Buzz: Who Can the Mets trade for a Closer
According to Ken Davidoff in Newsday, the Mets believe they have enough minor-league talent to trade for a closer, such as M’s RHP J.J. Putz, A’s RHP Huston Street, O’s LHP George Sherrill, Royals RHP Joakim Soria and Marlins RHP Kevin Gregg.
…as i wrote yesterday, the early sense i get is that the Mets know they’ll need to make trades this off-season, to rotate talent and create a new mix…so, they will not have time to wait out Francisco Rodriguez, who will likely seek a four– or five-year contract…instead, i suspect the Mets will explore a trade for a closer, like a putz, or B.J. Ryan, trusting Brian Fuentes will not sign a contract until after rodriguez sets the bar…
Regarding Nick Evans, Robert Parnell, Jon Niese and Daniel Murphy, Davidoff writes, “Only Evans would be easily attainable right now, but the Mets believe they have more ‘hidden gems’ in their system.”
Davidoff also reveals what scouts are saying about Street, Putz and Sherrill.
He also writes about his conversation with Francisco Rodriguez’s agent, who will be at the GM Meetings next week in California, and who has said he is seeking a five-year contract for his client.
In 47 games for the Mariners in 2008, during which he was on the disabled list twice, once with a hyperextended right elbow, the 31–year-old Putz was 6–5 with a 3.88 ERA with 15 saves in 23 opportunities.
He had a 1.88 ERA in 2007 with 40 saves, and a 2.30 ERA in 2006 with 36 saves.
