Starting Pitcher: Mets Plan Going Forward
During tonight’s edition of Mets Hot Stove on SNY, SI.com’s Jon Heyman said the Mets are first interested in Derek Lowe, followed in order by Oliver Perez, then Randy Wolf, then Jon Garland.
Omar Minaya told reporters today that his team has a 50–50 chance of re-signing Perez, according to Newsday’s David Lennon, who also appeared on Mets Hot Stove.
Also, Heyman says, while the Mets are interested in trading for Huston Street, they are still talking to the M’s about J.J. Putz, and remain interested in Pirates RHP Matt Capps.
…speaking of capps, i wonder if the Pirates would be interested in Aaron Heilman, in a direct swap, much like the Rockies reportedly rejected for street…capps and heilman are making essentially the same money, with the same number of years left, and such a deal would basically flip a relief pitcher to the Mets, in capps, while sending an affordable starter to the Pirates…
According to Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com, “Heilman has drawn interest from more than a dozen clubs.”
According to Heyman, if the Mets trade for Putz, he could be put in as a set-up man, which would be more difficult to do with a current free-agent closer.
Today, Rosenthal also said the Cardinals offered OF Rick Ankiel to the Mariners for Putz.
…so, as i said at the time, are we to assume the cost of putz for the Mets will be Ryan Church…if so, no thanks…
Heyman says the Mets have been in touch with the Dodgers and Cubs, though every team they speak to requests Jon Niese.
…i see no way the Mets deal niese…1) Fred Wilpon loves the kid, and he’s not shy in saying so, and 2) it would mean the Mets have no choice but to acquire a second starting pitcher…
