SNY.tvBLOG NETWORKSCHEDULESTATSSTANDINGS VIDEO Headlines:

Matthew Cerrone

Note: Minaya is in Love with Miguel Cabrera
By Matthew Cerrone - Nov 7, 2007 1:56 pm

Last week, in his blog for ESPN.com, citing ‘industry sources,’ Peter Gammons wrote that teams have been notified by the Marlins that 3B Miguel Cabrera can be had in a trade, and will cost at least ‘three significant young players.’

Earlier today on WFAN in New York, talk-show host Mike Francesa, who speaks regularly, off air, with Omar Minaya, had the following to say about Cabrera…

“I know the Mets love him.  I know Omar is in love with him.  But, again, it’s gonna be hard for the Mets to put together a package…Plus, the Mets need pitching, and the Mets don’t have any pitching to give up…I think Cabrera will be on the Yankees, the Mets or Red Sox.  I think he’ll be a north-eastern player, this year, on one of those teams…

“The only reason I say the Mets is because I know how much he loves him, I’ve had these conversations with him.  Omar is in love with this guy.  Again, he doesn’t want him for third base, he wants him in right field…He’s in love with him.  We’ve had conversations many times about this kid, and he loves him.  He’s in love with him.”

so, wait, i just wanna be clear, mike, you’re saying he’s in love with him…i just want to be sure i heard that correctly

85 Responses to “Note: Minaya is in Love with Miguel Cabrera”

  1. cousinrk says:

    And there is a whole lot to love with Cabrera

  2. StrawAndDocCocaineResidue says:

    We may just tip the scale if both Francesa and Cabrera are in New York.

  3. wrightnow5 says:

    …and John Heyman from SI.com has him going to either the Angels, Dodgers, or Giants. Who knows…I can’t see the Mets being able to get Cabrera. They would have to start with Milledge, Pelfrey and Humber, which would leave the mets bare with no pitching. The West Coast teams can offer so much more. Not gonna happen.

    • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

      Why not Milledge, Pelfrey and Heilman?

      Anyway, I know that the Angels certainly have what it takes, but judging by Orlando Cabrera and Figgins’ performances and contracts, they probably won’t be willing to sacrafice Brandon Wood or Howie Kendrick or even Jered Weaver or John Lackey for Miguel, and that may cause a problem for them obtaining M. Cabrera.

      Sabean may be dumb enough to trade a whole package of Cain, Lowry and Lincecum for Cabrera, and then sign the market, putting the Mets in bad position.

      Either the Giants or Mets will lock up Cabrera, the question is will the Giants be able to afford Cabrera without the revenues of Aaron’s HR record being chased anymore, and will they even have a rotation at all.

      A strategic move for the Mets would be to sign Carlos Silva, and force the Giants to have to trade to get a solid rotation AND Cabrera.

  4. esilac says:

    Interesting he wants him in the outfield, but nice idea. Might have to shed a few pounds to run around out there. Although, I’m sure Beltran doesn’t mind catch every ball he can.

  5. metsdude13 says:

    Good old Francesca, taking up an entire segment to say one thing. Really Mike? Do the Mets love Cabrerea?

    Someone please explain to me how this guy still has a job.

    • pochemunyet says:

      You guys are way off. What Fatso was trying to say is that Omar actually loves Cabrera, not the other way around.

      He tried to make himself clear by repeating that for guys like you, but I guess he failed.

      You see it now?

    • Tidewater says:

      He is a pompous ass who is wrong far more often than he is right. And that Boo Boo sidekick of his can’t even speak the freakin’ language!

    • metsnjets69 says:

      because everyone listens as evidenced by these postings. Whose any better out there……….Michael Kay?

      • Tidewater says:

        I have listened to them, sure, but not in years. If I’m on a long drive during baseball season, sometimes I allow them to torture me, but usually, it’s straight to anything else. Who’s better? Any other person or combo on WFAN.

  6. Constnza81V2.0 says:

    I would love Cabrera too. I think the worry a bout his attitude and waistline are overblown. Play the guy in RF in 08 and you got your 1B lined up for 09 after Delgado leaves. I think if the Mets honestly had the horses to get him, they should make a serious bid. Cabrera has the potential to be every bit the offensive player as A-Rod with years to spare. Plus it still gives the team financial flexibility to chase mid-rotation pitchers via free agency this year and next.

    • bonatom says:

      If I signed Cabrera (I know, you can’t re-negioated a traded contract, but) I would defintely put a Curt Schilling weight claus in it.

  7. calling all toasters says:

    I, also, love Cabrera. Why wouldn’t you want a 24-year-old whose statistical comps ar Aaron, Griffey, and Frank Robinson? They should make an all-out effort to get him.

    • LogeAtShea says:

      would rather have cabrera in right field than A-Rod anywhere near the clubhouse at Shea.

  8. Slippery Pete says:

    Jeez. Does Omar’s wife know?

  9. Charlie says:

    I know it’s popular here on Metsblog to knock M&MD. I understand their flaws, I think we all do after 20 years. But, please, try listening to the blowhards down in Miami for a few hours and you’ll realize how good these guys really are. I promise.

  10. D.J. Short says:

    I heard that yesterday. In print, it looks even more ridiculous.

  11. dave27 says:

    So for any teenagers studying for your SATs, Minaya is to Cabrera as Francesa is to _____

    (A) Meatballs
    (B) Stromboli
    (C) Donuts
    (D) Fried Chicken

    Oh wait, those all work.

    This is typical Francesa, so if and when the Yankees get him he and his cackling army of moronic fans can somehow surmise that they ’stuck it’ to the Mets by getting him.

    • pochemunyet says:

      So for any teenagers studying for your SATs, Minaya is to Cabrera as Francesa is to _____

      (A) the Yankers
      (B) repeating himself
      (C) uh, himself
      (D) setting Omar up for having failed to get Cabrera.

      • Mike Vail says:

        So for any teenagers studying for your SATs, Minaya is to Cabrera as Francesa is to _____

        (E) Bill Parcells

    • dk70 says:

      UMMMMMMM…DONUTS

    • Tidewater says:

      Plus Mike will say something like “I always knew Cabrera was going to the Yankees. Never had a doubt.”

  12. poorboy says:

    i cant see piggy cabrera (the stay-puft marshmallow man from ghostbusters) raoming right field

    • moze1021 says:

      I would take a year of Cabrera butchering RF any day of the week….what it means is we have 1st base locked up for ‘09 and 10 years beyond…..

      Imagine if Omar could pull off this trade….

      Cabrera at 1st, Reyes at SS, and Wright at 3rd until like 2018…..thats incredible….

      The guy is one of the best hitters in baseball and will be for a decade….

      Given the choice, I take him over A-Rod right now strictly based on age….

    • fyffem says:

      Miggy – Piggy….I like it

  13. napes22 says:

    There’s no use in taking anything this boob says seriously

  14. bonatom says:

    Cabrara is an Unbelievable ball player.. no doubt about it… but is this the Kinda of guy the need after their historic collapse? We heard the Met’s need a hard nose David Eckstein, Aaron Rowand type… Cabera couldn’t be further from hard nose… unless Scott Olsen tries to still his twinke again

    • pochemunyet says:

      Bonatom: King of the Arbitrary Capitalization.

    • calling all toasters says:

      Rowand and Eckstein, that’s the ticket! They can hardnose their way to fourth place, and not have to worry about a collapse. Bill James would roll over in his grave at this suggestion, if he were dead instead of consulting to the Red Sox.

    • Reyes es el Rey says:

      Yes…the Mets need David Eckstein more than Miguel Cabrera. Exactly. Why would you get someone who is really good at baseball when you can get someone who is hard freakin’ nosed?

    • moze1021 says:

      If the guy merely repeats his career 162 game avg year after year for a decade and doesnt improve (as a 24 year old should undoubtedly do)….I wouldnt care if he sat in a lounge chair and took naps between at bats….

      .313 31HR 118 RBI….his 162 game avg numbers

      Adding a 24 year old .930 career OPS player is an absolute no brainer no matter what his attitude is….

      He IS Manny Ramirez…and IDK about you guys, but if I could go back and get Manny a decade ago I do it, whatever the cost….

      • hot stove chef says:

        OMG it’s my BFF Manny

        • gowrightgo says:

          With regard to Manny…you are right, And Cabrera does have that Manny ability as a hitter. He is young and is a tremendous tremendous hitter.

          But if you had to choose between trading Milledge Pelfrey and Heilman for Cabrera or

          buying ARod and paying him stupid money for 8 years ($240M) and just losing one first round draft pick next year……

          Which would you choose?

        • squad says:

          I choose trade for Cabrera. Cabrera is going to be a beast for a lot longer than ARod.

          Think about it. You lock him up long term and you have Wright, Reyes, and Cabrera as the core of this team for a long, long time.

        • moze1021 says:

          I agree 100%..

          Milledge, Pelfrey, and Heilman for Cabrera……I pull the trigger on that deal in a second…and I LOVE Milledge….

          Cabrera will be 25 next season…A-Rod is 32….I take the years on that one….

          Given the choice I take Miggy…especially since he wont be displacing one of the 2 most popular Mets players….

          Cabrera fits….RF for 1 year then move him to 1B when Delgado is gone…

          A-Rod does not fit…

    • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

      GEEZ. MIGUEL CABRERA IS A TERRIBLE PERSON!!

      HE’S ONE OF THE BEST HITTERS IN BASEBALL AND STILL MANAGES TO HAVE ONE OF THE LOWEST SALARIES!

  15. hot stove chef says:

    Trade Delgado and a bag of cash for prospects and flip them with a few of our own to the Marlins for Cabrera.

    Easy Peasey

    What is not so easy is then trying to lock up Cabrera long term.

  16. Koko says:

    Without a doubt it is something to explore strongly. Cabrera in RF or 1B would be adding a great bat. Yes he is fat, but so is Prince Fielder and he can still hit his butt off. I equate Cabrera to Manny Ramirez. A bit aloof, but he can rake when it matters.

    It will take a lot to get him, but I’d give up a lot. He’s young and talented and cheaper then A-Rod. Maybe we ‘overpay’ and end up getting Willis thrown in. :D

    • Peter says:

      Hmmmm . . . I like the Willis idea. Although i don’t know if the league will like the fact that the Marlins will pretty much then have become our farm team!

      Cabrera, Willis, Delgado, Duke

      Not to mention Alou (circuitously), Piazza and Leiter in the past.

  17. Peter says:

    Hmmmm . . . while it may take Milledge, Pelfrey, Humber and . . . that’s interesting.

    Do that, sign Silva and aim for Johan next year. Or, deal Delgado this year for Ervin Santana as someone mentioned on another thread and make a low level prospect for Burnett deal.

    That adds arms and a big bat, changing the team dynamic, without really changing the dynamic.

    Pedro
    Maine
    Perez
    Silva
    Burnett / Santana

    Reyes
    Wright
    Cabrera
    Beltran
    Alou
    Fukudome ? / Endy / Anderson
    Castillo
    Catcher

    • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

      Milledge, Pelfrey and Heilman for Cabrera,

      Sign Silva, Linebrink, Lo Duca, Affeldt/Romero and Castillo

      Martinez
      Maine
      Perez
      Silva
      Hernandez

      Sosa
      Feliciano
      Romero/Affeldt
      Linebrink
      Smith
      Sanchez
      Wagner

      Reyes SS
      Castillo 2B
      Wright 3B
      Cabrera LF
      Beltran CF
      Alou RF
      Delgado 1B
      Lo Duca C
      Anderson IF/OF
      Gotay IF
      Easley IF/OF
      Chavez OF
      Castro C

  18. sylvan says:

    If the Mets can trade their entire farm system and get Miguel Cabrera in return, they should do it. If you have a chance to trade prospects for a 24-year-old who hits .320/.420/.560+ every year, you do it. Any team that doesn’t want him because he’s fat or because he doesn’t sprint to first base after drawing a walk deserves to lose.

  19. Charlie says:

    Here’s some reality:

    Milledge + Pelfrey + Humber = not so much.

    The team bet that these guys would appreciate in value when they should have gone short on them.

    • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

      Don’t throw away the idea that Milledge and Pelfrey are worth something. Teams still highly value the two.

      Humber has very little trade value, and you’d probably get more for Mulvey, but I have little faith in Humber becoming an everyday starter.

      I can realistically see Miguel Cabrera coming to the Mets. The Mets have no shot at Santana, and the way I see it, they don’t like the position changes, dollars and years that come with A-rod.

      The Mets actually have a shot at Cabrera.

      I havea feeling that the Dodgers are going to go for A-rod, because he is a free agent, and then possibly use unneeded prospects for Santana.

      Having already traded Jurrjens, the Tigers can’t afford to trade a whole lot of prospects. Especially not Maybin, whom they didn’t even trade straight up for Soriano. I think that they will make a push for A-rod and get beat by LA. I also think that they will be outbid by the Yankees for Mike Lowell. In the end I think that they are sticking to Inge. Also, some decent trivia, they have Timo Perez marked as their starting left fielder.

      The Chicago Cubs will also not have enough depth in their farm to land Cabrera, and still have a better offer than the Mets.

      Either trade for Blanton/Lincecum/Cain or trade for Cabrera and sign Silva.

  20. ABSeabra says:

    Do you remember World Series Yanks-Fish when Clemens brushed back a kid named Miguel Cabrera? Miggy stared him down and in the same at bat blasted a shot over the left center field wall. He’s got that killer instinct that only Alou and Wright have in our lineup. This kid is a phenom and we should do everything to get him. If that means reyes or beltran and us eating the money, then do it. I can’t take this Yankee talk about them having prospects and us not.

    • gowrightgo says:

      To be fair…our prospects have come up and not exactly set the world on fire. Theres have shown flashes (Hughes was great and awful but did have a great in there) and Joba was obviously out of sight.

      Milledge could impress if we played him full time and he could then have real value in a trade. Pelfrey and Humber need to show it more frequently in order to regain their luster. At the moment, they are probably more valuable to us playing then being involved in a trade when their value is so low.

      • ABSeabra says:

        I completely agree with you with respect to our prospects but we do have a talented team and Reyes should not get a pass for “The Collapse” Miguel Cabrera is a stud like no other. I’d say he’s capable of eclipsing ARod’s inflated HR numbers some day. Is Reyes a gamer? Or is his lack of concentration something that will linger throughout his career. Im not a fan of Jose’s because he showed to be a selfish player once Rickey came aboard JR was consumed by the SB’s. This hurt the team, and Miguel Cabrera will not because he has a ring at 24 and not even overpriced AROD can say that. Miguel should be a Met and if not trust me the Yanks will sign him. That’s a guarantee.

  21. squad says:

    If Miguel Cabrera is the consolation prize because we couldn’t land pitching, well consider me consoled.

    As someone said above, if you have a legitimate chance to land this guy, you do it. It shouldn’t matter what the cost is.

    • Charlie says:

      i don’t like the tone of this off season.

      • Mike Vail says:

        This is Francessa’s scoop?

        A General Manager loves a 24 year old who is a career .313 hitter averaging 30 HR’s 115 RBI’s slugging .540 in a pitchers park and is not eligible for free agency for like another 4 years.

        Great, Mets would have to give Reyes or Wright up to get Cabrera if he goes on the market. Any combination of Gomez, Milledge, Pelfrey, Humber, Maine, Martinez, Perez ain’t going to do it. This guy is Albert Pujols, 3 years younger with a lot less likelihood to be juicing.

        • ABSeabra says:

          Let’s trade Reyes and Wright for Ramirez and Cabrera straight up.

        • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

          Cabrera was an outfielder until this year.

          The Yankees will go to the free agency for a third baseman, like Lowell.

          The Angels have an overstocked outfield, and already have 4 great infielders, with prospects like Wood and Rodriguez well on their way.

          The Dodgers, who need a big bat, a third baseman and a starting pitcher can easily sign A-rod and trade prospects for Santana.

          The Cubs don’t have the chips for Cabrera.

          The Tigers aren’t willing to play their chips for Cabrera.

          The Giants are a worry, but won’t offer their starting pitching for a hitter is Silva is signed.

          Mets sign Silva, trade Milledge, Pelfrey and Heilman.

          Done deal.

  22. TilMetsDoUsPart says:

    Dodgers: Sign A-rod for 8 years, trade prospects (LaRoche, Kershaw, Meloan) for Santana

    Yankees: Sign Lowell for 4 years, Sign Posada for 4 years

    Cubs: Missed out on Cabrera, Lowell and A-rod due to lack of assets (Prospects & Money)

    Mets: Trade Milledge, Heilman and Pelfrey for Cabrera, sign Luis Castillo, Scott Linebrink, Paul Lo Duca Carlos Silva

    Tigers: Miss out on A-rod and Lowell due to lower $$ offers, miss out on Cabrera for lack of prospects.

    • Tidewater says:

      You’re not stopping there are you? You’re gonna do the other 25 teams, right?

      • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

        Those are the teams that are considered contenders for Alex Rodriguez, and those are the top three 3Bs available.

        • Tidewater says:

          But we don’t need a thrid baseman. Only A-Rod could possibly supplant Wright, and that’s a longshot in and of itself!

        • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

          Cabrera is an outfielder also.

          I just said 3Bs because the players and teams that effect the Mets the most are 3B and teams looking for them.

          Cabrera and Rodriguez could be had by any team that wants a 3B, and currently they are being ‘looked at’ by the Mets.

  23. fyffem says:

    They’re not taking all prospects for Cabrera. If they do, it’ll take a hell of a lot more. Be prepared to part with all of our blue chippers including F-Mart, Guerra, the newly drafted relief pitchers, etc. That said, I’d do it. Miggy is a monster and he’s only 24.

    • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

      F-mart’s value is traveling downward, and this is a critical season for his value.

      We’ve all seen Pelfrey, and he is still a very highly rated prospect. He’s shown his great potential against a major league team. We’ve seen the upside he and Milledge have, and so have the Marlins. Heilman has already been a successful reliever, as well.

      • Tidewater says:

        Re: Pelfrey. Really? I was watching Mike Pelfrey, which one were you watching?

        • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

          The one that threw 97 MPH with movement on his fastball and had a 86 MPH change that acted like a sinker and a 83 MPH breaking ball that seems to zoom out of view.

          See: Pelfrey vs. Braves

        • BigDaddyKirk says:

          By “zoom out of view” do you mean sail out of the park?

  24. adropofvenom says:

    Make it happen, sign A-Rod and Posada.

    1. Reyes – SS
    2. Wright – 2B
    3. Beltran – CF
    4. Rodriguez – 3B
    5. Cabrera – RF
    6. Alou – LF
    7. Delgado – 1B
    8. Posada – C

    Make it happen Omar. Who cares about pitching or defense with that lineup.

    (In case you can’t tell, im kidding).

  25. GroteGuy15 says:

    If he’d play first or RF, go get this kid…plus the added bonus we don’t have to pitch to him! Hope if we don’t get him, he goes to the AL.

    • wrightstuff08 says:

      Cabrera isnt coming to the mets!! it will take 2 or 3 top prospects to get him ,not a bunch of overrated prospects! Offer Arod 5 or 6 years at 30 million a year and trade for Blanton!! Reality has gone by the wayside on this blog truly.

      • TilMetsDoUsPart says:

        Mike Pelfrey is 24 year old pitcher who throws with gas and movement, has a sinker-like changeup, and definitely has the potential to get some nasty breaking stuff.

        Lastings Milledge is a 22 year old outfielder and has a quick bat with power to all fields.

        Although he struggled immensely with the breaking pitch, he became adept to it by September. No doubt that he was a highly touted prospect who has shown improvements. He also has some defensive potential.

        Believe me, they are still top flite young players.

        As is Aaron Heilman.

        And if Cabrera isn’t a Met, where else will he go?

        • wrightstuff08 says:

          I’m not saying Pelfrey or Milledge doesnt have talent but its not important what we think about them!! The other teams’ scouts dont believe they are top flight prospects anymore so their opinions are what counts!

  26. TilMetsDoUsPart says:

    The steps necessary to acquire Cabrera:

    1. The Mets Must Sign Carlos Silva.
    2. The Yankees must sign Mike Lowell.
    3. The Dodgers must sign Alex Rodriguez.
    4. The Tigers must keep their high expectations for Cameron Maybin.

    • wrightstuff08 says:

      i say he is going to the yankees!! they are in need of a third baseman and they have Joba,Hughes,Kennedy,Melky Cabrera,Jose Tabata and a few others!! Plus the Marlins are becoming a good young team and probably wont trade within the NL East! I know they traded Delgado to us but we werent acquiring a 24 year old star back then! They knew Delgado’s best years were behind him and they thought Petit could become a top pitcher for them! No Way We Get Cabrera!

  27. ABSeabra says:

    Alright, the Angels will land Cabrera due to their prospect inventory and no to be upstaged Arte Moreno will shell out 300 million for AROD. Sorry to say it but it looks like the thunder will land in Los Angeles and not NY. You heard it here first NY.