Trade Deadline 2010

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

One-year deal. Not controllable beyond this year. On the far side of their talent's peak. Probably not Type A FAs this offseason. Possibly more injured than they've let on.

I'm not saying there aren't any contending teams that would take them on-- of course there are.* But pay for them-- part-time catchers with little to offer offensively**? The going rate in this particular trade market can't be more than somebody else's bullpen detritus, can it?

*Though this list lost a big player when the Rangers picked up FatBengie.
**Though Blanco has more to offer here on balance than Barajas does.

Edited July 13, 2010 by Guest

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Blanco's hurt still, I'm sure that's the unsaid dynamic in the ongoing 3-catcher saga.

I'd like to think the Mets could get by with 6 relievers but it's pretty obvious they can't. If they could, that extra hitter could play any position. It'd be cool if were Mike Hessman or something.

[Guest Edgy DC]

The going rate in this particular trade market can't be more than somebody else's bullpen detritus, can it?

Sure, it can. The Mets got a third-tier prospect for Rey Sanchez. Maybe the Diabolical Rays, with two backup catchers flailing below the Mendoza line, would see some need there and give up a second-tier guy. It only takes one team to jump in. They're both genuine players and their type gets traded all the time.

Detritus? Not unless you consider them detritus as well, and I don't.

I've come to think that Jerry can't get by with eight or nine relievers, much less six.

Bud didn't I say there'd be drama? Didn't I promise drama?

[ashie62]

Sometimes you don't have to do anything.

[Centerfield]

Can we trade Jason Bay for a power-hitting, middle of the lineup-type guy?

[MFS62]

BLUE JAYS have acquired ESCOBAR and JO-JO REYES from Braves in exchange for ALEX GONZALEZ, TIM COLLINS & INF TYLER PASTRONICKY.

(per MLBTrade Rumorscom)

Escobar has tormented the Mets in the past. But Reyes is a so-so pitcher. Gonzalez has 15 homers so far this year. Collins is a high- strikeout reliever now playing in the Eastern League. Couldn't find anything on Pastronicky.

Later

[metirish]

Escobar who?

[MFS62]

metirish wrote: Escobar who?

This guy:
http://leaptoad.com/mets/profile.php?PlayerCode=7359

Later

[metirish]

MFS62 wrote: Escobar who? This guy: http://leaptoad.com/mets/profile.php?PlayerCode=7359 Later

That's a bit of a wow no?

Cox didn't care from Escobar right?

[MFS62]

According to what I've heard from Braves fans, Cox felt that Escobar had even more talent that he had shown; he didn't always have his head in the game. But what do Braves fans know?

Later

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

The Braves need more homa powa, but that's a pretty steep price to pay for it considering Escobar's pretty comparable but for the power to Gonzalez, and is 6 years younger. Jays also get a shitload of prospects for a 1-year contract guy.

[Guest Edgy DC]

It's Cox's last run.

Of course, it may well be Jerry's, as well.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: The Braves need more homa powa, but that's a pretty steep price to pay for it considering Escobar's pretty comparable but for the power to Gonzalez, and is 6 years younger. Jays also get a shitload of prospects for a 1-year contract guy.

Arguable improvement short-term, and (unless Yunel Escobar's NOT the player he's seemed to be during the several years previous) a terrible deal long-term for them. Really, it's like our trading Ike for Russ Branyan. (Only sub Branyan's OBP for Gonzalez's glove.)

What's not to like?

(Well, besides the inevitable game-tying WTF 2-run home run Nieve gives up to him in a future 7th inning.)

[duan]

he's the blue jay's rod barajas (funnily enough considering rod's last home) Career OBP of .300 and SLG of .400 - it's just that barajas has come back to earth earlier. This is very likely to be a bad move.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

duan wrote: he's the blue jay's rod barajas (funnily enough considering rod's last home) Career OBP of .300 and SLG of .400 - it's just that barajas has come back to earth earlier. This is very likely to be a bad move.

Was just thinking this. Not to mention that Escobar's defense-- that high-profile muff behind Tommy Hanson the other game aside-- is close to where Gonzalez's is right now.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Word is Yunel Escobar was an unpopular guy in the clubhouse. Anywhoo, always takes cojones to make a challenge trade, the Braves made one around this time last year you might recall that didn't hurt nor help too much.

[Centerfield]

Updating the Mets' offensive woes:

OPS: 25th out of 30 teams.

Runs: 23rd out of 30 teams.

[Guest Edgy DC]

And that's with a set lineup.

You folks really want Minaya to move Heaven and Earth for pitching?

[TransMonk]

How would Minaya be able to improve this offense at the deadline? I don't see it happening.

At this point, even though nominal pitching is available, I would have no problem with him standing pat and saving any chips we have for 2011.

[seawolf17]

TransMonk wrote: How would Minaya be able to improve this offense at the deadline? I don't see it happening. At this point, even though nominal pitching is available, I would have no problem with him standing pat and saving any chips we have for 2011.

Hell, I'd rather dump guys and try to bring back even a middling prospect or two. Seems like those have been the guys who have given this team any oomph and have been any fun to watch.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Given that there doesn't seem to be much of a present for which to mortgage the future, the only trades worth making at this point, it seems, are:

1) Sorta-challenge trades. (I'll take amiably-rehabbing Meche over amiably-taking-up roster space Ollie.)

2) Glut-for-glut. (Spare OF for spare reliever, e.g.)

3) Scalp the salary dumpers. (See: Haren-to-Anaheim. Only for real quality, though-- keep your Guillens. Of course, this one necessitates this team being able to take on a big salary.)

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

TransMonk wrote: How would Minaya be able to improve this offense at the deadline? I don't see it happening. At this point, even though nominal pitching is available, I would have no problem with him standing pat and saving any chips we have for 2011.

If anything he could add to that prospect pile by trading useless luxuries like K-Rod.

A GM with stones would.

[seawolf17]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: TransMonk wrote: How would Minaya be able to improve this offense at the deadline? I don't see it happening. At this point, even though nominal pitching is available, I would have no problem with him standing pat and saving any chips we have for 2011. If anything he could add to that prospect pile by trading useless luxuries like K-Rod. A GM with stones would.

Back up the truck, baby.

[ashie62]

Sell.

F Rodriguez
Beltran
Castillo
Francoeur
Pagan
Pelfrey

Yes, all of them

Get the team turned around and maybe David Wright will resign.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Beltan has a full no-trade clause and is coming off an extended, chronic debilitating injury. He's unlikely to go anywhere, and if he does, we'll get pence on the pound.

Rodriguez has a partial no-trade.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Resign? Or re-sign?

[seawolf17]

I'd trade the top five, but not Pelfrey.

[ashie62]

Edgy DC wrote: Beltan has a full no-trade clause and is coming off an extended, chronic debilitating injury. He's unlikely to go anywhere, and if he does, we'll get pence on the pound. Rodriguez has a partial no-trade.

Hunter Pence? Seriously, I'd almost be willing to flat out give away Beltran and his salary. I know Beltran has been out a long time but he doesn't look terribly flexible.

[ashie62]

seawolf17 wrote: I'd trade the top five, but not Pelfrey.

I put in Pelfrey in that the Mets can get something for him and eliminate one head case. Beyond that maybe Dillon Gee would work next season.

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Martino predicts a quiet deadline week for the Mets.

Let's examine the possibilities, in order of likelihood: 1. Deadline passes without a significant Mets acquisition Two factors make this the most likely outcome: Cliff Lee was traded to the Texas Rangers, and the Mets' payroll situation is unclear. The front office viewed Lee as the one clear difference-maker available, and has never loved the remaining options. Also, reports have surfaced that the Mets are unable to add payroll during the season. While team sources vehemently deny this, the front office's flexibility remains fuzzy.