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Mets acquire Guillermo Mota

OlerudOwned Aug 20 2006 05:31 PM

Per ESPN Bottom Line, for a PTBN. Updates as they come.

Frayed Knot Aug 20 2006 05:33 PM

My initial reaction: WTF?

Yancy Street Gang Aug 20 2006 05:33 PM

]Mets acquire Mota from Indians 08/20/2006 5:15 PM ET By Bryan Hoch / Special to MLB.com NEW YORK -- Hoping to bolster their bullpen for September and beyond, the Mets acquired right-handed reliever Guillermo Mota from the Cleveland Indians on Sunday in exchange for a player to be named later. The 33-year-old Mota had struggled this season, posting a 1-3 record with a 6.21 ERA in 34 appearances for Cleveland. He has not pitched since July 24 and was designated for assignment on Aug. 12. "Our scouts say the velocity is good, he's healthy," Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. "Hopefully a change of scenery and change of leagues will help him produce better results." A 6-foot-4, 210-pound reliever, Mota is expected to join the Mets in time for Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, at which time Minaya said the Mets would make a corresponding roster move. "To me, the bullpen is something that's very critical, and it's an area you should always protect yourself," Minaya said. "Being able to get Mota gives us another arm in the bullpen that can hopefully protect leads." Minaya said he felt confident that members of the Mets' coaching staff, particularly pitching coach Rick Peterson and bullpen coach Guy Conti, might be able to help Mota's performance. In recent years, Mota was one of the National League's better setup men for the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting a 1.97 ERA in 76 appearances in 2003 and a 2.14 mark in 52 appearances in 2004 before being traded to the Florida Marlins. Minaya cited the impact that Conti and Peterson had on right-handed reliever Jorge Julio, who was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in May for starter Orlando Hernandez. After struggling to open the season, Julio has recorded 15 saves in 18 opportunities for Arizona, with a 3.31 ERA. "We feel comfortable with our coaches and our staff to be able to turn Guillermo Mota around," Minaya said. The Mets also received cash considerations in the transaction to help cover most of Mota's remaining salary. Mota was due to make $3 million for the 2006 season. Minaya said he consulted with catcher Paul Lo Duca, a batterymate of Mota's in Los Angeles and Florida, for feedback on the transaction. "We think it's a move that has some potential upside and is not going to cost us that much," Minaya said.

Yancy Street Gang Aug 20 2006 05:35 PM

These trades for relief pitchers are starting to make me weary. If the Indians are paying a lot of Mota's salary, I fear that the PTBN is going to be a better player than I'd prefer to part with.

Frayed Knot Aug 20 2006 05:38 PM

Good thing Piazza's gone

Johnny Dickshot Aug 20 2006 05:38 PM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: I fear that the PTBN is going to be a better player than I'd prefer to part with. Oh, I doubt that. He takes Ring's spot. No biggie for now.

OlerudOwned Aug 20 2006 05:39 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 20 2006 05:41 PM

The numbers on Mota: 37.2 IP, 6.21 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, .298 BAA, 27 K, 19 BB His splits don't show any real difference. Unless I'm missing something, he hasn't pitched in almost a month. What's up with that? EDIT: DFA'd on August 11th. Doesn't look like he accepted assignment, because I can't find minor league stats on him. SPECULATION ALERT: Trying to free up Heilman for the rotation? Maybe, but you'd think they'd have done that by now if they hand any intent of doing so. Me thinks Omar just wants to take a flyer.

Johnny Dickshot Aug 20 2006 05:40 PM

More likely Darren Oliver, no? Wouldn't he be the starter I'm gonna go see on Tuesday?

Iubitul Aug 20 2006 05:41 PM

Frayed Knot wrote: Good thing Piazza's gone My first thought, too.

Edgy DC Aug 20 2006 05:46 PM

Probably Piazza's first thought also.

metirish Aug 20 2006 05:57 PM

Imagine of Burnitz was still here..no love lost between thsoe two either.

Frayed Knot Aug 20 2006 05:58 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 20 2006 06:04 PM

Willie has already said Williams will get one more start at least. One of the StL games (forget which). And even if they were so inclined to make Heilman as starter (and I don't think they are) I HIGHLY DOUBT they'd do it so late in the season. Boston's in the same quandry with Papelbon and THEY WANT to convert him eventually but are afraid it's much too late to 'stretch him out'.

ScarletKnight41 Aug 20 2006 06:02 PM

Frayed Knot wrote: My initial reaction: WTF? Mine also. Sheesh!

cleonjones11 Aug 20 2006 06:03 PM

We could have Mota AND Nady ..Thanks Omar....

metirish Aug 20 2006 06:03 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 20 2006 06:16 PM

Heilman has become way too important in the pen to get moved now, not this season...I'm more than happy with his eight inning role,he's thriving in it .

metirish Aug 20 2006 06:09 PM

]If the Indians are paying a lot of Mota's salary, I fear that the PTBN is going to be a better player than I'd prefer to part with. From Mets.com ]The Mets also received cash considerations in the transaction to help cover most of Mota's remaining salary. Mota was due to make $3 million for the 2006 season.

ScarletKnight41 Aug 20 2006 06:15 PM

Memories -

Edgy DC Aug 20 2006 06:17 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Aug 20 2006 11:26 PM

cleonjones11 wrote: We could have Mota AND Nady ..Thanks Omar.... And a bag of money. But, you know, not Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Perez and minus a Player to Be Named Later. What's the point?

RealityChuck Aug 20 2006 06:42 PM

Edgy DC wrote: ="cleonjones11"]We could have Mota AND Nady ..Thanks Omar.... And a bag of money. But, you know, not Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Perez and a Player to Be Named Later. What's the point? They need Heath Bell down in Norfolk. This lets him stay there. :)

Elster88 Aug 20 2006 08:04 PM

cleonjones11 wrote: We could have Mota AND Nady ..Thanks Omar.... For the first time, I'm 100% in agreement with cleon.

Frayed Knot Aug 20 2006 10:28 PM

<<<<------ My wayward son I suppose what this could all mean is that it frees a Bell/Ring type of guy for a trade and still gives us a fallback guy to cover any pen emegencies that come up. Plus Mota's also the "live arm" type (J Julio. O Perez) that Omar seems to like as a possible reclamation project. Other than that I don't really understand his apparent obsession with "fixing" a problem that isn't really broken. Even in the post-Duaner era we've still got the #1 pen ERA in the majors.

Edgy DC Aug 20 2006 11:28 PM

Elster88 wrote: ="cleonjones11"]We could have Mota AND Nady ..Thanks Omar.... For the first time, I'm 100% in agreement with cleon. I understand. We could have Mota and Nady. (Excuse me, AND Nady.) I'm still asking, what's the point?

smg58 Aug 21 2006 10:17 AM

I don't get this one. I'm not sure how he's an upgrade over any of our relievers at this point.

Johnny Dickshot Aug 21 2006 10:25 AM

If Darren Oliver takes even a single start, we'll need another reliever. I don't understand why people get bent out of shape every time the Mets try out a reliever. If he suxxxx, then he suxxx. BFD. And I was never really on Piazza's side in the brawl. I know he was mad about getting hit, but I suspect that was about a lot of other internal stuff too, such as "I wonder if I can sue the Mets?"and "Maybe I really am gay?" and "Boy do I suck at first base!" but he basoically chased the guy down the line, picked him up by the shirtcollar off the ground and Mota was big enough not to knee MP in the balls. Geez. He was just a hard-throwing converted infielder.

RealityChuck Aug 21 2006 10:33 AM

Johnny Dickshot wrote: If Darren Oliver takes even a single start, we'll need another reliever. I don't understand why people get bent out of shape every time the Mets try out a reliever. If he suxxxx, then he suxxx. BFD. Excellent point. If you can pick up a player who has had success in the past for cheap, how does it hurt? If he's good, great; if he's terrible, what's wrong with giving it a shot? A lot depends on the PTBNL, but it's worth taking a chance. Sometimes things work out (e.g., Valentin); sometimes they don't (e.g., Lima Bean). But there are no guarantees.

Edgy DC Aug 21 2006 11:31 AM

Johnny Dickshot wrote: I know he was mad about getting hit, but I suspect that was about a lot of other internal stuff too, such as "I wonder if I can sue the Mets?"and "Maybe I really am gay?" and "Boy do I suck at first base!" but he basoically chased the guy down the line, picked him up by the shirtcollar off the ground and Mota was big enough not to knee MP in the balls. Well he plugged him during spring training two years in a row. Piazzas have long memories. The only thing about Mota is that it's a good chance here to be testing Bell and Ring (who have six bushels and a peck of minor league saves between them) against better batters, and get a taste for what they can offer in bigger spots going forward.

OlerudOwned Aug 21 2006 12:22 PM

Edgy DC wrote: ="Johnny Dickshot"]I know he was mad about getting hit, but I suspect that was about a lot of other internal stuff too, such as "I wonder if I can sue the Mets?"and "Maybe I really am gay?" and "Boy do I suck at first base!" but he basoically chased the guy down the line, picked him up by the shirtcollar off the ground and Mota was big enough not to knee MP in the balls. Well he plugged him during spring training two years in a row. Piazzas have long memories. The only thing about Mota is that it's a good chance here to be testing Bell and Ring (who have six bushels and a peck of minor league saves between them) against better batters, and get a taste for what they can offer in bigger spots going forward. Which brings me to my main concern about that trade, which would be the Mets giving situations to Mota that could be used for giving Bell and Ring their fair shakes at grabbing hold of a big league spot.

Johnny Dickshot Aug 21 2006 12:39 PM

Not for nothing, but Ring and Bell haven't exactly been throwing up performances calling for more looks. Small samples, bbbyyy, but how many chances are even there for Ring to get and how many, honestly does he deserve? He's one of four (!) LH relievers, and the least accomplished of them, which is no reflection on him. What does reflect are failures in his limited leverage opportunities so far such as walking (Daryle Ward) or surrendering XBH hits to (Adrian Gonzalez) the LH batters he was brought in specifically to retire. Bell... well I like Bell, but I don't think the Mets trust him. He gives up an awful lot of hits for his K's.

metirish Aug 21 2006 12:41 PM

I think there is nothing to lose and I trust that Peterson can get Mota back to form like he did with Julio.

Nymr83 Aug 21 2006 12:46 PM

Prediction: Oliver will make the Nady trade look great a few years from now. As for Mota, I don't see the need for him but if its going to cost a worthless ptbnl later on I don't really mind the move.

Edgy DC Aug 21 2006 12:48 PM

Oliver may well do that, but you saying so must qualified this thread for the predicition archives. See you in a few years, thready.

Willets Point Aug 21 2006 01:21 PM

Edgy DC wrote: ="Elster88"] ="cleonjones11"]We could have Mota AND Nady ..Thanks Omar.... For the first time, I'm 100% in agreement with cleon. I understand. We could have Mota and Nady. (Excuse me, AND Nady.) I'm still asking, what's the point? The point is that trading Nady was part of an ill-conceived desperation manuveur at the trade deadline when trades for other mediocre relievers would be possible afterwards without sacrificing so much.

Edgy DC Aug 21 2006 02:02 PM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Aug 21 2006 04:37 PM

I don't really tie the two trades together. Roberto Hernandez had been pitching rock solid for a year and a half and was acquired, like it or not, to fill the void created by Sanchez. Mota's a flyer, or an insurance policy. If you think Sanchez needed replacing, he wouldn't have been the one to do it. If Sanchez had never been hurt, the motive to make this deal still wouldn't have been there. (OE: Or would have, defending on your philosophy or disposition, but not depending on Sanchez.) I voted no on the Hernandez deal, but I don't think deal this has much to do with that one.

Nymr83 Aug 21 2006 04:34 PM

i agree with Edgy about Mota, he's a project that you bring on board whether Sanchez is hurt or not. if he pans out maybe he pitches a meaningful inning or two in October and has a role next year, if he doesn't you havent lost anything (assuming the ptbnl is the garbage we expect it to be)

metirish Aug 23 2006 10:33 AM

Mota looked very good last night,btw he has Piazza'a old locker.

Johnny Dickshot Aug 23 2006 10:35 AM

Made Ronnie Belliard look ridiculous.

Yancy Street Gang Aug 23 2006 10:40 AM

Can anyone find a good photo of Mota in action in yesterday's game? It's a black and blue cap, but if there's a clear (and large enough) shot of his face I'll post it until a blue cap photo comes along. I usually look to Yahoo's photo gallery, but they had no Mota.

Centerfield Aug 23 2006 10:40 AM

Because of these changing levels, Frayed Knot's first post now tells us to "Ochoa my wayward son."

Frayed Knot Aug 23 2006 10:42 AM

<<<<---- Five Tool Player Which may, or may not, be as funny as this one the next time my level changes.

metirish Aug 23 2006 10:45 AM

Yancy is this any good?

Rotblatt Aug 23 2006 10:55 AM

Yeah, Mota did look great last night. Omar's clearly got a thing for live arm reclamation projects--Julio, Mota, Perez, Robo . . . Results are mixed so far, but I think I like the strategy. I also love putting opponents up against Bradford's 79 mph cheese, then bringing in Heilman at 95. It's so nice to have a balanced bullpen! Speaking of which, our pen's numbers since Sanchez went down: 63.7 IP, 3.11 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 2.82 BB/9, 8.90 K/9, 3.15 K/B Leading the way: Aaron Heilman, 12.7 IP, 2.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 15 K, 5 BB, 0 HR Not bad, eh?

Yancy Street Gang Aug 23 2006 11:20 AM

="metirish"]Yancy is this any good? Yes! Thanks!

smg58 Aug 23 2006 11:22 AM

The Mets needed Heilman to step up, and he most certainly has.

Yancy Street Gang Aug 23 2006 11:30 AM

Mota's page with mugshot. Thanks, irish!

metirish Aug 25 2006 03:36 PM

] Mets Acquire Guillermo Mota From Indians In Daring Midnight Raid August 24, 2006 | Onion Sports CLEVELAND—Mets GM Omar Minaya announced yesterday that Guillermo Mota has checked out as healthy and relatively unscathed after being acquired last Sunday at midnight when intrepid Mets scouts used smoke grenades and the cover of a moonless night to rappel into Cleveland's Jacobs Field and acquire the 33-year-old right-hander. "We expect Guillermo to report as soon as the effects of our tranquilizer dart have worn off," said Minaya, who began planning the operation soon after Mota impressed him by beaning then-Mets catcher Mike Piazza with a pitch in the spring of 2003. "Once he comes to and realizes he's a Met, we expect his gratitude to show in a high standard of play, just like Orlando Hernandez did when we smuggled him out of the Diamondbacks camp in that laundry cart." The Indians organization has released a statement saying they will be seeking compensation in the form of a Mets player to be suddenly, swiftly, and silently named later. http://www.theonion.com/content/node/52041

Edgy DC Aug 25 2006 03:45 PM

Do you get the idea (and I know it's been said) that if you went to San Pedro de Marcoris and signed a newborn random male child to an agent's contract, you'd have a 50-50 chance of hitting the jackpack someday? It's not La Ciudad de Shortstops anymore. It's La Ciudad de Excellent Baseball Players.

Johnny Dickshot Aug 25 2006 03:46 PM

Well, ya know Mota was an infielder, converted to a pitcher.

Edgy DC Aug 25 2006 03:54 PM

"Jackpack"? What the Hell am I talking about?

seawolf17 Aug 25 2006 04:06 PM

Edgy, you know you should wait until you leave the office to start drinking.

Yancy Street Gang Aug 25 2006 04:57 PM

Jackpack seems like something out of this thread.