Have you noticed how similar our two baseball franchises are becoming? Both are opening new ballparks in 2009. Both spent last winter eschewing huge investments, looking to rely more on their own farm systems. Heck, they even split their season series, 3-3. It's a little freaky.
And now, as the non-waivers trade deadline approaches on Tuesday, it appears that the Mets and Yankees share the same focus. Both have prioritized relief help, according to people familiar with the respective situations. Anthony Rieber and Kat O'Brien reported so in today's Newsday.
The primary relievers available are Kansas City's Octavio Dotel and Texas' Eric Gagne. Since Houston has control of Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls and Dan Wheeler beyond this season, the Astros don't feel compelled to trade any of those guys. The Yankees talked about San Diego's Scott Linebrink, but that's not happening now.
The Mets have kicked the tires on second-base options like Kansas City's Mark Grudzielanek and Houston's Mark Loretta, but they actually like their current mix of Marlon Anderson, Damion Easley and Ruben Gotay. In the outfield, they still have faith that Moises Alou will be put back together again, and that Endy Chavez can help, as well.
Lastings Milledge would be a prime trading chip for a reliever, but he's probably playing too well right now, despite generating yet more controversy, to give away.
On the Yankees' side, you can pretty much forget any other position player joining the mix, even a part-time guy like Jeff Conine or Ty Wigginton. They're understandably satisfied with their offense at the moment. The reason you keep seeing the Yankees linked to Mark Teixeira is because general manager Brian Cashman always likes to stay in the loop on such big-time players.
Both clubs' bullpens could use some help, and the Yankees would gladly use one or more of their current relievers _ besides Mariano Rivera, obviously, and Luis Vizcaino, you'd have to think _ as trading chips. If the Yankees can't get a deal done, they could very well promote young stud Joba Chamberlain from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and try him as a setup man. And the Mets would hope that the eventual return of Pedro Martinez would strengthen the bullpen by putting Jorge Sosa there.
Strange things happen in the final days before July 31, and priorities could change. But these are the two teams' mindsets at the moment.
Comments (3)
Anyone know if Igawa has any trade value? LOL.
If I were Brian Cashman, I would check out the status of Aaron Small, Shawn Chacon and if need be, Luis Arroyo
Ken, Milledge cannot be moved for anything but an outfielder. Green is awful, Alou is a question mark, Chavez is out, Gomez is oput and not ready for playoff ball, and Beltran has been banged up all season. Moving LM for bullpen help would be Phillipsian, let's not go there.