Starting Pitcher: Mets interested in Vazquez
According to a recent report in the Chicago Sun-Times, the White Sox intend to trade RHP Javier Vazquez this off-season in exchange for a second or third baseman.
In today’s Chicago Tribune, Dave van Dyck writes, ‘The Mets had interest in Javier Vazquez,’ according to a well-placed source at the GM meetings.
…wait, had…or have…there is a significant difference…
According to van Dyck, “The source did not know what the Mets were offering in return, but it might not be much if they would take the entire $23 million owed to the right-hander for the next two seasons. The Mets are looking for at least one starting pitcher and maybe two.”
However, according to Joel Sherman in the New York Post, while the Mets have interest in Vazquez, according to ‘a club official, it could be a ‘pipe dream’ that ‘everything falls into place,’ ‘allowing a deal to occur.’
That said, Sherman suggests the Mets try to trade Luis Castillo, his $18 million dollar contract, and a prospect for Vazquez, who is due $23 million over the next two seasons.
…repeat, that is a suggestion, made by sherman, not an actual offer that is on the table…though, if it were, i would do it in a heartbeat…it cuts $5 million from Chicago’s payroll, gets them a prospect, rids the Mets of castillo, and essentially brings in a fifth starter for an additional $5 million…
Vazquez was 12–16 with a 4.67 ERA with 200 strike outs in 208 innings pitched. He had a 3.74 ERA in 2007.
He will earn $11.5 million in each of 2009 and 2010, after which he is eligible to be a free agent.
