Mets Get Putz in Blockbuster Deal

Occasionally trade rumors do come to fruition and late Wednesday night was one of those times. The Mets acquired Mariners closer J.J. Putz in a huge 3 team, 12 player deal. In addition to the Mets and Mariners, the Indians jumped into the fray, getting reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.

In addition to Putz, who will now set up for Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets also picked up M's center fielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green. Reed will serve as a reserve outfielder, while Green will pitch out of the pen and can be used for spot starts.

The Mariners received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who will most likely be their new center fielder, from the Indians, and Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Mike Carp, Maikel Cleto, Ezequiel Carrera, and Jason Vargas from the Mets.

Heilman wore out his welcome in New York with his performances the last 2 seasons as well as constant whining about wanting to start. He'll probably finally get the chance in Seattle, with Brandon Morrow now the heir-apparent for the closer's role.

Share

Thursday Afternoon Hot Stove

We would love to sit around the hot stove right now. It's cold, it's grey, snow flurries are headed this way. Ah if only Spring Training were already starting.

The World Champion Phillies, of course, would rather not rush things. Especially their All-Star second baseman Chase Utley, who may miss the beginning of the 2009 season after undergoing hip surgery.

Here's some Hot Stove News from Jayson Stark:

The Mets aren't looking to sign a replacement closer for Billy Wagner to a contract that is longer than 3 years. That could quickly eliminate K-Rod. The Mets may look to Brian Fuentes.

Shooting down rumors to the contrary, Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said his club will not be pursuing Manny Ramirez.

The Angels, despite their low key approach on the matter, are the favorites to land Jake Peavy. They also have an excellent shot at re-signing Mark Teixeira, but will not be pressured by agent Scott Boras' time table. John Lackey is confident that he will sign a 1-year extension prior to the start of the season.

As far as the Yankees are concerned:

Once the Yankees get their free-agent menu sorted out, they'll look to make a deal to upgrade in center field. But one player they probably won't be reeling in is Brewers center fielder Mike Cameron. The Brewers are contemplating trading Cameron for pitching if they can't re-sign Sabathia. But as GM Doug Melvin's quotes this past weekend about how the Yankees "overbid" on CC would indicate, the Brewers aren't big fans of the Yankees these days. So clubs that have spoken with the Brewers are suggesting the Bronx is about the last place they'd like to deal Cameron, if they deal him at all.

And this news from a scout about Phil Hughes' performance in the AZ Fall League:
Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes (1-0, 3.60 ERA, 28 K's, 25 IP): "Saw him two games, and he cruised. He dominated, and he should. His curveball was very sharp. All those people who think he's lost his luster -- no way. Hell, he'd be our No. 2 starter right now."

Aaron Heilman wants to move into the starting rotation or be traded. That according to the Daily News. Heilman makes this complaint every year. After how poorly he's pitched out of the pen the last 2 seasons, the Mets should probably take him up on it.

The Giants are expected to make a big push for CC Sabathia, despite the huge money they have already wasted on Barry Zito.

Share

The Pennant Race - 8/12

The Mets bullpen imploded once again yesterday afternoon. After building a 5-1 lead, the Mets frittered it away. The Pirates cut the deficit to 5-4 and then scored 3 runs in the ninth off of Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoenweis.

The Mets lost no ground though because the Phillies lost to the Dodgers 8-6 and the Marlins were beaten by the Cardinals 4-2. Manny Ramirez drove in another 2 runs and James Loney drove home 3 as the Dodgers built a 7-1 lead and then hung on for dear life. LA is now one back of Arizona in the NL West.

Joel Pineiro out pitched the Marlins' Anabel Sanchez and Yadier Molina and Joe Mather homered for the Cardinals.

The Brewers pasted the Nationals 7-1 to complete a four game sweep and picked up a half-game on the idle Cubs.

The Twins victory over the Yankees moved them into first place in the AL Central after the White Sox fell to the Red Sox 5-1. White Sox starter Joe Danks had a perfect game through five innings and still had a no-hitter going after hitting Jacoby Ellsbury in the sixth. But things fell apart in the seventh when he allowed a one out single to Kevin Youkilis to snap the no-no bid and then walked Mike Lowell. J.D. Drew then really ruined Danks' night with a 2-run double that put the Red Sox up for good. The Red Sox moved a half-game closer to idle Tampa Bay with the win.

Share