Buzz: Mets still Interested in Blanton
According to a report by Peter Botte in the Daily News, citing ‘a person with knowledge of the situation,’ the Mets
remain interested in acquiring A’s RHP Joe Blanton and have recently asked Billy Beane to ‘keep them in mind,’ ‘just as it was with Dan Haren.’
‘The A’s almost certainly would expect at least three more young players in return for Blanton,’ writes Botte.
According to a recent report from Jerry Crasnick at ESPN.com, trade talks between the Mets and A’s regarding Blanton had ‘hit a lull.’ The Mets are still interested in Blanton, writes Crasnick, but not at the expense of Carlos Gomez, Kevin Mulvey and Aaron Heilman.
Last season for the A’s, Blanton was 14–10 with a 3.95 ERA through 34 starts, during which he allowed an average of just one walk per start.
He made at least 32 starts in each of the last three seasons.
He is eligible for salary arbitration this off-season, and the two after that, and is eligible for free agency after 2010.
Botte also reports on Johan Santana, the Mets, and their interest in Kyle Lohse, Livan Hernandez, Jon Lieber and Freddy Garcia.





