Not sure if I see a real difference-maker available for the Mets as tomorrow's 4 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline approaches. As soon as Pedro Martinez comes back -- he'll chat with reporters this afternoon in Port St. Lucie -- the Mets can use Jorge Sosa to fortify the bullpen. The only thing really missing from Ruben Gotay's game is consistency turning a tough double play, but I'm not sure if the Mets could live with themselves if he costs them a key game by throwing a ball into the stands. That's why talks remain alive with the Twins for Luis Castillo.Obviously, it makes sense to put in bids for Eric Gagne and Chad Cordero, but the price in young talent may be too high for the Mets.
The bigger concerns right now involve Carlos Beltran and Moises Alou. I'd bet that Beltran -- no quick healer -- is headed for the disabled list with this strained abdominal muscle. As for Alou, it's too early to tell what he brings to the table. Maybe he just needed to get comfortable again this weekend, but I'd like to see him show a little more life at the plate. Remember, this was a guy who was considering retirement before the Mets lured him back with $8.5 million, and I'm not sure what they can expect from a 41-year-old after a 10-week layoff.
Comments (11)
Should Bravos land Dotel along with the Tex acquisition the Mets need to upgrade the lineup and the bullpen. The Mets are no longer the sole occupants as the Braves certainly improved, not so worried about the offense, Dotel could give them the juice they need at the end of the game. The Mets need to solidfy their 8th inning as they can no longer afford to lose leads and games after 7 innings. It now becomes necessary to lock down the 7 inning game. The Braves have definitely helped themselves and the Mets have improved with Castillo, the question remains about Dotel.
Moises Alou is about as selective with pitches as I was with White House interns - and as aggressive.
Good move getting Castillo for peanuts
What's wrong with Gotey? His stats are better, he's younger, and will still be here next year. Take a look for your self.
Castillo, 31, was hitting .304 (106-349) with 11 doubles, three triples, 18 RBI, 29 walks, 28 strikeouts and nine stolen bases in 85 games with the Twins this season.
Gotey - 54 games, 123ab, 20runs, 43hits, 7 doubles, 0 triples, 4 homeruns, 19 RBI, 62 total bases,7 walks,24 strike outs, 2 SB, 1 CS,.382 OBP, .504 Slugging,.350 average.
Does it look like Castillo is that much better? I don't think so. Where are all the Gotey fans that wanted him to play instead of Valentin? I guess everyone out there is attached to players with fat paychecks that don't produce.
Stats are not everything here. Gotay hasn't perfected the art of the double play in the field yet and defense helps win games in October. Hopefully, for Castillo will "step up" cause he's now in a post-season hunt.
pitching and defense wins champoinships
Disappointing deadline day to say the least. Castillo is okay, but he's another old dude.
Where's the pitching help? The Braves got the message, what happened to the Mets?
They have Witless Willie and Omar calling the shots. I guess there is always next year.
Castillo's defense will make Ruben Gotay look like a planted tree.
There is no comparison, period.
Scoring more runs than the other team wins games. Castillo can't hold a candle to Gotay's a-s. Gotey is hitting well over .400 with runners in scoring position. Despite the SNY teams carrying Omar's water, Nothing Castillo did in the field was that great. Valentin when healthy, and Gotey could have made any play Castillo did last night. If Gotey plays last night, the Mets and Glavine win that game. He wouldn't have left the runners standing on base. They would have been touching home plate.
Tim: You're right. More so when you consider the rest of the forest: trees in RF (Green) and at first (Delgado.)
Maybe not trees, more like still life paintings.