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Trade Deadline Chatter (Met Division)

Johnny Dickshot Jul 20 2007 08:40 AM

1. What do you think Omar will do, if anything, at the dealine? 2. What should he do, IYO?

metirish Jul 20 2007 08:47 AM

I think Omar will trade for a bat,perhaps Sosa. Of course last season the trades for El Duque and Green came after the deadline.....

Johnny Dickshot Jul 20 2007 08:56 AM

1. I think he goes for a Brand Name reliever. Cordero, who he likes, or Gagne/Otsuka/Benoit of Texas. Maybe he also upgrades the bench strength with a Veteran Leader. 2. I think one more solid reliever would be a good thing for this team. There's very little that can be done upfrading the position players at this point: Either they play well or they don't. Xtra relief help will shorten the game. I'd also like to see if he might be able to sneak in a future catcher, pitcher, 2Bman or 1Bman as part of a deal.

Edgy DC Jul 20 2007 09:04 AM

Otsuka would extend our streak of consecutive years with a Japanese player to 11.

bmfc1 Jul 20 2007 09:23 AM

I think he goes after Chad Cordero but Bowden wants to destroy his trading partners instead of making an equitable deal so that doesn't happen. Perhaps Lidge or Weathers. The problem with Cordero and Lidge is their current teams see them as Closers and want Closer-value in return while other teams see them as set-up guys so they don't value the player as high. For the bench, Rich Aurilia (St. John's), Kevin Millar, and/or Jeff Conine. In other words, fine tuning rather than a big splash.

metirish Jul 20 2007 09:24 AM

I should add that I think Omar needs to add a right handed bat .

sharpie Jul 20 2007 09:51 AM

Houston has said that Lidge absolutely won't be dealt. Otsuka is hurt but I think he'd be available after July 31 anyway.

HahnSolo Jul 20 2007 10:10 AM

Conine is intriguing as a right-handed bat off the bench with some pop. IIRC, he had a pretty nice contribution as a late-season pickup with the Marlins in '03. And I agree with bmfc1's take on Cordero and Lidge. Did Houston really say that about Lidge? I can't understand their position. Two months ago they would have given him up for a pre-game spread.

DocTee Jul 20 2007 10:20 AM

Matt Morris and Rich Aurilia. Mebbe Ray Durham, too

Edgy DC Jul 20 2007 10:24 AM

I think he should try to re-acquire Moises Alou.

Gwreck Jul 20 2007 06:10 PM

metirish wrote: I think Omar will trade for a bat,perhaps Sosa. Of course last season the trades for El Duque and Green came after the deadline..... Mota, not El Duque.

bmfc1 Jul 20 2007 06:48 PM

Funny one, Edgy.

metirish Jul 20 2007 06:57 PM

Nice to see someone is paying attention to what I post :)

DocTee Jul 20 2007 08:10 PM

Personally, I think he should go for Reggie Sanders. True, he's oft-injured, but that guy is like a guaranteed ticket to the playoffs.

seawolf17 Jul 20 2007 08:16 PM

DocTee wrote: Personally, I think he should go for Reggie Sanders. True, he's oft-injured, but that guy is like a guaranteed ticket to the playoffs. Unfortunately, he only has one ring to show for it, which was over the Yankees so it doesn't count, and a career .195 / .283 / 326 line, with 79 K's in 221 postseason ABs. Ugly.

DocTee Jul 20 2007 08:20 PM

Hey, reggie gets us there-- what happens after that is up to the rest of the guys.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 23 2007 11:57 AM

Ron Belliard, 2B. NYC native, having a good year, no LT commitment, oughta come cheeply. Like, for Gotay. Y/N?

metirish Jul 23 2007 12:02 PM

Yes,yes ,yes to Belliard.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 23 2007 12:12 PM

Belliard would be a great guy to get for the next few months. He's not the second baseman of the future that the Mets need (he's 35) but I suspect that Gotay isn't either. It's the time of the year, and the type of year, where you have to sacrifice some youth to try to solidify the run for the pennant. So Gotay for Belliard might be worthwhile. On the other hand, Gotay is 25, and I'd hate to trade Melvin Mora for Mike Bordick all over again. I have no idea whether or not Gotay is going to turn into anything like Melvin Mora. That's why I'm glad I don't have to make these kinds of decisions.

Edgy DC Jul 23 2007 12:16 PM

Indications are Houston is keeping their stars and selling big on role players. On the block: Chris Burke Mike Lamb Mark Loretta Chad Qualls Dan Wheeler.

Nymr83 Jul 23 2007 12:18 PM

I have a strange feeling that if we brought Belliard in he'd have a second-half similiar to Bordick's in 2000... well below the expectations set by his first half stats. I'd love to get Loretta, is he available?

metirish Jul 23 2007 12:19 PM

The great thing about being a fan is that you can hammer Omar five years from now if Gotay turned out to be a Mora,all the while claiming that you hated the deal that sent Gotay to the Nationals.

Edgy DC Jul 23 2007 12:22 PM

The great thing about this forum is that we'll know if you're lying.

Nymr83 Jul 23 2007 12:22 PM

Edgy DC wrote: The great thing about this forum is that we'll know if you're lying. unless you said it on EzBoard.

metirish Jul 23 2007 12:23 PM

One thing,Belliard is not 35,he was born in 1975.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 23 2007 12:36 PM

One thing about Belliard is he puts the "belly" into Belliard. He'd become one of the shortest and fattest Mets ever. He also had stupid stringy dreadlocks last time I saw him. I'm kinda thinking that if they really feel Goat's not going to get his D in order this season, he never will and may be worth a Belliard. His trade valu may never be higher either. Or it might. Perhaps a Belliard-Cordero pkg for Goat and Phil Humber. I could see Omar doing that.

OlerudOwned Jul 23 2007 12:37 PM

I was a proponent of signing Belliard during the offseason, before the Easley contract, and I wouldn't mind them dealing for him now. But not for Gotay.

metirish Jul 23 2007 12:38 PM

If not Belliard then I could see Omar going for someone like Grudzielanek Y/N on him?

Edgy DC Jul 23 2007 12:42 PM

I was a-down on the Mora signing from day one. Valentine believed we were all over-drawing conclusions about his defense and so did I. The thing is that, though Bordick was as uselsess as we could have feared, and Mora hit better than we could have dreamed, he never came around defensively, and he's been below average or worse at several defensive positions all through the depressing post-Ripken era in Baltimore. I give them that much credit. I'm still a pat-stander.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 23 2007 01:16 PM

metirish wrote: One thing,Belliard is not 35,he was born in 1975. Oops, you're right. Sloppy math on my part. He turned 32 in April.

Centerfield Jul 23 2007 01:21 PM

People born in 1975 are NOT OLD. In fact, they probably would have at least 7 or 8 good years left if they were picked up today.

duan Jul 23 2007 03:51 PM

indeed, in fact, those of us born on the 27th July 1975 (like a certain A. Rodriguez and a certain D. Stokes) think that we've 5 years at 30 million per coming our way.

smg58 Jul 23 2007 07:06 PM

Well the Nats just signed Belliard to an extension, so he most likely isn't going anywhere.

MFS62 Jul 23 2007 10:13 PM

="Yancy Street Gang"] Belliard would be a great guy to get for the next few months. He's not the second baseman of the future that the Mets need (he's 35) but I suspect that Gotay isn't either. It's the time of the year, and the type of year, where you have to sacrifice some youth to try to solidify the run for the pennant. So Gotay for Belliard might be worthwhile. On the other hand, Gotay is 25, and I'd hate to trade Melvin Mora for Mike Bordick all over again. I have no idea whether or not Gotay is going to turn into anything like Melvin Mora. That's why I'm glad I don't have to make these kinds of decisions. Which is why I'm kind of leery of trading a Milledge for a Loretta once Alou returns and having it possibly turn into an Amos Otis for Joe Foy (young outfielder with good minor league numbers for an aging infielder) Later

Nymr83 Jul 23 2007 11:18 PM

Milledge for Loretta is wayyy overboard imo.

metirish Jul 24 2007 06:35 AM

The Nationals signed Belliard to a two-year, $3.5 million extension on Monday.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 24 2007 06:54 AM

Snooze today says Mets looking to get Loretta and Conine.

soupcan Jul 24 2007 07:40 AM

The Post opines that White Sox 2B Tadahito Iguchi may or may not be coming our way. And/or one of the following: Dan Wheeler, Octavio Dotel, Ty Wigginton. Maybe we should just never trade anyone and then, years later when we need them, we just defrost 'em. DEAL OR NO DEAL By MARK HALE SECOND CHANCES: With Jose Valentin possibly out for the season, the Mets could be looking to trade for a second baseman who could bat second. The White Sox's Tadahito Iguchi is one who may be available. July 24, 2007 -- There's just a week before baseball's non-waiver trade deadline, and despite the fact the Mets aren't close to any kind of deal right now, they are targeting multiple areas. The biggest priority for the Mets is pitching. But although arms are the main focus, they're not the only one. The Mets also are searching for a hitter with a high on-base percentage to bat second in their lineup, and they would welcome some bench help, too, according to a person familiar with the situation. An NL team executive said he believed the Mets' two main priorities were relief pitching and second base, additionally mentioning the chance to get a significant upgrade in the starting rotation. With the July 31 deadline looming, the Mets appear unlikely to make a deal, mostly because of the current market as opposed to their desire to upgrade. They're also unwilling to move any of their top prospects in a deal for a free agent-to-be, their group including starting pitchers Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra, outfielders Fernando Martinez and Carlos Gomez, and first baseman Mike Carp. The Mets will be getting help internally, with Moises Alou (leg injury) set to come back tonight at Shea Stadium against the Pirates. And Pedro Martinez took another important step yesterday in his rehab from rotator-cuff surgery, tossing 50 pitches in his second simulated game. At some point, the Mets also will get back Endy Chavez (hamstring) and potentially Gomez (hand); both are on the disabled list. At second base, with Jose Valentin injured (fractured leg) and potentially out for the season, Omar Minaya said again yesterday the team isn't looking for external assistance. "We're ready to go with (Ruben) Gotay and Anderson Hernandez. Or (Damion) Easley. Or those kind of combinations," Minaya said. "They give us both offense and defense." Minaya said the Mets could start Gotay and use Hernandez as a defensive replacement, similar to how the team used Chavez in the outfield. If the Mets do pursue a deal, an NL team official mentioned the White Sox's Tadahito Iguchi, San Francisco's Ray Durham and Tampa Bay's Ty Wigginton could be available. The bullpen has been an issue for the Mets this season, with instability in the eighth inning. Neither Aaron Heilman nor Guillermo Mota has been able to excel. What relievers are out there? The NL official mentioned Kansas City's Octavio Dotel and wasn't certain whether the Astros would consider moving either Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler or Brad Lidge, though the official said it was doubtful. As for the Mets' prospects, another NL team official praised Pelfrey, despite his major-league struggles this season (0-7, 6.12 ERA), calling him "everything you look for." One AL team executive, asked if Pelfrey had lost value because of his struggles or whether that was too small a sample, said, "That's a good question. I would say some of these guys are more famous when they're not in the big leagues. The Baseball America buildup seems to carry a little more weight than when these guys are in the big leagues." mark.hale@nypost.com

Edgy DC Jul 24 2007 07:45 AM

soupcan wrote: The biggest priority for the Mets is pitching. Why the fuck why the fuck why?

soupcan Jul 24 2007 07:48 AM

="soupcan"]The biggest priority for the Mets is pitching. No, no, no....'Mark Hale wrote...'

Johnny Dickshot Jul 24 2007 08:00 AM

Edgy DC wrote: ="soupcan"]The biggest priority for the Mets is pitching. Why the fuck why the fuck why? I think they'd really like to bulletproof the 8th inning. I like how Mark Hale's story doesn't even need a Magic Quote to suggest the Mets are on the verge of acquiring Iguchi, Durham or Wigginton.

Edgy DC Jul 24 2007 08:19 AM

They can get awesome guys to help bulletproof the eighth, or just useful guys to put the eighth out of reach. Days when the team gets a pedestrian start of six innings, four runs, three earned, shouldn't make the team toss back a pitcher who'd given up zero-two runs his previous four starts, looking for a name brand guy who won't do any better, but rather get some more readily available outfield help. Basic principle: When your pitching is here on the bell curve... ^ ...and your batting is here.... ^ ...it's easier to find batting that can help you. Batting is also a more stable asset. Barry Zito has a five ERA. Five!

HahnSolo Jul 24 2007 08:44 AM

]The NL official mentioned Kansas City's Octavio Dotel and wasn't certain whether the Astros would consider moving either Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler or Brad Lidge Are these guys really an upgrade over Heilman?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 24 2007 08:51 AM

I don't think they'd replace Heilman, they'd join him.

Batty31 Jul 25 2007 12:53 PM

metirish wrote: If not Belliard then I could see Omar going for someone like Grudzielanek Y/N on him? Latest trade talk: Mets interested in Grudzielanek By BOB DUTTON The Kansas City Star Grudzielanek Royals veteran Mark Grudzielanek is believed to be on a short list of second basemen eyed by the New York Mets as a possible replacement for injured Jose Valentin. The Mets showed interest in Grudzielanek as a free agent after the 2005 season before opting to sign Valentin. Grudzielanek signed four days later with the Royals. Valentin, 37, is expected to miss at least six weeks because he broke his right tibia last Friday after fouling a ball off his leg. Grudzielanek dismissed the speculation. “I don’t concern myself with that,” he said, “until I get a phone call. That hasn’t happened.” Valentin’s injury elevated ex-Royal Ruben Gotay to regular duty, and Mets general manager Omar Minaya said the club feels no urgency to make a deal. “We’re ready to go with Gotay and Anderson Hernandez,” Minaya told the New York Post. “Or (Damion) Easley.” Even so, Grudzielanek would appear to represent an upgrade. He is the American League’s reigning Gold Glove winner for defensive excellence at second base and is batting .302 after going two for four in Tuesday’s 9-4 loss to the Yankees. The Royals are willing to trade Grudzielanek, 37, because they view utilityman Esteban German as a serviceable replacement. But the club wants to fill a need in doing so. “Mark Grudzielanek is an important part of our team,” general manager Dayton Moore said, “and he’s a guy who we like an awful lot.” Grudzielanek has approximately $1.5 million remaining this season on his $4 million salary, but his contract also contains a vesting clause that triggers a $4 million players’ option for next season if he gets 500 plate appearances. The option increases to $4.5 million if he gets 550 plate appearances. It appeared unlikely Grudzielanek would reach the threshold when he underwent surgery last month to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. But a quick recovery has him back within range.

Nymr83 Jul 25 2007 01:26 PM

]“Mark Grudzielanek is an important part of our team,” general manager Dayton Moore said, “and he’s a guy who we like an awful lot.” Moore also added that he liked Mets prospects "an awful lot" and mentioned something about smelling blood in the water... i'm not too excited about Grudz, though if he didn't cost the Mets anything good i wouldnt mind him being brought in.

iramets Jul 25 2007 03:23 PM

Nymr83 wrote: [if he didn't cost the Mets anything good i wouldnt mind him being brought in. This would seem to indicate that he'd cost the Mets something good: ]But the club wants to fill a need in doing so. That means KC wants a good prospect. Milledge? Gomez? Pelfrey? Humber? Maybe they still believe Ambiorix Burgos is a good prospect.

smg58 Jul 25 2007 04:19 PM

I'd rather have German than Grudzelainek. German is younger and faster, has a good OBP, is versatile position-wise, and would be under our control for four more years.

DocTee Jul 25 2007 07:31 PM

the prospect of hearing ralph kiner (and omar) mispronounce Grudz' name is worth making the deal.

metirish Jul 26 2007 10:01 AM

Lots of chatter regarding Wiggi these days.... ] Matt Thornton of the White Sox is also on the Yankees' radar, but Jon Garland is not, according to the source. A deal for Tampa Bay's Ty Wigginton is still a possibility, but the Devil Rays aren't budging from their demand for Scott Proctor. According to a source, the Red Sox have joined the competition for Wigginton's services. The Twins and Padres have also expressed interest.

Vic Sage Jul 26 2007 01:03 PM

The Orioles should offer Kris Benson for him.

Batty31 Jul 30 2007 12:11 PM

From the Newark Star Ledger....find it kind of surprising they'd be interested in bringing Payton back. METS BUZZ The Mets have talked with the A's about starting pitcher Joe Blanton, but Oakland wants Milledge and more, and the Mets can't deal Milledge right now with all of their outfield health issues...In fact, the outfield issues have the Mets sniffing around for available outfield bats. They like Baltimore's Jay Payton, and may have a better chance to get him now that the Cubs' interest in him seems to have waned. And yes, believe it or not, they've spoken with the Rangers about Sammy Sosa, who could platoon in right field with Shawn Green. Sosa has clobbered left-handed pitchers this year, but the Mets are wary of bringing him in because of the controversy that surrounds him...The Mets also have spoken with the Rangers about Gagne, though they would need Texas to drop its asking price.

Batty31 Jul 30 2007 12:19 PM

From today's Post IMMEDIATE PLANS CALL FOR RELIEF HELP BY TRADE By JOEL SHERMAN and MARK HALE July 30, 2007 -- The Mets believe most of the available starting pitchers, such as the White Sox’s Jose Contreras, will still be on the market well beyond tomorrow’s non-waiver trade deadline. Therefore, their immediate plans remain to add to their bullpen while waiting to see if Pedro Martinez can upgrade the rotation. The Mets remained fairly confident that they could add a bullpen arm before 4 p.m. tomorrow even while they were still bemoaning the sticker price on relievers they would like to obtain such as Washington’s Chad Cordero and Jon Rauch, Kansas City’s Octavio Dotel and Texas’ Eric Gagne. The Mets are not interested in Pittsburgh’s Shawn Chacon, and as for Baltimore’s Chad Bradford, an official from another club said the Mets were not likely to so soon acquire a player they decided not to retain on a three-year contract in the previous offseason. After tomorrow, a player must pass through waivers to be traded or be traded to a team that claims him on waivers. No club is going to want to potentially claim Contreras and have the White Sox simply stick the club with his exorbitant contract. So, pitchers such as Contreras and Cincinnati’s Kyle Lohse and Baltimore’s Steve Trachsel very well might get through waivers and allow the Mets to trade for them in August. Martinez is likely to make his first rehab start this week. The Mets would prefer that he bump Jorge Sosa from the rotation rather than having to use prospects or add payroll to unearth a solution. As for trying to land a second baseman, the Mets hadn’t had any substantive talks with the Royals regarding Mark Grudzielanek. They have asked about Houston’s Mark Loretta.

OlerudOwned Jul 30 2007 12:20 PM

.298/.359/.417 in 84 at-bats against lefties for Payton. When Beltran comes back, I guess that leaves us with an outfield of Alou-Beltran-Milledge/Green and a bench of Anderson-Easley/Gotay-Payton-Green/Milledge (not including Castro). I like the balance.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 12:23 PM

Payton's numbers this year. He's played 84 games, has 281 at bats, so he's been getting a lot of playing time: Avg HR RBI Runs SB .270 4 37 34 4 The numbers aren't bad, but we're getting better from Milledge. Whose roster spot would he take?

Edgy DC Jul 30 2007 12:24 PM

Who are you anticipating we send over for Payton?

metirish Jul 30 2007 12:26 PM

Been reading in the rags that the Mets might be after Luis Castillo ,nice glove.

OlerudOwned Jul 30 2007 12:27 PM

Out of all the names mentioned in the Post article, I'm most intrigued by Rauch. Lower WHIP, more Ks, less BBs than his teammate Cordero, and can surely be had for much less. Another name to look for is Al Reyes. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/30/Rays/Contenders_eye_Reyes_.shtml Seattle is also said to be in the mix.

metirish Jul 30 2007 12:30 PM

I predict by the end of the day the Mets will have been rumoured to have interest in just about every player.

Batty31 Jul 30 2007 12:38 PM

metirish wrote: Been reading in the rags that the Mets might be after Luis Castillo ,nice glove. Don't get your hopes on that one, irish. :( From Newsday: Extra bases The Twins appear to be open to dealing second baseman Luis Castillo, but they are not interested in any major-league players on the Mets, according to a person familiar with the situation. The Mets are looking for help in the bullpen and second base before tomorrow's non-waiver trade deadline, though Minaya has said he expects players to be available after the deadline.

Edgy DC Jul 30 2007 12:52 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 30 2007 01:17 PM

The inference may be drawn, however, that they'd be interested in a Mets prospect or two.

OlerudOwned Jul 30 2007 01:02 PM

Edgy DC wrote: The inference may be drawn, however that they'd be interested in a Mets prospect or two. Mulvey's the name that keeps coming up. http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-2/1185769657121820.xml&coll=1 The Star Ledger's assertion of a Mulvey+Gotay package seems to be more speculation than anything, but it's an interesting scenario. As happy as I am with Gotay's play (Very happy), I'm still waiting for the bottom to drop out. The .032 Isolated OBP and astronomical .415 BABIP suggest that this gravy train has got to end some time. It'd suck if that time was in October.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 01:07 PM

Well, are the Twins "buying" or "selling?" They're 6.5 games out of the wild card, so I imagine they're buying, and looking for someone who can help them win this year. Castillo seems to be having a decent year. Not a lot of extra base hits, but he's hitting .304 and he's scored 54 runs. Do they have a replacement for him on hand if he's dealt? If the Twins were really in "sell" mode I'd be talking to them about Torii Hunter. I'd guess that the Mets most likely trading partner is a team that's firmly a seller. The Mets don't have a whole lot of major leaguers who they can spare AND who can help another contender. (It would be different if Endy and Gomez and Milledge were all healthy, but they're not. They can't afford to deal Milledge now, and they're not allowed to trade Endy or Gomez while they're disabled.)

metirish Jul 30 2007 01:25 PM

From Ken Davidoff's blog.... ] The Yankees and Mets are going hard after Eric Gagne, along with the Red Sox, and it's apparent that Texas GM Jon Daniels will have to decide whether he'll deal Gagne for second-tier talent _ he's not getting Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain, or Lastings MIlledge, or Clay Buchholz _ or hold onto him and try to re-sign him or simply accept the compensatory draft picks if Gagne bolts over the winter.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 01:31 PM

So who do the Mets have in the second-tier category? Humber? Mulvey? Smith?

OlerudOwned Jul 30 2007 01:33 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7074758 ]Updated 9 minutes ago The Mets are close to acquiring second baseman Luis Castillo from the Twins for two minor leaguers, according to major-league sources. ---- Mulvey would presumably be one of them. Does this mean Gotay is our utility middle infielder while Easley takes on a more OF-specific role? Whose spot does Castillo take? Newhan?

DocTee Jul 30 2007 01:36 PM

I'd prefer Gotay starting over Castillo

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 01:37 PM

I think Newhan's spot is ultimately going to be taken by a pitcher. Maybe Newhan goes down now, and a pitcher replaces DiFelice as soon as we know that Lo Duca is healthy.

OlerudOwned Jul 30 2007 01:38 PM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: I think Newhan's spot is ultimately going to be taken by a pitcher. Maybe Newhan goes down now, and a pitcher replaces DiFelice as soon as we know that Lo Duca is healthy. I was working under the assumption that DiFelice would cede his spot to a pitcher once LoDuca returns. Should've probably made that clear.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 01:43 PM

Yeah, well, either way. Newhan and DiFelice are going to make way for a pitcher and a position player who's better than Newhan or DiFelice. If the Mets acquire Castillo, then he'll be that position player.

OlerudOwned Jul 30 2007 01:46 PM

]Mets Class AA catcher Drew Butera and Class A outfielder Dustin Martin are among the players the Twins are considering. Both of my adopted prospects. Get off my lawn and stay away from my babies, Minnesota.

Willets Point Jul 30 2007 01:53 PM

What does Gagne offer that the Mets haven't got? Other than being hit by the ugly stick to balance out handsome gents like Wright and Reyes. Can he start?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 02:01 PM

He'd be an upgrade over Mota in the bullpen.

HahnSolo Jul 30 2007 02:02 PM

FAN via Fox Sports, reporting Luis Castillo coming to Mets for two minor leaguers. (on edit I see Olerud beat me to this) Personally, I would have preferred Grudz. I just found out over the weekend that my neighbor once dated him.

Edgy DC Jul 30 2007 02:05 PM

Well, he's a number-two hitter.

metirish Jul 30 2007 02:07 PM

Edgy DC wrote: Well, he's a number-two hitter. Yeah I think that's one good point about him,plus his glove.....didn't the Mets try to get him going back as far as 03?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 02:07 PM

From the Newark Star-Ledger: ] It looks like the Mets didn't wait long to try and counter the Atlanta Braves' big trade-deadline move of acquiring Mark Teixeira from the Texas Rangers. According to colleagues Dan Graziano and Ed Price, officials with two different major-league teams, who requested anonymity because the deal has yet to be announced, the Mets and the Minnesota Twins were closing in on a deal that would bring second basemman Luis Castillo to Queens in exhange for two minor-league prospects, possibly Double-A Binghamton catcher Drew Butera and Class A St. Lucie outfielder Dustin Martin. Castillo would give the Mets the second baseman they need with Jose Valentin out for the year with a leg injury. He likely would bat second in the batting order, behind Jose Reyes. The Mets have had problems getting consistent production from that No. 2 spot in their lineup this year, and the speedy Castillo could help there as well as shore up the infield defense. This doesn't seem like a very steep price to pay. What's the Twins motivation in making this deal? What's Castillo's contract status? (Maybe both questions have the same answer.)

Rotblatt Jul 30 2007 02:08 PM

Well, we got him for pretty cheap if it's just Butera and Martin, so it's hard to complain. Injury-prone, he's got no pop, and the aforementioned injuries have sapped his speed, but he gets on base, and is solid defensively. Not bad. I don't expect it to help dramatically, but it's a pretty solid move, IMO . . .

Edgy DC Jul 30 2007 02:09 PM

What makes it steep is that the Mets are having trouble developing catchers in recent years. Butera was their current best bet.

metirish Jul 30 2007 02:09 PM

] Luis Castillo 2b 3 years/$16M (2004-06), plus $5.75M 2007 option * 2007 option vested 8/06 * $2M signing bonus * 04:$4M, 05:$4.5M, 06:$5M, 07:$5.75M club option ($0.5M buyout) * 2007 option becomes guaranteed with 501 Plate Appearances in 2006 * re-signed as a free agent 12/03 * 1 year/$4.85M (2003), re-signed 12/02 o $50,000 incentive for 550 PAs * 1 year/$3.325M (2002), avoided arbitration 1 /02 * 1 year/$2.2M (2001), avoided arbitration * agents: Levinson brothers * ML service: 9.055

Rotblatt Jul 30 2007 02:14 PM

Edgy DC wrote: What makes it steep is that the Mets are having trouble developing catchers in recent years. Butera was their current best bet. True that, but what are deep pockets for, if not to mask weaknesses in the farm system? Although from I can tell, the [url=http://www.mlb4u.com/freeagency.php?field=position]catcher[/url] free agent class for 2007 looks a little grim.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 02:17 PM

Does (did) Butera have a shot at being the 2008 catcher anyway? Letting Ramon Castro play every day next year wouldn't be the worst possible thing. They'd have to get a better backup than Mike DiFelice, though. I admit I don't pay as much attention to the farm clubs as I once did, but I wasn't aware that Butera was considered a top seed. What about the other Jose Reyes? Is he a prospect?

OlerudOwned Jul 30 2007 02:20 PM

Butera had no reasonable shot at helping next year. He was a long-term development type. The only one of those we have remaining, if memory serves, is Tony Pena's kid.

metirish Jul 30 2007 02:26 PM

I have seen there names in the organizational chart that edgy posts but I know nothing about them.....I love this time of year.....

Edgy DC Jul 30 2007 02:26 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 30 2007 06:23 PM

He was no A-Lister. He was just the best currently available. A series of detours just seem to keep derailing Met catching prospects. They haven't launched one since Bono and are having trouble even developing one as far as AAA.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 02:28 PM

So why ARE the Twins making this deal? Do they have someone better than Castillo to finish the season at second base for them? They're still in the wild card hunt. On the fringes, perhaps, but too close to give up, I'd think.

Centerfield Jul 30 2007 02:36 PM

I like it. Now get Griffey.

sharpie Jul 30 2007 02:37 PM

Not to be outdone by the Braves getting Teixera and the Mets getting Castillo, the Phillies have gone out and got lousy pitcher Kyle Lohse.

metsmarathon Jul 30 2007 02:41 PM

Centerfield wrote: I like it. Now get Griffey. what he said!

OlerudOwned Jul 30 2007 02:44 PM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: So why ARE the Twins making this deal? Do they have someone better than Castillo to finish the season at second base for them? They're still in the wild card hunt. On the fringes, perhaps, but too close to give up, I'd think. A prospect named Casilla, whose game is akin to a younger Luis Castillo. Seems natural to move on with the Twins on the very outskirts of the playoff race, Castillo being a FA-to-be, and the claims of Twins fans that he's been doggin' it on the astroturf.

Rotblatt Jul 30 2007 02:47 PM

OlerudOwned wrote: ="Yancy Street Gang"]So why ARE the Twins making this deal? Do they have someone better than Castillo to finish the season at second base for them? They're still in the wild card hunt. On the fringes, perhaps, but too close to give up, I'd think. A prospect named Casilla, whose game is akin to a younger Luis Castillo. Seems natural to move on with the Twins on the very outskirts of the playoff race, Castillo being a FA-to-be, and the claims of Twins fans that he's been doggin' it on the astroturf. Plus, they're cheap.

DocTee Jul 30 2007 02:54 PM

I don't think economics is the driving force here. It's not as if they owed him a bunch of money for next year that the Mets have to eat. If that was the case, they'd have dumped closer Joe Nathan (Stony Brook) rather than Castillo.

Rockin' Doc Jul 30 2007 04:26 PM

Castillo is a good contact hitter and on base percentage guy with a good glove, but I don't think second base was really the Mets greatest need. Gotay and Easley were doing a pretty good job at second base. At least Castillo does not appear to have cost the Mets much in the way of prospects.

Nymr83 Jul 30 2007 05:43 PM

Am I the only one who gets the impression that when Milledge is hitting well the Mets (ok maybe its just the media/fans) act like he is untouchable but when he's in the doghouse those same people (the mets/media/fans) think the Mets can get full value for him?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 30 2007 06:08 PM

Maybe. The thing is, we really don't know how touchable or untouchable he is, and we won't know until he either gets touched or fails to get touched. Right now, my guess is that he's still with the Mets next April. I think he'll be part of the plan for 2008.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 30 2007 08:06 PM

I think there's still going to be a deal for a RH-hitting bench guy, and for a Brand Name Reliever. I also am on record as favoring any deal that gives us options at C and 1B next year.

metirish Jul 31 2007 07:22 AM

Apparently Dotel is close to going to the Braves,and Bronson Arroyo might be joining him.. The Dotel deal is apparently only pending physicals.

Edgy DC Jul 31 2007 07:24 AM

Message to the Mets: knock the Braves out early next year. If they can stay close by playing four months on the cheap, they're willing take on salary for the last two months.

Willets Point Jul 31 2007 07:49 AM

Once the Braves have Dotel, then they just need to get Roger Cedeno, Derek Bell, and Kyle Kessel for their Mets 1999 transaction collection.

OlerudOwned Jul 31 2007 08:20 AM

Johnny Dickshot wrote: I think there's still going to be a deal for a RH-hitting bench guy, and for a Brand Name Reliever. I also am on record as favoring any deal that gives us options at C and 1B next year. I think we have two and a half RH-bench guys, Easley, Milledge, and switch-hitting Gotay*, and I don't see how they'd jimmy another one onto the roster. *-On what I'd assume to be the normal lineup vs. RHP, something like Reyes-Castillo-Beltran-Wright-Delgado-Alou-Green-LoDuca.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 31 2007 08:45 AM

I think they'll have to look hard at Easley as long as Anderson/Gotay are around. We unfortunately don't need 4 second basemen.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 31 2007 08:49 AM

You mean look hard at Easley as the guy who might be disposable?

Johnny Dickshot Jul 31 2007 08:51 AM

Or Gotay. Or Anderson.

OlerudOwned Jul 31 2007 08:57 AM

What if you call Easley an outfielder and Anderson a utility man?

Johnny Dickshot Jul 31 2007 09:08 AM

Well you could. The problem as I see it is that the Mets are also calling Easley their No. 1 right-handed pinch hitter and Anderson their No. 1 lefthanded PH. I think they'd like too a RH bat to back up Delgado.

OlerudOwned Jul 31 2007 09:13 AM

Two lefty-mashing outfielders that are available: Brad Wilkerson (who Healey says the Mets have contacted Texas about) and, according to Jayson Stark, Jonny Gomes. I would love to have Jonny Gomes, if only because he's Jonny Gomes and that makes him cool. Also, the whole .295/.401/.547 career line against left-handed pitching is nice. I wouldn't want either of them, however, because they'd be blocking Milledge. And Milledge has been pretty damn good lately.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 31 2007 09:22 AM

I like both those guys!

Rockin' Doc Jul 31 2007 09:23 AM

I like having Easley as RH bat on the bench that can fill in at 2B, OF, and 1B. Gotay is still young and I would like to see if he can develop into a future starter or 2b or at least serve as a solid utility man and pinch hitter. Anderson is likely only here for the remainder of this year as a bat off the bench and back up outfielder. I have no problem having all three of them around during the final months of the season.

OlerudOwned Jul 31 2007 09:37 AM

Well, with Milledge now having to man centerfield for a while, I am a lot more open to Gomes or Wilkerson.

DocTee Jul 31 2007 09:55 AM

Isn't Wilkerson the new 1B men in Texas now that Teixeira has been dealt?

OlerudOwned Jul 31 2007 10:22 AM

Yankees just traded Scott Proctor to LA for Wilson Betemit. Betemit suffered the indignity of having to sit on the bench with his 10 HRs and .359 OBP while Nomar Garciaparra's OPS+ of 87 and defensive inexperience were showcased at the hot corner. Yankees trading out of their weakness for a bench player is a little puzzling.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 31 2007 10:25 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 31 2007 10:26 AM

You know the Yankees got Scott Proctor from the Dodgers initially -- for Robin F. Ventura. Betemit will the Yankee Pine too, unless they trade Arod back to Texas for Gagne. That would be funny.

Edgy DC Jul 31 2007 10:26 AM

A-Rod to first.

metirish Jul 31 2007 10:28 AM

Betemit would provide cover at 3rd should Rodriguez leave,I read that in the Snooze.

Rotblatt Jul 31 2007 10:32 AM

]Yankees just traded Scott Proctor to LA for Wilson Betemit. Great trade for the Yankees, IMO. Proctor's been terrible the last two months (undoubtedly in part due to overuse by Torre last season), and Betemit's a pretty darn good hitter who can get by at SS & 2B in addition to 3B. ]Yankees trading out of their weakness for a bench player is a little puzzling. Makes you think that another deal's on the way, doesn't it? Regarding Wilkerson, I'd be pretty happy if we landed him. He's been pretty bad the last 2.5 years, but the power is still there (.248 IsoP this season) and he's got a pretty good eye. His BaBIP is crazy low, and has been for two years. Not sure what to make of that . . . Gomes, obviously, would be awesome, but what would it take to get him? And just how bad is he defensively?

metirish Jul 31 2007 10:53 AM

Yankees must be getting Gagne ,no way they go forward as is with Fransworth now that Proctor is gone.

HahnSolo Jul 31 2007 10:58 AM

Can Betemit play first base? Cuz otherwise I don't see where he fits.

metirish Jul 31 2007 10:59 AM

HahnSolo wrote: Can Betemit play first base? Cuz otherwise I don't see where he fits. Probably can't play any worse than what has played there this season.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 31 2007 11:23 AM

Jayson Stark sez: ]If the Mets don't come away with Gagne, the only remaining bullpen choice on their menu is now Cordero. Teams that have spoken with the Mets say they no longer have interest in Devil Rays closer Al Reyes, and they've gotten nowhere in their talks with the White Sox about Jon Garland. So they've narrowed their focus just to Gagne and Cordero, and weren't optimistic about coming away with Gagne. But Cordero hasn't appeared a whole lot easier to deal for, either. The Nationals have been pushing for Lastings Milledge, and the Mets are now telling clubs Milledge is on a list of six young players they won't change under any circumstances. The others: outfielders Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez, and pitchers Mike Pelfrey, Kevin Mulvey (currently in Double-A) and Deolis Guerra (currently in Class A). So can these two teams structure a deal around a prospect like highly regarded former No. 1 pick Philip Humber? We'll see. With the clock ticking toward the deadline, they were still talking.

Edgy DC Jul 31 2007 11:26 AM

They won't change these guys?

OlerudOwned Jul 31 2007 11:26 AM

="HahnSolo"]Can Betemit play first base? Cuz otherwise I don't see where he fits. He can play second, and Cano shouldn't be able to retain it without a fight. That said, I don't see any way he doesn't.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 31 2007 11:29 AM

If that report is accurate, it's encouraging that the Mets have some young players that they're reluctant (or opposed) to include in deal. If they somehow get Cordero, I'm going to try to sneak into the clubhouse and bend the brim of his cap.

TransMonk Jul 31 2007 11:41 AM

="Jayson Stark"] So can these two teams structure a deal around a prospect like highly regarded former No. 1 pick Philip Humber? We'll see. With the clock ticking toward the deadline, they were still talking. Humber hasn't pitched since 7/22 for NO. He was scratched last night due to "food poisoning". He isn't pitching in their day game today either. Just sayin'...

Centerfield Jul 31 2007 01:23 PM

Speculation was that he would be included in a deal for Chad Cordero but the Mets are getting competition from the DBacks. All this according to Metsblog.com.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 31 2007 01:34 PM

About 26 minutes to deadline.

HahnSolo Jul 31 2007 01:46 PM

Is Cordero really only 25 years old?

Frayed Knot Jul 31 2007 01:48 PM

HahnSolo wrote: Is Cordero really only 25 years old? Sure. He was just drafted out of college a few years back and was in the majors a month or two later. Gammons has apparently been saying that it would take more than Humber to get Cordero.

Centerfield Jul 31 2007 01:51 PM

Eric Gagne to Boston for three minor leaguers.

Nymr83 Jul 31 2007 01:52 PM

5 minutes to deadline and the Mets have not moved

Benjamin Grimm Jul 31 2007 01:56 PM

They don't have to be announced to the press by 4 p.m., just phoned into the commissioner's office. So we may continue to learn of deals over the next hour or two. Maybe.

Centerfield Jul 31 2007 01:57 PM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: They don't have to be announced to the press by 4 p.m., just phoned into the commissioner's office. There's a concept for a Verizon commercial.

bmfc1 Jul 31 2007 02:06 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 31 2007 02:33 PM

Just posted by [u:6fa8a754e9]The Washington Post[/u:6fa8a754e9]: Official word is in: The Nationals have held onto everyone on their roster. Take a deep breath. The latest rumblings - and this stuff got wild fast - is that there may have been some talk of a three-way deal involving the Nationals, Mets and Diamondbacks, with Cordero likely going to the Mets. As we said earlier, Mets had offered Philip Humber. Nats wouldn't do it one-for-one, a late gasp to get Arizona involved, not sure of the players there. All right, I'm going down to talk to everyone and will give you a briefing in an hour or two. Thanks for clicking refresh throughout the day.

Centerfield Jul 31 2007 02:30 PM

35 minutes have passed. I guess that's that.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 31 2007 02:40 PM

I have to say I'm a little surprised we didn't get a relief pitcher, or some schmuck RHPH like Conine. I mean, I read so many times that Omar loves the Big Splash. There was that time he traded Reyes for Soriano, and when he traded Heilman, Milledge + for Manny.

sharpie Jul 31 2007 02:41 PM

The likes of Conine can probably still be had after the non-waiver deadline.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 31 2007 02:42 PM

Yeah, most definitely. Omar probably wasn't wasting time chasing Jeff Conine over the past few hours. He was probably spending his efforts on Gagne and Cordero. He can turn his attention to Conine tomorrow.

Edgy DC Jul 31 2007 02:44 PM

I imagine that he'll be able to get Conine or his ilk with a waiver claim.

Frayed Knot Jul 31 2007 02:44 PM

Several stories recently talked about the strong possiblity of August being a more active trading seson than July. It might be tough for a lot of relief pitchers to get through waivers however.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 31 2007 02:49 PM

Yeah, Cordero's not likely going anywhere. It'll mostly be old and/or overpriced guys.

Edgy DC Jul 31 2007 02:56 PM

And, if necessary, we acquire them for old and overpriced guys. Onward.

Rockin' Doc Jul 31 2007 04:22 PM

I'm not yet sure of the trade specifics, but on the surface I like Gagne to the Red Sox. He will be a good set up man and he provides a back up should something happen to Red Sox closer, Papelbon.