MetsCitiBlog

Omir Santos and/or Shawn Riggans possible trade bait for the Mets?

Adam Rubin of the Daily News is reporting that, even this early in Mets camp, they are fielding calls  inquiring about the glut of catchers they have.  Rubin believes that Omir Santos and/or the newly acquired Shawn Riggans could possibly dealt in a small deal or two during the spring.  The Mets were active oin the catching front this winter and were able to sign basically all the free agents on the market.

The Mets catching corps currently includes:

1. Henry Blanco
2. Rod Barajas
3. Chris Coste
4. Josh Thole
5. Omir Santos
6. Shawn Riggans

This doesn't include catchers at or below the AA level that are in the organization as well.  It would be pretty tough to get enough quality playing time for all of these guys.  Personally, I would like to see them release Coste, he is an ex Phillie, idiot.  That would leave five of them, and with an injury or two, we would still be fine.  We shall see.

Rumors have cheap big league reliever going from Mets to Angels, Brian Stokes?

Jerry Crasnick is tweeting that the Mets will send a cheap, big league pitcher to the Angels for Gary Matthews.  There are indications it is Brian Stokes.  I guess if it has to be someone off the roster, he would be my choice.

Stokes always seemed to be a hard luck pitcher.  He has good stuff, but would give up a broken bat hit here, jam someone that would fight it off, make a great pitch someone threw a bat at for a single.  It never seemed like he could just put the guy away. 

If this is the case, one would have to believe there is more to come.  This simple swap makes no sense with Pagan on the current roster unless more moves will follow. 

Rumors continue to fly, Mets may be involved in more than just Matthews

Matt Cerrone, and other sources, indicated that the Mets may be involved in other areas today, not just Gary Matthews Jr.  Speculation also indicates that Luis Castillo may or may not be involved in the trade. 

Basically, people in baseball feel there is more to come.  Either some sort of three team deal with the Matthews trade the beginning, or a separate trade as a domino effect, or simply a signing like O Hudson.  As soon as I know something, you will too!

Reds drop $30 million on Aroldis Chapman, time to trade?

It is being reported all over the industry that the Reds have signed Aroldis Chapman to a 5 year deal worth $30 million.  The rumors all seem to start with a tweet from Jeff Blair in Toronto.  I guess if he is wrong, then a lot of people will be back tracking.

I am very surprised by the Reds shelling out this kind of money for the unknown Chapman.  There are a multitude of questions relating to his makeup, his secondary pitches, and whether he is major league ready or not.  Although I would have liked the Mets to sign him and add another chip to the farm system, I never thought there was a chance so I am not disappointed.  

However, I am intrigued because the Reds were said to be, at least partially, interested in trading a salary or two.  They have some big salaries in Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Fransisco Cordero (all over $10 million a year), and Brandon Phillips ($6.75 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2011).  My mouth is watering at the chance to pick up Phillips and a starter, drop Castillo and another piece or two, and call it a day.  It would certainly save the Reds some money, fill some holes for us, and allow the rotation to pick up an innings guy without having to overspend for a guy like Pineiro or Garland. 

With a stable guy added in the rotation like Harang, it would be a lot easier to take a flyer on a guy like Ben Sheets as well.  We will see what the ramifications of this are.

Free Agent Market drying up since Holliday/Bay, deals available?

In the week or so since the Matt Holliday and Jason Bay signings, the market has been relatively quiet.  Rumblings about the remaining free agent targets like Joel Pineiro, Jon Garland, Ben Sheets, Doug Davis, Bengie Molina, and others seem to have died down.  Teams like the Brewers are simply trying to decide what, if any, money they still have to spend.  With the exception of the Mets, Yankees (as always & no matter what they say), Rangers, Giants, and an odd team here or there, the wells may be dried up for the year.  Teams are settling rosters and looking for internal options or trade partners. 

I sense that the Mets are seeing that market come back to them once again.  They love using this phrase.  I like to call it dragging their feet, but whatever.  Anyway, the next week or so may see some pickups by the Mets and a starting pitcher and catcher are the obvious spots.  As Matt Cerrone pointed out earlier this week, if Orlando Hudson could be had for a $3-4 million dollar deal, I would go get him and worry about Castillo later.  

I don't know what to make of the trade market.  It seems that there are a couple teams that still have issues, but do not want to spend money.  This would certainly set up trade scenarios that could benefit weak spots.  The Mets need a starter or two, the Royals need cheap, warm bodies, the Mariners are looking for a piece or two, the A's need infield help, and the Dodgers have needs and a lot of cheap, decent athletic players.  However, you do not hear a lot of movement and negotiations with the free agents.

It would look on paper that the teams looking to deal, should be able to find a partner.  There are clearly team with offense looking for pitching and teams with a pitcher or two looking for a bat.  Even the Pirates have reportedly thought about trading Andy LaRoche to pick up some pieces. 

Loweel to the Mets for Castillo? Yes Please!

Jerry Crasnick is tweeting that there has been talk between the Mets and Red Sox regarding a Lowell and Castillo swap.  For the Mets, this would be a great move.  Daniel Murphy and Mike Lowell platooning at 1st base, then sign or trade for a second baseman, and we are set in the infield until Ike Davis arrives with his Superman crest next season right? 

How about the Sox for this deal?  I don't see a fit.  Some guy named Pedroia seems to occupy second base if I recall.  I do not see this deal as having any substance really, unless the Sox intend to flip Castillo somewhere else.  Do the Sox see Pedroia moving over to shortstop?  It has been talked about, but the Sox signed Marco Scutaro so that is also doubtful.

This sounds like Crasnick just trying to start a little hot stove.  Maybe he is bored or something, but I just do not see it happening.  I would love it though.  Lowell part time at 1st base and giving David Wright a break here and there at 3rd base, solid.

Mets Hot Stove Heating up; Carlos Zambrano possibly headed to Flushing?

The Bleacher Report, authored by John Fennelly, seems to think that there is a possible three team deal in the works with the Mets getting Zambrano, giving up Luis Castillo and others.  However, Matt Cerrone at MetsBlog and Tim Dierkes from MLBTR are both skeptical.  Cerrone believes talks have occurred in the past, but nothing is "on" right now.  Also, Dierkes says that some in the industry think Zambrano is definitely available, while others say absolutely not. 

From my point of view, this is probably a topic that was discussed at some point, maybe the first or second GM meetings earlier in the off season, but never really went anywhere.  I think Omar has kicked every tire and lifted every stone in regards to available pitchers because he is not enamored with the free agents.  Between Zambrano's salary the next 3 years ( over $50 million), his lack of desire to leave Chicago, and the magnitude of such a deal, I think there is no chance at all. 

I will say that Santana, followed by Zambrano, would make for an interesting set up and wouold certainly have them competing against each other, probably resulting in a formidable 1-2 punch.

Angels make strong offer for Halladay, moving past Lackey/Holliday?

Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun writes that the Angels have made a very strong offer for Roy Halladay.  Joe Saunders, Erick Aybar, and prospect Peter Bourjos.  Saunders won 16 games last year for the Angels, Aybar hit well, ran well, and manned shortstop for them, and Bourjos is a fast center fielder that has stolen base and extra base hit potential after hitting 16 doubles and 14 triples at double A last year. 

Not only does that seem like a good package of talent, it is cheap.  Both Saunders and Aybar earned under $500K last year while Halladay made more than $14 million.  That is a lot of money off the books for Toronto to either keep or reinvest in more pieces.

This package has to put them in the lead.  I do not like to hear that the Phillies are involved at all.  However, they have the trade chips and Ruben Amaro Jr. seems serious about getting back to the World Series and building a dynasty.  What that means about the contracts of Halladay, Lee, and others would remain to be seen though  because it could send the Phillies payroll through the roof.

My main concern is what the Angels may do if the were to land Halladay?  Would they still covet Lackey or cut him loose?  Would they look to run for a bat like Holliday/Bay so they can make a run at the World Series or do they try to resign Vlad as a cheaper alternative to a bat?? 

I have to think that the Angels getting Halladay would help the Mets in that Lackey would have one less suitor, especially on the West Coast.

MLB sources say that Halladay may waive his no trade clause for this deal, so let's see what the shakedown from this is.

Mets thinking of swapping John Maine for Corey Hart?

So, what is the point of needing even more pitching?  Joel Sherman tweets that the Mets have discussed the swap with the Brewers.  I would see this as a great deal for the Brewers, who need pitching.  Both players are arbitration-eligible and stand to make $3-4 million next season.  I don't understand unless the Mets see him as an affordable first base solution.  However, he does not get on base well and is prone to whiffing lots.  The Mets, however, are looking at anyone that can hit home runs and Hart does. 

I think John Maine, when healthy, can certainly win you 13-15 games a year.  That is not a given in the league anymore with the watered down pitching across the board.  What do the Mets do then?  Go out and sign a couple of the mid-tier guys for 2-3 year contracts like Jason Marquis and Joel Pineiro?  The rumor on Pineiro is that he wants a four year deal?  That could possibly be a dumber move than the three that Omar gave Perez.  

Wait, I just figured it out!  The Mets think Hart is their version of Jayson Werth.  An ugly duckling that under performs with his first team then transforms into a good player.

Keep John Maine.

Edwin Jackson rumors all over the place, Rays have Navarro available

Earlier I posted a quick rumor that Ed Price had tweeted about the Mets trading for Edwin Jackson.  I admit, I allowed myself to get a little excited, a bit prematurely.  Alas, as it stands now, several Mets officials have responded and quickly squashed that rumor and actually came out and said Edwin Jackson to the Mets is not happening.  Oh well, I thought we were getting a great starter.  Maybe tomorrow.  

As for the Dioner Navarro rumor, the Rays want to trade him now that they have Kelly Shoppach on the payroll.  As the article in FoxSports states, Navarro is quite possibly a non-tender candidate on Friday so do not look for anything to happen with him today or tomorrow.  I think (along with Matt Cerrone) most of the teams interested, including the Mets, will wait to see what happens with the Rays and whether they decide to tender him a contract.  Navarro has shown flashes of being good, but has not sustained his production and he was not good last year.  He is 25 years old. 

How about the old, "Player to be named later trade?"  I think the Mets should go for it if this means not wasting money on Bengie Molina.  Save the money and use Navarro.  Navarro only made $2.1 million last year, that is a lot cheaper than $6 million for a year or two.