Trade deadline: Mets scout sightings
For the second straight day, Mets scout Russ Bove is at Yankee Stadium. But the Orioles' asking price for closer George Sherrill has been prohibitive.
Meanwhile, a source informs me that at least one Mets scout, and possibly more, attended last night's Mariners-Rangers game in Texas. We know that the Mets like Raul Ibanez.
Given the Mets' desire for a high-end reliever, is there any chance the M's would dangle J.J. Putz? Putz is having a terrible year, including a bad outing last night. He's signed for $5 million next year with an $8.6 million team option (and $1 million buyout) for 2010.
The Rangers, meanwhile, have Marlon Byrd, a serviceable, righty-hitting outfielder who can play all three positions.
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Comments (6)
Byrd doesn't seem much of an upgrade over Tatis, but I haven't looked at his numbers lately. Plus, he and Pedro had a jawing match earlier this year after an AB. Though that shouldn't matter if the team thinks it improves.
Please tell me I'm having a bad dream. The Yankees traded for Pudge? A has-been catcher whose defensive prowess is an illusion at this point? Just great. And they give up Farnsworth, who has finally started to pitch well?
I guess they really think Melancon is on his way.
Ken, great midweek insider. Fine writing. I'm not happy to hear that Aceves is another Rasner.
I'm really surprised the Yankees dealt for I-Rod. Very suprised. But, he's making $13 million this year with $3 million deferred and since they only have him for two months, he's affordable. It's great that he is gone at the end of the season, too. I can't say I am sorry to see Farnsworth go. Even though he has pitched well over the past couple of months, with the two previous years still fresh in my mind, I was waiting for him to fall apart again.
Dennis, you should be happy with the deal. This means the team is going for it this year. They want to WIN NOW.
I guess it makes sense, because as bad as Pudge is at this point, he's better than Molina. Losing Farnsworth isn't a huge loss, because the Yankees has assembled a vast range of bullpen arms (Melancon just made it to AAA, J.B. Cox is there already, and there are others who can step into the 'pen). But Pudge really is a useless offensive player. He actually has his OBP over .300 this year, which is a rareity for him. Post-steroids, he hasn't hit much. And anyone who thinks he's deserved his last few Gold Gloves hasn't been watching him. He's not really a good catcher anymore.
But as a rental, and since the money is a wash with Farns, I guess it makes sense. Hopefully it all works out for the best. They suggested on MLBTradeRumors that the Yanks could offer Pudge arbitration and take that risk for two draft picks.
I wouldn't risk offering him arbitration. Unlike offering it to Dunn, who would most likely decline it, I think Pudge would accept. He will be 37 in December and it isn't likely he can get another lucrative multi year deal with his complete lack of power and weaknesses behind the plate. For now, he is a definite upgrade over Molina. But, the pitchers will certainly have to adjust.
Maybe the Yankees are concerned enough with Posada's ability to return within the 6 month time frame that they will offer arbitration. If he declines, the two picks look good.
If the Yankees are in a "win now" mode, there going to have to do it with an awful lot of rookies in the bullpen. Martre's a nice pickup but he's a specialist who only pitches about 50 innings a year. I get the impression Cashman's not done yet.