Willy and Buzz Talk Met Trade

[willyg]

Back in 1996 (just 6 seasons ago) there was a legit debate on which NY shortstop was better. Sometimes that is hard to believe. A friend of mine, huge Mets fan, all we did was argue about who was better, came to me in the middle of the season and asked me if he could switch to the Jeter side of the debate. It was pretty funny.

Don't fret Buzz, I really do not think the Mets are in that bad of shape. I'm being serious. Move a few guys, get Mike to understand that his days as a catcher are over after this year, get a major league big-time brand name outfield bat in the off-season, along with a pitcher and the Mets are right back.

Clearly the two guys everyone in the world wants to move are Ordonez and Zeile. I know baseball General Managers are not the smartest group of people in the world, but I cannot see anyone taking one of those guys unless they had to. To get a team to take one of those guys I think you will have to package something they want along with that.

Along the lines of what Colorado did last year when it sent Rolando Arroro (I can't spell) and Mike Lansing to Bostown.

Tie Ordonez to Rusch and Zeile to Benitez.

[BuzzBuzzard]

The Mets would be fools to trade Rusch. He's 26, left-handed, and has been one of, if not the best pitcher in MLB over the last 6 weeks.

The Mets would be foolish to trade Benitez. Who would close? They guy is 20 for 20 this year.

[willyg]

You can't look at it as trading Rusch or Benitez you have to look at the entire picture.

I like Glendon Rusch as well, I was a fan of his last year, I though even though he was in the pen in the playoffs he pitched very well. I think the guy could be a consistant 12-15, maybe even more game winner. Rusch has real value, he is the kind of guy who can bring back something in a trade. He is also the kind of guy that can make a team accept something they do not want.

5 million dollars over the next two years for Rey Ordonez, lets just say that the money does noe even matter, that kills the Mets. You cannot have him as your starting shortstop.

Fine you don't want to get rid of Rusch, what about Reed. To get rid of Ordonez you will have to give up something you want for a team to take him.

As far as Benitez is concerned, the same situation exists. If you are concerned one bit about this year you are kidding yourself. It is over. Who cares who closes games? So what Benitez can go 35 for 35 this year and you will be happy?

By tying Zeile to Benitez you are ridding yourselves of 10 million dollars and clearing out your first base spot. As for who will close next year. Issy, Karsay, Wickman, and Percival are all free agents. There are plenty of closers out there. Also if the Mets can come up with a package of Jiminez and Brandon Knight (which I believe they can) Urbina can be had.

[BuzzBuzzard]

I hear you and am much more willing to part with Armando than Glendon, even if it means we have to keep Ordonez. Young lefties with talent do not grow on trees.

On the other hand, substitute Leiter for Rusch and I pull the trigger.

[willyg]

I see your point about young lefties. Al Leiter no question gets the deal done, but the Mets aren't in a rebuilding phase, they are more reloading.

Their core, Piazza, Leiter, Alfonzo (come to think of it the Mets do not have much of a core) will be there next year. What the Mets need to do is move some of their baggage even a good player or two and clear out some spots.

Two choices for the Mets fan:

Zeile and Ordonez in your starting line-up, Rusch in the rotation, and Benitez as your closer. Cost approximately 20 million dollars (20%) of your budget.

OR

Having to fill holes at SS, closer, catcher (Piazza is moving to first), and mid-level starter.

IMO, I take the latter.

[willyg]

Aside from age (which is not just something you can discount) a having Leiter, Reed, and Appier as 3 of your top 4 isn't too bad. Adding a true number one to go with your number two and three types could be something pretty special.

Clearly Dennis Cook (free agent at end of season) and his two million dollar contract is gone. I bet he will go before the end of the season.

What about Turk Wendall? Keep him because he will be one of your main guys out of the pen next season at 3M per or try and deal him?

I really think the Mets have three needs.

An outfielder that can hit.
A starting catcher.
Ridding themselves of Ordonez and Zeile.

[BuzzBuzzard]

For bragging rights, I say Leiter is gone before Rusch.

I can live with Payton as my every day CF. And I love McEwing, but he is not a 162 game guy. If I see fat Benny Agbayani in LF next year, I might give up being a Met fan.

[NetShrine]

McEwing is a pain in the ass with his every pre-pitch routine at the plate. I'm shocked some pitcher hasn't sent him a message yet.

[BuzzBuzzard]

Originally posted by NetShrine
McEwing is a pain in the ass with his every pre-pitch routine at the plate. I'm shocked some pitcher hasn't sent him a message yet. One word for you. Knoblauch.

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by BuzzBuzzard
One word for you. Knoblauch.

It's german for garlic.

Seriously, is Knobby as "bad" as Joe? Granted, he's in no rush - but, it seems Joe has more motions to go through - - 'tho I could be wrong here.

[BuzzBuzzard]

They are a dime a dozen.

[HyperBaseball]

Originally posted by NetShrine
McEwing is a pain in the ass with his every pre-pitch routine at the plate. I'm shocked some pitcher hasn't sent him a message yet.

How about... Nomah? Obviously he hasn't played at all this year, but if there's any guy that does a lot of adjusting... well, it's him.

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by HyperBaseball
How about... Nomah? Obviously he hasn't played at all this year, but if there's any guy that does a lot of adjusting... well, it's him.

This is really going to sound bad - yes, Nomar is just as long to get set back in the box as McEwing - but, to me, as an All-Star, he gets a break - whereas McEwing should just be happy to be in the bigs and get his butt in the box as quick as possible. :)

[NetShrine]

Willy for you - from ESPN.com on Friday:

In a attempt to add a bat to their woeful offense, the Mets are said to be contemplating dealing the left-handed Rusch to the Astros for outfielder Daryle Ward, according to a report in the New York Post. Ward has seen limited action this season as he is the fourth outfielder in a crowded Astros outfield. The Dodgers and Rockies are also both interested in Rusch and reports are that Mets GM Steve Phillips may want to trade Rusch only on the condition that the team dealing for him also take shortstop Rey Ordonez or first baseman Todd Zeile.

[Duque]

Originally posted by NetShrine


This is really going to sound bad - yes, Nomar is just as long to get set back in the box as McEwing - but, to me, as an All-Star, he gets a break - whereas McEwing should just be happy to be in the bigs and get his butt in the box as quick as possible. :)

I read you there, Net. When Barry Bonds stands at home and admires one of his homers, I can't stand it, but at least he's earned it. When Jerry Hairston or Jimmy Rollins does it, it tees me off to no end.

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by Duque
I read you there, Net. When Barry Bonds stands at home and admires one of his homers, I can't stand it, but at least he's earned it. When Jerry Hairston or Jimmy Rollins does it, it tees me off to no end.

I think the players, most of them, feel the same way on this. Be a star before you start acting like one.

[HyperBaseball]

Jimmy Rollins is pretty close to a star in the making. Maybe he's just a little cocky.

[NetShrine]

Originally posted by HyperBaseball
Jimmy Rollins is pretty close to a star in the making. Maybe he's just a little cocky.

Being cocky is a good thing if SBs are part of you game - as it is with him.