Trade an arm for a bat?

[Guest Mets Guy in Michigan]

Looks like Thor is killing the PCL. (Metsblog says Syndergaard "was named the PCL Pitcher of the Week. He didn�t allow a run in two starts last week while striking out 19 batters. He has a 1.66 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 21 2/3 innings pitched this season.")

Getting close to the time of year where they can call him up.

Do you think it's still possible to trade one of our arms for a bat to both gain offense and open a spot in the rotation?

Which arm would you trade, and what position would you upgrade? Could the team package Murphy and Gee or Niese and get a solid bat, even it if means taking on a not-so-great contract?

[Edgy MD]

It's certainly possible. And reports had the Giants scouting the Mets during the weekend series.

I don't know what's available, but I do think the scenario of packaging an excess starter with one of their hitters (Murphy, Flores...) would make some sense, as there would be a redundancy if they brought in another hitter. They'll have to make some room.

I know I like Brandon Crawford, but he's like their best hitter right now. It'll likely take more than Murphigee to shake him free.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I think Gee and Murphy for a hitter is a reasonable thing to pursue, even if the guy they get in return is a one-year rental. But what position do you target? They're not going to displace Lagares, Duda, Wright, or d'Arnaud. And it's not likely that they'd displace Granderson or Cuddyer either, but I suppose it's possible.

That essentially leaves shortstop and second base. I have little idea of who's out there (beyond the list of players in the recent Shortstop 2015 post) or what they would cost. I don't think Murphy is washed up; I suspect he has a lot of hits remaining in his bat for the rest of the year. Who would they get that would make a deal beneficial for the Mets?

[Ceetar]

yeah, Crawford is pretty good.

there's not really a ton of 2b/SS type hitters that would _really_ help though. Makes it tough.

[Edgy MD]

Crawford is arby eligible in 2016 and a freebie in 2018. He's not really an OBP guy � which I'd like in a shortstop � but he's maybe shown enough power in recent years that they can slot him in sixth, and keep Granderson perhaps at leadoff for the time being. Wilmer Flores could fulfill San Francisco's desire for a long-term third baseman.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I don't get to see Crawford alot but fits the bill as a LH hitting SS who doesn't completely suck offensively. Really not too dissimilar to Muffy, whom we all agree would be a fine SS if he could handle it.