Daily Archives: December 11, 2008
The Rule V Draft will occur today at 12 pm EDT, in what is typically the final event of the Winter Meetings.
According to Jonathan Mayo, at MiLB.com, writing about the Rule V Draft, “The buzz at the Bellagio has been that there isn’t much to buzz about. There seems to be a smaller pool of talent, largely because of the change in rules allowing teams an extra year than in the past before having to protect a player on the 40-man roster.”
Mayo lists eight relief pitchers who could be selected in the draft, including Cubs LHP Donnie Veal and Pirates LHP Kyle Bloom.
…for what it’s worth, the Mets pick at 23, and i would not be schoked to see them take a shot on a relief pitcher, like they did last season with Steven Register…
For more on the Rule V Draft, check out Baseball America.
Steve Phillips of ESPN.com believes the Red Sox and D’Backs are discussing a deal that could send Julio Lugo to Arizona in exchange for OF Eric Byrnes.
Byrnes is due to earn $22 million over the next two seasons, while Lugo will earn $18 million during the same time span.
…i’m thinking it, and so are you…so, here you go:
In a report from early October in the New York Post, Joel Sherman wrote, ‘The D’Backs considered Byrnes for Luis Castillo, but determined they just don’t like Castillo at all.’
…i’m sure Mets fans understand the sentiment…
Speaking of outfielders…
The deal between the Rockies and Nationals involving Wily Taraves is falling apart, for more go to MLB Trade Rumors.
The agent for Bobby Abreu met with the Rays, who met earlier in the week with Milton Bradley, reports MLB.com.
The Chicago Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune both believe Bradley is a top target of the Cubs.
Steve Phillips of ESPN.com believes the Yankees and Brewers are in serious talks about sending OF Mike Cameron to New York and Melky Cabrera to Milwaukee.
…here’s a suggestion, next year, hold the Winter Meetings in New York City, it will make things a lot easier…
Last night, at the Star-Ledger, Dan Graziano reported the Yankees resumed talks with the Brewers regarding Cameron and Cabrera, adding the deal would include a pitching prospect, ‘not likely to be Ian Kennedy.’
Update, 9:15 AM:
The Daily News writes, ‘The Yankees are set to acquire Cameron,’ in exchange for Cabrera.
Update, 9:17 AM:
…by the way, i was under the impression the Yankees had been shopping cabrera and kennedy to the Cardinals for Rick Ankiel…so, perhaps ankiel is now earmarked for a different deal...
Tagged Yankees |According to our friend Joel Lipsky, following tonight’s press conference, Omar Minaya was asked if it will be a problem asking J.J. Putz to be a set-up man, to which he responded, “If it is, that’s a good problem to have.”
That said, in a report for the Seattle Times, Geoff Baker quotes Putz as saying:
“It’s a new challenge and I’m excited about it… I’m going to a new team that’s going to be very competitive. Francisco Rodriguez is a great closer and with Sean Green going as well, we should have a great bullpen.”
…i believe this is what i meant when i said last week that the Mets were aiming to build, ‘A Team of Closers,’ and i like it…
Minaya later told reporters that the deal to bring Putz to the Mets had been in the works for a few weeks, ‘but finally came together this afternoon.’
Minaya suggested to reporters that people stop questioning his team’s farm system, given that it has delieverd Johan Santana and Putz over the last two off-seasons.
Lastly, Minaya said, ‘We’re not done,’ as he will continue to improve his team’s roster for 2009.
According to the team press release, the Mets have acquired RHP J.J. Putz, RHP Sean Green, and OF Jeremy Reed from the Mariners in a three-team trade involving 12 players.
In turn, the Mets have sent RHP Aaron 
Heilman, OF Endy Chavez, LHP Jason Vargas, 1B Mike Carp, OF Ezequiel Carrera and RHP Maikel Cleto to the Mariners, while sending RHP Joe Smith to the Indians.
Minaya addressed reporters from the media room in the Bellagdio and said the deal took time, but it all came together this afternoon.
According to Minaya, with Putz and Francisco Rodriguez, ‘We have one of the best bullpens in baseball.”
“The best part about this is that it’s an old fashion trade,” Minaya said, “This is how trades are done, it’s a pure baseball trade.”
“As far as Mets fans are concerned,” Minaya said, “All I kept on hearing on the streets of New York, when you get go get bagels in the morning is, ‘Omar, address the bullpen, please,’ well, to you Mets fans, we’ve addressed the bullpen by getting Mr. Putz.”
Indians GM Mark Shapiro said, “This really did come together remarkable quickly, with a lot of back leg work leading up to it, but it came together quick this afternoon and what I hope is that we’re all feeling good about it a year from now.”
Lastly, M’s GM Jeff Zduriencik said he is not yet ready to speak about Heilman’s role, though he will have a chance to start.
Update, 12:50 AM:
Asked if Putz will want to be a set-up man, his agent told ESPN.com, “He’s one of the top five or 10 closers in the game… No, he would not want to be a set-up man.”
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