Rule V draft today

Today at the Winter Meetings the Rule V draft will be held.

You likely remember when the Mets picked up Steven Register from the Colorado Rockies last season. He almost made the team, but was eventually shipped back to the Rox with $50,000 payment.

Here's a primer on the Rule V draft:

Players who are not currently on their team's 40-man roster are eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 draft, but only after a standard exemption period has elapsed.

If chosen in the Rule 5 draft, a player must be kept on the selecting team's 25-man major league roster for the entire season after the draft--he may not be optioned or designated to the minors. The selecting team may, at any time, waive the Rule 5 draftee. If a Rule 5 draftee clears waivers by not signing with a new MLB team, he must be offered back to the original team, effectively canceling the Rule 5 draft choice. Once a Rule 5 draftee spends an entire season on his new team's 25-man roster, his status reverts to normal and he may be optioned or designated for assignment.

To prevent the abuse of the Rule 5 draft, the rule also states that the draftee must be active for at least 90 days. This keeps teams from drafting players, then placing them on the disabled list for the majority of the season. For example, if a Rule 5 draftee was only active for 67 days in his first season with his new club, he must be active for an additional 23 games in his second season to satisfy the Rule 5 requirements.

Any player chosen in the Rule 5 draft may be traded to any team while under the Rule 5 restrictions, but the restrictions transfer to the new team. If the new team does not want to keep the player on its 25-man roster for the season, he must be offered back to the team of which he was a member when chosen in the draft.

Make sense? It's not too hard. Pretty much if you draft a player, he must be on your MLB team and active for at least 90 days, or he must go back to the team from whence he came.

There are a few rules and exemptions, so check out the Wikipedia article for the full story.

Why I want to do what I do

Last night, or all of yesterday for that matter, was a very exciting time for me and the blog. It was great to cover things real time and feel like a real reporter, breaking news and all that. Ben Shpigel has a really awesome post on The New York Times Bats blog, only making me want to do what I do even more.

Omar Minaya was set to hold his daily briefing with reporters on Wednesday, but the phone rang before things got under way. Here's Shpigel's take:

Minaya’s daily briefing with the beat reporters was scheduled to begin around then in his hotel suite. Soon after we walked in and settled into the couches and chairs, a telephone in the suite rang. Minaya walked behind the couch where I was sitting to answer the phone. His voice lowered instantly, but I heard him say, “Uh-huh, uh-huh.” He mentioned something about “players who we’d get” and I heard him say, “Heilman.”

He told the person on the other line that he’d get back to him and hung up. Then he asked John Ricco, the assistant G.M., and Adam Wogan, the team’s director of minor league operations, to join him in an adjacent room. Minaya closed the door behind him, and they stayed in there for about 15 minutes.

That is just too cool.

Along with a few of my friends, I'm already planning a trip to Indianapolis next December to attend the 2009 Winter Meetings. Not only will it be awesome to cover them live, but it's also a great place to land a job with a team.

J.J. Putz's reaction to his trade

Geoff Baker, on his Mariners blog for The Seattle Times, caught up with J.J. Putz soon after the trade.

A surprised J.J. Putz was working on his car outside his Arizona home an hour ago -- figuring he wasn't going to be traded any time soon despite the rumors here. Next thing he knew, his wife came out and told him: "Looks like we're headed to New York.''

"It's a new challenge and I'm excited about it,'' Putz said. "I'm going to a new team that's going to be very competitive. Frankie's a great closer and with Sean Green going as well, we should have a great bullpen.''

Contrary to the Ken Rosenthal report, Putz said nothing of not being able to close. The man seems excited and understands the situation, which is good.

So far, so good on this trade. Still yet to read or hear one negative thing about this from fans. The Mets did have to give up a few minor league players, who have a good chance to be very good players one day, but that's always a crapshoot.

Could Putz be around for only one year?

I know it's a little early to discuss next year (2010), but here's an interesting tidbit that might sour the trade a little in some people's eyes.

According to Ken Rosenthal, J.J. Putz's agent, Craig Landis, said that Putz does not want to be a set up man, and would much rather close.

Putz is signed for $5.5 million next season. The Mets will assume his $9.1 million club option for 2010, and that option could increase to a maximum of $9.6 million if Putz meets all of his appearance-based incentives.

This means Putz will likely be around for only one year, as the Mets will be unlikely to pay their set up man almost $10 million. He'll likely not get his option picked up, allowing him to pursue other teams where he could close.

So long, Endy Chavez

Endy Chavez will forever be a part of Mets lore. As Gary Cohen said, "possibly the best play in franchise history."

A good player, a great guy and so many amazing plays.
Thanks for the memories.

Mets trade for J.J. Putz

In a deal that took only a few hours, at least that we know, the Mets have laded their set up man for 2008.

The Mets have traded a handful of players, landing J.J. Putz for the 8th inning in front of Francisco Rodriguez.

The three team deal breaks down as follows:
Seattle Mariners get: Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Mike Carp, Maikel Cleto, Ezequiel Carrera, Jason Vargas, and Franklin Gutierrez.
Cleveland Indians get: Luis Valbuena and Joe Smith and minor leaguers.
New York Mets get: J.J. Putz, Sean Green and Jeremy Reed.

To make it simpler:
Mets give up: Heilman, Chavez, Carp, Cleto, Carrera, Vargas and Smith.
Mets get: Putz, Green and Reed.

Omar Minaya moves at the speed or light, I must say.

Originally, I disliked the deal, but the more I look at it, the more it makes sense. The Mets are really not giving up much for this. Chavez is a fourth outfielder, and between Angel Pagan and now Reed, they seem to have the outfield more than covered.

Cleto and Carrera were minor league guys. I don't know enough about them to miss them. I've heard their names, which must mean something.

Vargas was a possibility to make a play for the rotation after starting fall and winter ball with a bang. He seems to have come back down to earth a bit, but we'll have to see how he plays when he's not with the Mets.

Heilman was on his way out the door, it was only a matter of time. Carp was billed as the first baseman of the future, but never really blossomed into what the Mets thought he could. He's still young though.

Smith is the one guy I will miss the most here. Green could step in and replace him nicely, just a little older.

The 2009 team is quickly taking shape. Quite a few days for Mets fans.

Update - 11:36pm: Minaya will address the media around 12:30am Eastern time.

Update - 12:33am: Dan Graziano on the phone with SNY.

• Green for Smith a "wash."
• Reed hits more than Chavez, doesn't know him in the field. (Chavez is better, but Reed is no scrub.)
• Likes the deal. Seems to be unanimous.
• Getting rid of Heilman was "no longer viable in New York."
• Still need starting pitching. Will fill one from within with Jon Niese or Bobby Parnell.
• Will look to bring back Oliver Perez.
• Jon Garland in Mets sights.
• Still talking to Raul Ibanez.
• Want to move Schoeneweis and Sanchez. (No surprise there.)

Live from Las Vegas:

• Minaya at the podium now, congratulating Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik.
• "Pure baseball trade," says Minaya.
• Thanking scouts and minor league system for being able to hone talent to be able to complete trade.
• "To Mets fans: We've addressed the bullpen."

I hope that last one doesn't mean the man is done, and I doubt it does. Well done everyone. So far, I'm yet to see one negative comment about this. From minor leagues up, this trade seems to please all Mets fans.

• Back to the press conference. First question to Minaya is in Spanish. I just took my Spanish 102 final today, and I have no idea what he just was asked or responded with.
• Heilman to get a chance to start in spring training with M's.
• And that's it. Shortest press conference ever.

And I think it's time for everyone to go to bed. What a day, Mets fans! K-Rod deal goes official and Putz to Queens all in one day.

Mets put Putz in Citi bullpen [Updated]

UPDATE - 11:17pm: MLB.com is reporting the deal is done.

The Seattle Mariners sent right-handed reliever J.J. Putz to the New York Mets on Wednesday night as part of a three-team, nine-player trade with the Cleveland Indians.

The Mariners receive right-handed pitcher Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first baseman Mike Carp from the Mets, along with outfielder Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians.

Smith will also go to Cleveland in the deal.

Omar, you never cease to impress.

---

As if one All Star closer wasn't good enough, the Mets are apparently working on a deal for J.J. Putz.

Ken Rosenthal reports:

The Mets are working to acquire a setup man for new closer Francisco Rodriguez — and that setup man would be another closer from the American League West.

J.J. Putz could be headed to the Mets in a three-team trade with the Mariners and Indians, according to major-league sources.

Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first-base prospect Mike Carp would be in the deal, as would Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.

The deal also would include one or more prospects, but it is not yet clear which players are headed where.

But Anthony Castrovince has a different story:

MLB.com has learned the Mariners would likely receive Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez and the Indians would receive Mets right-handed reliever Joe Smith and Mariners infielder Luis Valbuena.

Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman and Mariners outfielder Jeremy Reed are also believed to be involved, though it is unclear who is headed where.

I don't know how I feel about it. We already have K-Rod, but we do need someone to set up for him. The Mets really wouldn't be giving up a lot for this as Heilman is on his way out the door no matter what, Chavez is the fourth outfielder (remember Angel Pagan?) and Carp just never realized his full potential. At least not yet.

Smith is someone I would not want to part with, though.

I guess I could live with this, if it does go down.

Update - 10:08 pm: Jon Heyman believes the Mets could give up six (6!) players in this proposed trade.

The trade would involve 12 players in all.

He also notes that Putz struggled in 2008 and only registered 15 saves with a 3.88 ERA. For what the Mets will be giving up, this seems a little much. Six for one? Someone better sweeten this deal.

Update - 10:25pm: Putz is no spring chicken. He's 31-years-old, and strangely, was drafted three separate times.

Through Aug. 22 of the 2008 season, 34 games, Putz had a 9.78 ERA.

Update - 10:27 pm: Ken Rosenthal has more news:

Under terms of the deal, the Mets would get Putz, outfielder Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green from Seattle. The Mariners would receive reliever Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first baseman Mike Carp from the Mets. They'd also get Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians and minor leaguers. The Indians would get reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and infielder Luis Valbuena from Seattle.

OK. That makes a ton more sense for the Mets. The Indians look like they're getting screwed here.

Update - 10:31pm: David Lennon thinks the announcement could be coming soon.

The three teams are currently going over the medical records and a deal could be announced shortly.

Woah. Stay here for all the info.

Update - 10:34pm: Here are stats for Jeremy Reed and Sean Green.

The more I think about it, the more I like it. Heilman and Carp for Putz. Chavez for Reed. Smith for Green. I can live with it, as long as Putz is healthy.

Update - 11:08pm: Heyman is on WFAN with Steve Somers.

• Notes that the Mariners would look to use Heilman as a starter.
  
• Deal likely not done by 11pm Las Vegas time.
• Gives it 50/50 chance, but says all trades fall in there.
• Heilman, Chavez and Carp are all the players Heyman's heard about.
• No Smith, according to Heyman. Shmooze knows otherwise.
• Shmooze asks about Putz's elbow. Smart man. Knows his stuff.
  

They've moved on to CC Sabathia news. Nothing new from Heyman, really.

Francisco Rodriguez: By the numbers

Here are some numbers on the Mets new closer, Francisco Rodriguez.26: Age of K-Rod.

75: The number he will wear with the Mets. He used to wear 57, but Johan Santana already stakes claim to that. As I noted when he was signed, the most logical number for him to choose was 75. And he did.

37: Millions of dollars he will be paid over the next three years.

14: Millions of dollars the vesting option is worth for the fourth year.

62: Saves last year, the single season record.

7: Blown saves in 2008.

149: Saves over the last three seasons.

587: Career strikeouts.

23: Career wins.

17: Career loses.

2.35: Career ERA.

208: Career saves.

3: All Star experiences.

1: World Series ring.

91-94: General pitch speed range (mph).

451.7: Career innings pitched.

3.13: Postseason ERA.

.957: Career fielding percentage.

0: Career at bats.

1: Rich guy.

AP Photo

How about John Smoltz? [Updated]

I know I'll probably be crucified for this, but what about John Smoltz for the Mets?

Sure, the Mets need to get younger and Smoltz is 42-years-old. He won't be looking for more than a one-year deal, and has some veteran leadership the Mets will need in the bullpen.

He's also a lifetime Atlanta Brave, which would be weird.

Outside of injuries, age and price, what could go wrong?

Update - 12/10 3:19 pm: Per the Boston Globe:

Smoltz wants to pitch for a team that could take him to the World Series. He hopes that's Atlanta, but Smoltz is considering Boston, the New York Mets, and his hometown Detroit Tigers as possible destinations according to a major league source.

Playing hardball with the Braves, Smoltzy? I doubt he signs anywhere but Atlanta.

The article also notes Smoltz would like to be a starting pitcher in 2009.

Update - 7:56 pm: Via Steve Popper:

And on another note, there was a rumor reported earlier today that John Smoltz was interested in the Mets among a handful of other teams. And that would have been great for the Mets - except that according to what is reportedly Chipper Jones commenting on the blog of Atlanta Journal Constitution Braves beat writer Dave O'Brien, it isn't true at all.

Here's the response that Jones supposedly wrote:

By U Kno Who

December 10, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Dave—I can honestly say that I do not remember. Lot of stuff going on during that final weekend. Give me something else for your proof.

But I will tell you, Smoltzie is a little irked with this report saying he’s considering the Mets. He’s not going anywhere, guys.

Weird stuff.

Nice planning, Omar & Co.

David Lennon gives us a few inside tidbits on the Francisco Rodriguez signing. Here's the best:

When K-Rod and his agent, Paul Kinzer, had dinner with the Mets on Sunday night, they were pleasantly surprised when the team executives got a call from Johan Santana, who had no idea they were meeting with Rodriguez. K-Rod, a fellow Venezuelan, idolizes Santana and was thrilled that he called. The Mets handed the phone to K-Rod and the two talked. In retrospect, it was a turning point as Santana expressed his excitement that K-Rod could be closing games for him. The Mets blew seven saves for Santana last season.

Right...

If you're telling me that Santana just happened to call up Omar Minaya at the exact time they just happened to be having dinner with a fellow Venezuelan who just happens to idolize Santana, that's some nice luck and timing on the Mets side. Was Johan asking for Minaya's favorite cake recipe or how to get a gravy stain out of his favorite dress shirt? I don't think so.

What most likely really happened is that they told Santana it would be in the best interest of the team if he gave Minaya a ring around this time, just to chat of course. Well planned, everyone. Very smart and very sneaky. Whatever works.