**Just in** Mets in serious discussions for Putz

10pm update-  MLB.com is now saying that the Mariners and Indians are involved with the Mets in discussions.  Joe Smith's name has now been brought up, along with Heilman.  First I have heard Smith all off-season.  Franklin Gutierrez is apparently headed from the Indians to the Mariners in the deal.  All the players are not known at this point.  More when I know.

9:10pm--

At the Star-Ledger, Dan Graziano just posted this information.

The Star-Ledger has learned that the Mets and the Seattle Mariners are in serious discussions on a trade that would bring Seattle closer J.J. Putz to the Mets in exchange for reliever Aaron Heilman and minor-league first baseman Mike Carp. Putz would serve as the primary setup reliever for new closer Francisco Rodriguez and would fulfill the Mets' desire to have a setup man with experience as a closer.

During these high rumor times, everything is with a grain of salt, but this seems like a good trade for the Mets.  Carp is a big hitter, but there are questions about his abilities at 1b and being abe to translate his skills at the MLB level.  Putz in the eighth, K-Rod in the ninth?  Yes please.

Comments

[bfadds]

JJ Putz's value is now team based, rather than individual-based, as it was in years past. This trade def. does more for the Mets than it does for him.

Great move.

http://bfadds.blogspot.com/2008/12/jj-putz-aaron-heilman-and-brandon.html