According to MLB Trade Rumors, a deal is supposedly in place for a three-way deal between the Marlins, Red Sox, and Pirates.
The deal would send Manny Ramirez to the Marlins, along with another prospect and some cash. Jason Bay would head from Pittsburgh to Boston, and John Grabow would also be a member of the Red Sox. Jeremy Hermida, prospect Ryan Tucker, and possibly one or two more prospects would join the Pirates.
It would be interesting to see this actually go down. It would tear down everything the Marlins have stood for over their entire franchise life. Trading for a huge, expensive slugger at the deadline, and sending away young players and prospects? Blasphemy!
I think the Marlins realize if they want to hang tough in the NL East, their method needs to change. They're sniffing the postseason already, hanging a few games back of first in the three team race, and they feel Manny would simply put them over the top.
Something to watch: How rookie manager Fredi Gonzalez handles Manny's ego. He's never had to deal with an established eventual Hall of Famer with a ego bigger than Dolphin Stadium's outfield. This could pay off huge dividends for the Marlins if everything works out, but it could also blow up in their faces if Manny isn't handles correctly.
7/31/08
Podcast today @ 2 p.m.
Joining me in my inagural podcast are Colin Ake from BravesBlast.com and Ryan Punzalan from MetsMerizedOnline.com and MetsLounge.com. We'll be talking mostly about the non-waiver trade deadline, of course!
Today, Thursday July 31 @ 2 .pm.
Listen here or use the button provided below.
Listen in!
Today, Thursday July 31 @ 2 .pm.
Listen here or use the button provided below.
Listen in!
Early Morning Madness: Jon Niese's performance makes last night bareable edition
Jon Niese's first start with AAA New Orleans: 7 IP, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 2 walks, 7 strike outs, 96 pitches, 65 for strikes.
Now that is quality. Depending on how Pedro Martinez does against the Astros on Friday and beyond and how Carlos Muniz or Joe Smith fares in the bullpen over the next few weeks, I am absolutely convinced we will see Niese making a few appearances for the Mets in the near future.
The 21 year old continues to impress, as he was recently promoted to AAA. A few more starts like these, and he'll be up in no time.
A 0.5 game out at the end of July. If you had told me that's where the Mets would be two months ago, I would have scoffed at you, called you crazy, and called up a mental institution. Now, I would be asking what tomorrow's lottery numbers will be.
I will take it. The Mets, Phillies, and Marlins are all in contention, and it's going to be a very exciting two months of baseball. With the way the NL Centra is playing, it looks like if one of these teams wants to make it to the postseason, they're going to have to win the division. No fallback to the wildcard for the NL East.
If Ryan Church could return to form, the Mets will be in great shape. The bullpen has struggled lately, but I'd rather them sift through their troubles now than in late September. It's going to be a dogfight.
Now that is quality. Depending on how Pedro Martinez does against the Astros on Friday and beyond and how Carlos Muniz or Joe Smith fares in the bullpen over the next few weeks, I am absolutely convinced we will see Niese making a few appearances for the Mets in the near future.
The 21 year old continues to impress, as he was recently promoted to AAA. A few more starts like these, and he'll be up in no time.
** * **
A 0.5 game out at the end of July. If you had told me that's where the Mets would be two months ago, I would have scoffed at you, called you crazy, and called up a mental institution. Now, I would be asking what tomorrow's lottery numbers will be.
I will take it. The Mets, Phillies, and Marlins are all in contention, and it's going to be a very exciting two months of baseball. With the way the NL Centra is playing, it looks like if one of these teams wants to make it to the postseason, they're going to have to win the division. No fallback to the wildcard for the NL East.
If Ryan Church could return to form, the Mets will be in great shape. The bullpen has struggled lately, but I'd rather them sift through their troubles now than in late September. It's going to be a dogfight.
Photo of the Day: Joe Smith
Nay, I am not Joe Smith!! I am the Masked Pitcher, here to fight crime
and strike out the other team!!
What? Oh, my number is showing? Crap.
(AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
7/30/08
TSTDIA: Marlins 7 -- Mets 5
Mike Pelfrey had a very rough fourth inning, surrendering five runs in his final inning. Joe Smith got touched up for a two run home run, that was eventually proven to be the winning runs. The Mets battled back in the ninth, getting the winning runs on base, but failed to plate them.
The Mets will fall out of first place with this loss as the Phillies beat the Nationals in their game. They are now 0.5 game out. This loss sealed the first time the Mets lost a series in July.
The Mets will fall out of first place with this loss as the Phillies beat the Nationals in their game. They are now 0.5 game out. This loss sealed the first time the Mets lost a series in July.
Manny a Marlin?
Just a rumor, but...according to Baseball Prospectus, Manny Ramirez is the newest Florida Marlin.
BP:
Still just a rumor, but this would be a huge trade for the Marlins. Ramirez would make almost as much as the entire team.
BP:
Multipe baseball sources say the Red Sox are on the verge of sending disgrunted left fielder Manny Ramirez to the Marlins in a trade for a package of three players that included low Class A Greensboro outfielder Mike Stanton, an 18-year-old who is hitting .275/.351/.569 with 26 home runs in 96 games.And the Marlins just got a whole lot more interesting. At least the Mets will get out of south Florida before Manny could be Manny against them.
Still just a rumor, but this would be a huge trade for the Marlins. Ramirez would make almost as much as the entire team.
Trade for Ichiro?? Really??
Sometimes I cringe when I read newspaper articles. That is never a good thing.
Let's walk through this gem from Jim Buambach, Newsday, piece by piece, Fire Joe Morgan style.
"Mets should make a run at Ichiro"
The countdown to the trade deadline is almost at 24 hours, just enough time for Omar Minaya to pick up the phone, dial the Mariners' interim general manager and blow his mind away with these words.
"Forget about Ibanez. We want Ichiro."
Yeah, right.
Yes, interim GM Lee Pelekoudas will probably laugh, but his cackling might stop once Minaya mentions the names Fernando Martinez and Jon Neise.
And then he'll cackle more and more. Sorry, but Ichiro is the only reason the Mariners even matter right now. Without him, it'd be amazing if they had double-digit wins. When I was in Seattle a few years ago, there was a photo of him on the side of a 30-story building.
Don't think they're going to trade the man who graces the side of a building.
Yes, give them both untouchables, the top two prospects in the Mets' system.
Can somebody tell me why Niese is so spectacular? I understand he's "untouchable," but isn't that because he's the best pitcher in a depleted minor league system? He's not projected to be a #1 or #2 starter. More of a solid middle rotation guy. Good but not great sort of thing.
Plus, the Mets might need him if Pedro Martinez falters.
And you know what? If throwing in Binghamton reliever Eddie Kunz seals the deal, I'd do that, too.
No doubt every Mets fan will disagree with me,
Dead on.
and probably Pelekoudas wouldn't do that deal, either.
(see above)
Heck, this is the same guy that has been requesting talented prospects in return for Ibanez with the Mets and Jarrod Washburn with the Yankees, when those deals should scream salary dump.
Plus he's an interim GM, who is scared to trade away huge contracts on a team going nowhere. This guy is going to trade away his franchise? Please, continue...
But there's an enormous gap between a prospect and a major leaguer, and there's no telling that Martinez, Neise or Kunz is going to help the Mets ever, let alone this year. Ichiro, on the other hand, is very likely headed to the Hall of Fame. Imagine the Mets lineup with him and Jose Reyes at the top?
Wow. I actually agree with all of that.
That's all this is, obviously, imagining. It's not going to happen because there is just too much risk involved for both clubs.
Then...why...are...you...writing...about...it...?
The Mariners risk alienating what's left of their fan base by trading the face of their organization for three unproven kids. And if the Mets did this deal, they would essentially be throwing a grenade in their already depleted minor-league system, blowing up the little that remains of their system right now.
One would think the article would end there, but no, it continues on.
But I'd still do this deal for the sole reason that Ichiro's presence at the top of the order combined with his stellar defense and arm in rightfield could be enough to put the Mets over the top in the National League.
Pretty sure the Mets already have a right fielder. I know he's been out for a while, but I think Ryan Church is pretty capable in RF. Don't you?
Ichiro does have a limited no-trade clause, which could present a problem, but let's see him stand in the way of joining a team that could contend for a title before we worry about it.
One reason the Mariners might at least listen to this proposal is because Ichiro is in the first year of a five-year, $90-million contract and he turns 35 in October. This would jumpstart the Mariners' rebuilding plan, freeing up major money to spend on someone such as C.C. Sabathia while bolstering their farm system.
He prefers "CC," and I would not want to cross a man of his stature.
You might think that the biggest problem with this deal from the Mets' perspective obviously lies with their farm system. But keep in mind that the only way to rebuild a farm system is with good drafts each year, so their system is already at least two years from turning around, much like the Yankees' system was in 2005.
I agree, again! The farm system isn't going to change overnight, and if these "prospects" are really as good as some people are making them out to be, then when they get promoted, the minors will be even more barren. Think about that one for a while.
This deal would just be ripping the mask off their system, like a Band-Aid covering a fresh, bloody wound. No team likes to give away prospects, but at the same time you shouldn't value your prospects more than they are worth just because these are the only prospects of value that you own.
That was a bit confusing. I think Baumbach is trying to say: Just because you have them, doesn't mean they're good. I think. Does anyone speak Baumbachian?
With Delgado and Pedro Martinez coming off the books after the season, taking on Ichiro's $17 million annual salary is doable. And, not that this should matter, but wouldn't the Mets love the promotional possibilities of a team nucleus of Ichiro, Reyes, Wright and Santana as they enter Citi Field?
All those Asian places around in Flushing would love this. The Mets have the money, and they'll have even more with Citi Field opening, so I don't think that should be a problem.
This is most likely dreaming, yes. But it's worth a call.
Hopefully Omar calls 1-800-COLLECT so he doesn't spend any money on that call.
Let's walk through this gem from Jim Buambach, Newsday, piece by piece, Fire Joe Morgan style.
"Mets should make a run at Ichiro"
The countdown to the trade deadline is almost at 24 hours, just enough time for Omar Minaya to pick up the phone, dial the Mariners' interim general manager and blow his mind away with these words.
"Forget about Ibanez. We want Ichiro."
Yeah, right.
Yes, interim GM Lee Pelekoudas will probably laugh, but his cackling might stop once Minaya mentions the names Fernando Martinez and Jon Neise.
And then he'll cackle more and more. Sorry, but Ichiro is the only reason the Mariners even matter right now. Without him, it'd be amazing if they had double-digit wins. When I was in Seattle a few years ago, there was a photo of him on the side of a 30-story building.
Don't think they're going to trade the man who graces the side of a building.
Yes, give them both untouchables, the top two prospects in the Mets' system.
Can somebody tell me why Niese is so spectacular? I understand he's "untouchable," but isn't that because he's the best pitcher in a depleted minor league system? He's not projected to be a #1 or #2 starter. More of a solid middle rotation guy. Good but not great sort of thing.
Plus, the Mets might need him if Pedro Martinez falters.
And you know what? If throwing in Binghamton reliever Eddie Kunz seals the deal, I'd do that, too.
No doubt every Mets fan will disagree with me,
Dead on.
and probably Pelekoudas wouldn't do that deal, either.
(see above)
Heck, this is the same guy that has been requesting talented prospects in return for Ibanez with the Mets and Jarrod Washburn with the Yankees, when those deals should scream salary dump.
Plus he's an interim GM, who is scared to trade away huge contracts on a team going nowhere. This guy is going to trade away his franchise? Please, continue...
But there's an enormous gap between a prospect and a major leaguer, and there's no telling that Martinez, Neise or Kunz is going to help the Mets ever, let alone this year. Ichiro, on the other hand, is very likely headed to the Hall of Fame. Imagine the Mets lineup with him and Jose Reyes at the top?
Wow. I actually agree with all of that.
That's all this is, obviously, imagining. It's not going to happen because there is just too much risk involved for both clubs.
Then...why...are...you...writing...about...it...?
The Mariners risk alienating what's left of their fan base by trading the face of their organization for three unproven kids. And if the Mets did this deal, they would essentially be throwing a grenade in their already depleted minor-league system, blowing up the little that remains of their system right now.
One would think the article would end there, but no, it continues on.
But I'd still do this deal for the sole reason that Ichiro's presence at the top of the order combined with his stellar defense and arm in rightfield could be enough to put the Mets over the top in the National League.
Pretty sure the Mets already have a right fielder. I know he's been out for a while, but I think Ryan Church is pretty capable in RF. Don't you?
Ichiro does have a limited no-trade clause, which could present a problem, but let's see him stand in the way of joining a team that could contend for a title before we worry about it.
One reason the Mariners might at least listen to this proposal is because Ichiro is in the first year of a five-year, $90-million contract and he turns 35 in October. This would jumpstart the Mariners' rebuilding plan, freeing up major money to spend on someone such as C.C. Sabathia while bolstering their farm system.
He prefers "CC," and I would not want to cross a man of his stature.
You might think that the biggest problem with this deal from the Mets' perspective obviously lies with their farm system. But keep in mind that the only way to rebuild a farm system is with good drafts each year, so their system is already at least two years from turning around, much like the Yankees' system was in 2005.
I agree, again! The farm system isn't going to change overnight, and if these "prospects" are really as good as some people are making them out to be, then when they get promoted, the minors will be even more barren. Think about that one for a while.
This deal would just be ripping the mask off their system, like a Band-Aid covering a fresh, bloody wound. No team likes to give away prospects, but at the same time you shouldn't value your prospects more than they are worth just because these are the only prospects of value that you own.
That was a bit confusing. I think Baumbach is trying to say: Just because you have them, doesn't mean they're good. I think. Does anyone speak Baumbachian?
With Delgado and Pedro Martinez coming off the books after the season, taking on Ichiro's $17 million annual salary is doable. And, not that this should matter, but wouldn't the Mets love the promotional possibilities of a team nucleus of Ichiro, Reyes, Wright and Santana as they enter Citi Field?
All those Asian places around in Flushing would love this. The Mets have the money, and they'll have even more with Citi Field opening, so I don't think that should be a problem.
This is most likely dreaming, yes. But it's worth a call.
Hopefully Omar calls 1-800-COLLECT so he doesn't spend any money on that call.
In Agreement: Mets should say no to Raul Ibanez
Joe Janish over at Mets Today, runs one of the best blogs on the Mets you will ever come across. His thoughts usually echo mine and are all around solid on every account.
Today, Janish wrote that the Mets should say no to Raul Ibanez, and compares him to another player in the Mets recent past:
Janish goes on to say that if the Mariners will accept a lesser deal, for a fringe "prospect" player, to jump at the chance. Again, I agree. He's worth a flier, that's for sure. I think he'd be beneficial to the team this season, but for the price the M's want, I'd balk.
Is it too crazy for the Mets to sit back and not make a deal? Is that ever at all possible? I really can't fathom Omar Minaya sitting back and watching the deadline approach and not pick up the phone and make a deal. Maybe that's what is best for the team right now, though. They're in first place with the players they have, and have been without a true corner outfielder for the majority of the year.
IF (big if) Ryan Church can come back healthy, and have Endy Chavez and Fernando Tatis split time in left field, I'd be more than happy with that. I don't think Tatis can keep it all up on his own, so if his time is cut in half or so, his hot streak and ability might carry further into the season.
So in conclusion: No to Ibanez, unless it's on the cheap. Church needs to come back healthy. Tatis and Chavez will be just fine in left.
And that's that.
Today, Janish wrote that the Mets should say no to Raul Ibanez, and compares him to another player in the Mets recent past:
For those who are more literary than visionary, Raul Ibanez is Shawn Green. In other words, a guy who once was a strong all-around player with a slugging lefthanded bat, who has declined drastically in all phases of the game in the past few years due to age. Bat speed - gone. Power - gone. Fielding ability - gone. Baserunning - gone. Yet the Mariners want two prospects for Ibanez, and are supposedly holding out for Jonathan Niese. My answer to the Ms is “NFW”.Bingo. He's a shell of what he once was, and for the asking price, the Mets shouldn't even begin to think about this deal. He'd be a nice fill-in, but not something I would depend on.
Janish goes on to say that if the Mariners will accept a lesser deal, for a fringe "prospect" player, to jump at the chance. Again, I agree. He's worth a flier, that's for sure. I think he'd be beneficial to the team this season, but for the price the M's want, I'd balk.
Is it too crazy for the Mets to sit back and not make a deal? Is that ever at all possible? I really can't fathom Omar Minaya sitting back and watching the deadline approach and not pick up the phone and make a deal. Maybe that's what is best for the team right now, though. They're in first place with the players they have, and have been without a true corner outfielder for the majority of the year.
IF (big if) Ryan Church can come back healthy, and have Endy Chavez and Fernando Tatis split time in left field, I'd be more than happy with that. I don't think Tatis can keep it all up on his own, so if his time is cut in half or so, his hot streak and ability might carry further into the season.
So in conclusion: No to Ibanez, unless it's on the cheap. Church needs to come back healthy. Tatis and Chavez will be just fine in left.
And that's that.
My problem with prospects
Everyone specifies certain players as "prospects." These are players that have shown major talent at a young age.
"Prospects" have busted out of the gates early in their lives, in their careers, and have put up spectacular numbers against players not nearly of their caliber. That's my problem. These players are usually tearing up leagues against players who are just budding, or maybe won't even pan out. Some players work, others don't.
As they work their way up the minor league team, you really get a chance to prove themselves. They should stay consistent as they move up the chain, with a bit of time for them to adjust to their respective leagues and it's talent. I would much rather trade away a "could be" for an established player, any day.
Guys like Fernando Martinez, Mike Carp, and Jon Niese could be great. They could be something special. They could also be the next Alex Escobar. You just never know. I side with the thought to trade away these players for ones you know are established in the majors, know they can hit, field, and handle the pressure.
I'd much rather have a proven talent on my team over a kid who tears up the Eastern League against pitchers who will never even taste the big stage. Obviously, you need to hang on to some prospects, but not every player in your minor leagues is going to be a star. It's all a crapshoot, and the GM's will feel the heat if they deal the wrong guy, but it's all to up to chance.
"Prospects" have busted out of the gates early in their lives, in their careers, and have put up spectacular numbers against players not nearly of their caliber. That's my problem. These players are usually tearing up leagues against players who are just budding, or maybe won't even pan out. Some players work, others don't.
As they work their way up the minor league team, you really get a chance to prove themselves. They should stay consistent as they move up the chain, with a bit of time for them to adjust to their respective leagues and it's talent. I would much rather trade away a "could be" for an established player, any day.
Guys like Fernando Martinez, Mike Carp, and Jon Niese could be great. They could be something special. They could also be the next Alex Escobar. You just never know. I side with the thought to trade away these players for ones you know are established in the majors, know they can hit, field, and handle the pressure.
I'd much rather have a proven talent on my team over a kid who tears up the Eastern League against pitchers who will never even taste the big stage. Obviously, you need to hang on to some prospects, but not every player in your minor leagues is going to be a star. It's all a crapshoot, and the GM's will feel the heat if they deal the wrong guy, but it's all to up to chance.
Aaron Heilman moving back to starting?
I thought we'd never hear this again, but the idea will never die.
From Adam Rubin:
I don't care if he starts, if he's the long man, the set up guy or the closer, but don't expect him to magically switch overnight. If you haven't been living under a rock for the past year, you know of Joba Chamberlain. A great starter in the minors for the Yankees, who came up and worked as a reliever at the start of his career. When it was finally decided that he would move into the Yankees rotation, it took weeks for Joba to work his arm and stamina back up to that of a starter.
I hope no one thinks that with John Maine possibly skipping his next start due to his mildly strained rotator cuff, that Heilman could simply step into his role and throw six or seven innings. If you watched the game against the Cardinals where Heilman had to take one for the team and pitch three innings in relief, you could practically see his pitches eroding as he trudged further and further along into the inning and his new highest pitch count kept crawling higher and higher.
If Heilman was to become a starter, the team would need to replace him in the bullpen as well. It would take him a month or two to keep working up to a higher pitch count, making sure everything felt all right. If the decision was made today, Heilman probably wouldn't start a game until the end of August, and even then would have an inning or pitch count cap.
This might be more of a transition for the off-season, maybe if the Mets lose Oliver Perez to free agency a decision might be made, but right now, you just can't flip a switch and have him throwing 100+ pitches without injury. So, hold your horses, and enjoy Heilman as he dominates from the bullpen. Maybe one day he'll be back in the rotation, but not anytime soon.
From Adam Rubin:
Manuel plans to stay away from Aaron Heilman for a second straight game today, after Heilman tossed three innings Saturday. Told he could now use Heilman as a starter, Manuel said he told Heilman the very same thing.Let's settle this here and now: I'm a fan of Heilman's, he's very good when he's hot, but very bad when he's not. He surrenders too many home runs, as does Johan Santana, but he's a young, capable pitcher and helped the Mets greatly.
I don't care if he starts, if he's the long man, the set up guy or the closer, but don't expect him to magically switch overnight. If you haven't been living under a rock for the past year, you know of Joba Chamberlain. A great starter in the minors for the Yankees, who came up and worked as a reliever at the start of his career. When it was finally decided that he would move into the Yankees rotation, it took weeks for Joba to work his arm and stamina back up to that of a starter.
I hope no one thinks that with John Maine possibly skipping his next start due to his mildly strained rotator cuff, that Heilman could simply step into his role and throw six or seven innings. If you watched the game against the Cardinals where Heilman had to take one for the team and pitch three innings in relief, you could practically see his pitches eroding as he trudged further and further along into the inning and his new highest pitch count kept crawling higher and higher.
If Heilman was to become a starter, the team would need to replace him in the bullpen as well. It would take him a month or two to keep working up to a higher pitch count, making sure everything felt all right. If the decision was made today, Heilman probably wouldn't start a game until the end of August, and even then would have an inning or pitch count cap.
This might be more of a transition for the off-season, maybe if the Mets lose Oliver Perez to free agency a decision might be made, but right now, you just can't flip a switch and have him throwing 100+ pitches without injury. So, hold your horses, and enjoy Heilman as he dominates from the bullpen. Maybe one day he'll be back in the rotation, but not anytime soon.
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