It's taken to the final hours of the trade deadline, but teams are finally asking about Adam Dunn.
Dunn, who sports a low batting average yet a high on base percentage, isn't known for his glove which has hurt his marketability. He strikes out 25 percent of his at-bats, which is another mark against Dunn.
Both of the Rays and the D'backs are inquring about the availability of this power bat. I wouldn't mind the Mets taking a look-see at what it would cost, though I think they need to look for a bullpen arm over anything. Maybe they could pry Billy Bray away.
7/31/08
Mets Rumors: Maybe no deal will go down; Bullpen help
If the Mets sit back and watch the trade deadline pass them by, will you be upset? I won't, and I hope Omar Minaya doesn't make a deal just to make a deal.
The Mets have some team chemistry going, and are playing fairly well together. They lost two our of three to the Marlins, but it was their first series loss in all of July. With Ryan Church on the comeback trail, it may not be the worst thing in the world to keep what they have and continue on.
If the Mets felt so inclined to fix an area on the Mets, I implore them to look to the bullpen. Duaner Sanchez and Joe Smith have really started to struggle. Pedro Feliciano has turned into a one man pitcher, and Carlos Muniz switches between being extremely effective (Wednesday against the Marlins) and not effective at all (many times). They need a steady, MLB ready arm to bolster the pen.
The pickings are slim, though.
The Mets have some team chemistry going, and are playing fairly well together. They lost two our of three to the Marlins, but it was their first series loss in all of July. With Ryan Church on the comeback trail, it may not be the worst thing in the world to keep what they have and continue on.
If the Mets felt so inclined to fix an area on the Mets, I implore them to look to the bullpen. Duaner Sanchez and Joe Smith have really started to struggle. Pedro Feliciano has turned into a one man pitcher, and Carlos Muniz switches between being extremely effective (Wednesday against the Marlins) and not effective at all (many times). They need a steady, MLB ready arm to bolster the pen.
The pickings are slim, though.
- Arthur Rhodes. Mets haven't really been mentioned in any deal for him, and the Marlins are supposedly on the verge of landing him.
- Will Ohman. Also, haven't really heard the Mets involved here, probably because the Braves are in their division.
- Brian Fuentes. Mets were linked to Fuentes a few days ago, but no one seems to be able to figure out Colorado and if they're buying or selling. Seems like he's going to stick with the Rockies.
- Eddie Guardado. This is the name I've heard mentioned the most of late. Won't cost a high level prospect, but most likely if the Mets trade for him, you'll have heard of the players dealt.
MLB News: Ken Griffey Jr. to the White Sox pending approval from Griffey
Update: Griffey accepted the trade and is heading to Chicago.
Looks like we have the first trade of the day, but it all depends on the player.
The Reds and the White Sox have agreed on a deal that would send Griffey to Chicago. Griffey has this morning to either accept or veto the trade due to his tenure in the league.
The player(s) heading to the Reds in return are not yet known.
Just imagine the kind of career he could have had if he didn't get hurt all the time. I think he still has one of the sweetest swings in the game when he connects for a home run.
Looks like we have the first trade of the day, but it all depends on the player.
The Reds and the White Sox have agreed on a deal that would send Griffey to Chicago. Griffey has this morning to either accept or veto the trade due to his tenure in the league.
The player(s) heading to the Reds in return are not yet known.
Just imagine the kind of career he could have had if he didn't get hurt all the time. I think he still has one of the sweetest swings in the game when he connects for a home run.
With John Maine on the shelf, do the Mets promote Jon Niese
According to David Lennon, "John Maine, who was diagnosed with a rotator-cuff strain on Tuesday, is likely to miss Sunday's start in Houston and possibly the next one, as well."
Adam Rubin sees it differently, saying, "Maine, who has been diagnosed with a mild strain of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, no longer is officially listed as Sunday's starter in Houston. The expectation is Oliver Perez instead will pitch on standard rest that day against the Astros.
With Jonathan Niese's stellar start in AAA, could the Mets call him up so soon to see what he can do at the major league level? There are other options, such as Nelson Figueroa, Brian Stokes, and Tony Armas Jr., but why not Niese?
A little youth wouldn't be so bad on this squad. Plus, we've seen what Figueroa and Armas are capable of. I doubt the Mets would promote their best prospect, at a mere 21 years old, right in the middle of a pennant race. My gut says that Armas will get the call if he's ready to go.
Still, the Mets need Maine to get healthy. He's a young, solid pitcher who they have penciled into the rotation for years to come. Expect Niese to come up to the majors in September when the roster's expand.
Adam Rubin sees it differently, saying, "Maine, who has been diagnosed with a mild strain of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, no longer is officially listed as Sunday's starter in Houston. The expectation is Oliver Perez instead will pitch on standard rest that day against the Astros.
Maine may not miss a full turn, and could re-enter the rotation as soon as Tuesday at Shea."
The Mets are planning to be safe, rather than sorry. I like it.With Jonathan Niese's stellar start in AAA, could the Mets call him up so soon to see what he can do at the major league level? There are other options, such as Nelson Figueroa, Brian Stokes, and Tony Armas Jr., but why not Niese?
A little youth wouldn't be so bad on this squad. Plus, we've seen what Figueroa and Armas are capable of. I doubt the Mets would promote their best prospect, at a mere 21 years old, right in the middle of a pennant race. My gut says that Armas will get the call if he's ready to go.
Still, the Mets need Maine to get healthy. He's a young, solid pitcher who they have penciled into the rotation for years to come. Expect Niese to come up to the majors in September when the roster's expand.
MLB Rumor: Manny to the Marlins still in motion
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.
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.
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.
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