looks at all necessary. I think we should also carry another long man in the bullpen to help ease the strain on our middle relievers. As for our #4 & #5, I can really see the appeal of a solid innings-eater there solely to counterbalance the kid glove treatment we're giving to our top 3 guys. I'd also like to see us use one of those slots to try out some kids. In short, I think trading for a near-average, inning-eating schlub could help us a lot. The problem is that our specific targets, Lopez & Livan, have been having crappy years and averaging under 6 innings a start. Now, leaving the AL will probably help Lopez, but will it be enough? Maddux could fill that schlub role too for me, but I'd want to pay for him like a schlub and not like a future HOF--meaning I don't want to give up a top-tier prospect for him. Same deal for Vazquez (they have very similar numbers, actually, although adjusted for league, Vazquez has almost certainly been better). Don't get me wrong--I'd love a pitcher who's actually GOOD, I just think they're going to be hard to come by, and I'm not sure I'm willing to give up a Milledge or a Pelfrey (who's at a minimum almost ready) for him. Unless he's also young (I'm looking at you, Willis).

Johnny Dickshot Jul 20 2006 07:24 AM

Rosenthal with nothing to say but a unique way of saying it. [url]http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5796782?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=49[/url] ] Mets could trade top prospect for Zito The Mets have insisted for months that they won't trade their top position prospect, Class AAA outfielder Lastings Milledge. But a growing number of major-league executives believe that the Mets will indeed part with Milledge, 21, if they can get the right starting pitcher in return. Ideally, that pitcher would be Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis, but the Fish aren't biting. Besides, the Marlins would want much more than Milledge for Willis, whom they control through 2009. A's left-hander Barry Zito, a potential free agent, would be a more realistic target — the A's previously have indicated they would be willing to move Zito for a package of Milledge and Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman. Then there is Giants right-hander Jason Schmidt, another potential free agent. The Giants have made it clear that they are not interested in trading Schmidt, but perhaps they would listen if they had a chance to acquire Milledge. The Mets, armed with a new television network and preparing for the opening of a new ballpark in 2009, possess the resources to re-sign a Zito or Schmidt. The A's or Giants also could send back a young player to the Mets to help balance a deal. And, by making Milledge available, the Mets might create other possibilities with other clubs. One general manager with possible interest in Milledge says that Mets G.M. Omar Minaya has given "absolutely no indication" he will trade the outfielder. Others, however, say that Milledge triggered renewed questions about his makeup during his 24-game stint with the Mets earlier this season, prompting club officials to become more open to a trade. The greater motivation for the Mets might be the state of their rotation, which is composed primarily of older soft tossers. A hard thrower would make more sense than another finesse type such as the Nationals' Livan Hernandez or Orioles' Rodrigo Lopez. Zito lacks a killer fastball, but his trademark curve, combined with his changeup and sinker, almost certainly would play well in the National League. Will Barry Zito be walking off the mound for another team? (Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images) Moving Zito would severely diminish the A's chances of making the playoffs, particularly with right-hander Rich Harden possibly out for the season with a sprained elbow ligament. But A's G.M. Billy Beane could justify a trade by saying that a Milledge-Heilman package would be in the team's best long-term interests. The problem with acquiring Zito — for the Mets, Dodgers or any other interested club — is that he could amount to a two-month rental. If Zito follows the usual strategy of his new agent, Scott Boras, he almost certainly will enter the open market regardless of where he finishes the season. The Mets also have had recent talks with the Diamondbacks, focusing on Arizona's pitching. The Diamondbacks are open to trading right-handed starter Miguel Batista, right-handed relievers Brandon Lyon and Greg Aquino and Class AAA reliever Jose Valverde. Milledge would not figure to be involved in such a deal.

RealityChuck Jul 20 2006 09:02 AM

I'd say forget about any rental players. It's not worth it, and the team could probably pick them up via free agency. If the team doesn't win the series, so be it. They will make the playoffs, and should be at least as strong next year offensively, and have several young pitchers in the wings for when Pedro and Glavine get too old. Let's not give everything away at this point; I'd keep Milledge, Pelfry, Humber, and Bannister no matter what pitchers are being offered now.

metirish Jul 20 2006 09:40 AM

The Bergen Record has a few old rumors to add... ] FREDDY GARCIA, White Sox An important part of the starting rotation that carried the White Sox to the 2005 World Series title, Garcia may nonetheless find himself in another uniform come August. Chicago has put out word that Garcia (or, less likely, fellow starting pitcher Javier Vazquez) could be had in a trade. Why? Because the White Sox want to upgrade their bullpen and possibly center field, and because they believe young pitcher Brandon McCarthy is ready to be a regular starting pitcher. Garcia would interest the Mets, who are looking to upgrade their starting rotation. But unless they're willing to ship back either Aaron Heilman or Duaner Sanchez, it's unlikely they'll make a deal. Chicago also has its eye on Phillies reliever Tom Gordon. Key Stat: Since pitching eight scoreless innings against the Cardinals on June 22, Garcia is 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA and 37 hits allowed in 24 innings over four starts. The Mets are looking just about everywhere for pitching help. They've checked in on Washington's Tony Armas Jr., an Omar Minaya favorite from his time in Montreal. They've asked the Diamondbacks about Miguel Batista, who may be available if Arizona can get a starter in another deal. And they asked the Indians about Jake Westbrook but were told he's not available

Yancy Street Gang Jul 20 2006 09:55 AM

I wouldn't want to part with Sanchez, but Heilman should be very available if anyone's interested. The thing about Milledge is that the Mets can only trade him once, and if they do trade him they'd better choose wisely. I don't want to do it for a two-month rental. I think Zito is going to be a Met in 2007, it's not worth Milledge to advance that by a couple of months.

Willets Point Jul 20 2006 11:05 AM

"Trade Rumors Gone Wild" woulda been a funnier thread title.

Elster88 Jul 20 2006 05:33 PM

Does Hillenbrand play second? Crazy speculation on the FAN...maybe the Mets are looking to trade for Grudzelaneiahgdlkhagkld.....and that the Keppinger trade was setting it up.

OlerudOwned Jul 20 2006 05:40 PM

Elster88 wrote: Does Hillenbrand play second? Crazy speculation on the FAN...maybe the Mets are looking to trade for Grudzelaneiahgdlkhagkld.....and that the Keppinger trade was setting it up. Setting it up? Were they trying to earn their trust first, like giving food to a wild gorilla before studying it?

Nymr83 Jul 20 2006 05:41 PM

]I'd keep Milledge, Pelfry, Humber, and Bannister no matter what pitchers are being offered now. I wouldn't consider Bannister anything near untouchable. ]Does Hillenbrand play second? 1B/3B/DH so far in his career, though i'd sure take him on the bench...playing time seemed to have been his problem in toronto though and we dont need to bring in an unhappy player for the stretch run unless he really fills a need which hillenbrand does not

Elster88 Jul 20 2006 05:48 PM

OlerudOwned wrote: ="Elster88"]Does Hillenbrand play second? Crazy speculation on the FAN...maybe the Mets are looking to trade for Grudzelaneiahgdlkhagkld.....and that the Keppinger trade was setting it up. Setting it up? Were they trying to earn their trust first, like giving food to a wild gorilla before studying it? Don't ask for explanation from crazy people.

martin Jul 20 2006 07:28 PM

i know some people get irritated if you cut and pase from espn insider, so i will just post the jiucy bits about the milledge/abreu deal they say is brewing: "t's beginning to appear that the Phillies and Mets have the makings of a Richter Scale kind of deal - one that would send Abreu to Flushing Meadow for an earth-rattling package topped by the Mets' marquee position-player prospect, Lastings Milledge.. The Mets' original deadline shopping list started (and essentially ended) with starting pitching. But clubs that have spoken with the Mets say they've concluded there is no gettable starter with better stuff than the just-recalled Mike Pelfrey.... with the Tigers and Red Sox showing no more than kick-the-tires interest, and the Yankees balking at dealing anyone in the upper tier of their prospect pool, this is the one burner on the Phillies' stove where you can feel the heat building around Bobby Abreu's fabled casserole."

Gwreck Jul 20 2006 09:21 PM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: I wouldn't want to part with Sanchez, but Heilman should be very available if anyone's interested. Certainly not for Freddy Garcia. Perhaps in the right deal. His outings in the last 2 games are encouraging.

RealityChuck Jul 20 2006 09:44 PM

Now it looks like a Milledge for Bobby Abreu is the hot rumor. According to Jayson Stark of ESPN: ]It's beginning to appear that the Phillies and Mets have the makings of a Richter Scale kind of deal -- one that would send Abreu to Flushing Meadow for an earth-rattling package topped by the Mets' marquee position-player prospect, Lastings Milledge ... Clubs that have spoken with the Mets say they've concluded there is no gettable starter with better stuff than the just-recalled Mike Pelfrey. So they have turned their attention to the one guy on their list they think could be a major difference-maker -- Abreu ... Sources who have been in touch with both clubs say nothing is imminent ... teams also would have to work out who pays what of the $37 million or so Abreu has coming. But with the Tigers and Red Sox showing no more than kick-the-tires interest, and the Yankees balking at dealing anyone in the upper tier of their prospect pool, this is the one burner on the Phillies' stove where you can feel the heat building around Bobby Abreu's fabled casserole.

Willets Point Jul 20 2006 09:48 PM

Abreu's 32 -- not as old as I thought he was since he seems to have been around forever -- but still age is a factor here and I think it could be the type of short-term, short-sited type of acquisition that made the early 2000's Mets famous.

Edgy DC Jul 20 2006 10:02 PM

This is my friend Pat. Stand Pat.

OlerudOwned Jul 20 2006 10:06 PM

="Edgy DC"]This is my friend Pat. Stand Pat.

SI Metman Jul 20 2006 11:18 PM

Well the Philles could always do a WATP with the MFY that has been floating around the net for the last 24 hours. Abreu, Burell, Bell and Flash Gordon to the MFY for A-Rod and Melky Cabrera....

OlerudOwned Jul 20 2006 11:22 PM

SI Metman wrote: Well the Philles could always do a WATP with the MFY that has been floating around the net for the last 24 hours. Abreu, Burell, Bell and Flash Gordon to the MFY for A-Rod and Melky Cabrera.... Where did that come from? Someone posted it on a football forum and everyone assumed it came from thin air. It sounds like something that should go in JD's trade thread.

Frayed Knot Jul 20 2006 11:27 PM

The sticking point w/Abreu is not only the money he's owed but also that he has veto power over any trade - and would most likely at least want his 2008 option year picked up before he'd agreed to anything (his agent has said as much). So that's the remainder of ($15 mil?) contract for this year and about $16 + $17 for the next two - all this WHILE you're paying Wagner, Pedro, Delgado, Beltran major bucks as well, and about the time Wright & Reyes would be heading for that kind of territory. On the other hand ... y'know what a .425-ish OBA w/decent power & speed sitting between Reyes & Carlos^2 & Wright would do to our run production? Like Wow!

Willets Point Jul 20 2006 11:54 PM

SI Metman wrote: Well the Philles could always do a WATP with the MFY that has been floating around the net for the last 24 hours. Abreu, Burell, Bell and Flash Gordon to the MFY for A-Rod and Melky Cabrera.... Wow. I'd love that trade. Burrell's chances of homering of the Mets would be reduced by 12.

Rotblatt Jul 21 2006 07:45 AM

From the Star Ledger: ]METS BUZZ The Mets have talked to the Arizona Diamondbacks about Miguel Batista and also about pitcher Juan Cruz. Arizona likes Brian Bannister a lot as a possible return chip. ... Yes yes yes to Juan Cruz!!! Former top Cubbie prospect, 28 years old, career line of 4.39 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 8.38 K/9, 4.58 BB/9, 0.93 HR/9. He'd been relegated to the bullpen pretty much since 2002 but Arizona's been using him as a starter with mixed results. 4.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 7.2 K/9, 3.88 BB/9, 0.39 HR/9. He's got some serious H/A splits, though--6.20 ERA @ home and 3.34 ERA away. He's a fairly small pitcher but he throws in the mid 90's with regularity and he's got a good changeup. I'd do Bannister for Cruz in a heartbeat. Batista I'm less excited about because he's older and has less upside, but he'd be a solid pickup as well. It'd be like having two Trachsels on our team.

seawolf17 Jul 21 2006 08:01 AM

="OlerudOwned"] ="Edgy DC"]This is my friend Pat. Stand Pat. Strange Pat.

cleonjones11 Jul 21 2006 01:13 PM

How about we get: Mark Gregluzinski and Nomar Grapadappadoo