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 Displaying 51-75 of 79 messages in this thread. |
| Posted By | Discussion Topic: Mets Offseason Rumor Mill Thread | ||||
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| PeterDragon | posted on 12-14-2001 @ 11:19 AM |    | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Jan. 01  | Not yet confirmed, but sports radio on several stations reporting Justice & Money traded for Guthrie, with no mention of prospect. I hope as hell they get decent prospect, or they use money on Juan Gonzelez, neither of which I expect | ||||
| boonsy | posted on 12-14-2001 @ 2:41 PM | | |||
| Hanger-On Registered: Jan. 01 | Justice traded for second time this week -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press NEW YORK -- David Justice's tenure with the New York Mets lasted just one week. The outfielder was traded to the Oakland Athletics on Friday for reliever Mark Guthrie and minor league pitcher Tyler Yates, a move that could lead to the Mets entering more serious talks with free agent Juan Gonzalez. The Mets, who acquired Justice from the New York Yankees on Dec. 7 for third baseman Robin Ventura, will pay part of Justice's $7 million salary next season. "I'm at that point of my career where you can always be traded at any minute," Justice said last week. Justice, 35, struggled this year, going on the disabled list twice with an injured right groin, and hitting just .241 with 18 homers and 51 RBI. He has 294 career homers, including a career-high 41 in 2000 for Cleveland and the Yankees, and will replace some of the power Oakland lost when first baseman Jason Giambi signed a $120 million, seven-year contract with the Yankees on Thursday. "I've got a lot left," Justice said last week. "Last year was based solely on injuries, no doubt about it. I still have my bat speed and still have my defensive skills. I don't feel like I've gone down at all. Injuries played a part." New York made the trade one day after agreeing to an $18 million, four-year contract with Roger Cedeno, who joins a power-free outfield mix that includes Jay Payton, Benny Agbayani, Tsuyoshi Shinjo and Timo Perez. Matt Lawton, acquired from Minnesota last July, was dealt to Cleveland earlier this week in the Roberto Alomar trade. Guthrie, 36, was 6-2 with one save and a 4.47 ERA this year in 52 1/3 innings. The left-hander has a 44-48 record with 13 saves in a major league career that began in 1989 with Minnesota. He also has pitched for Los Angeles, Boston, the Chicago White Sox, Toronto and Tampa Bay. Hey he's not breathing. Don't people usually breathe? | ||||
| armymad DUMBEST POSTER EVER!!! | posted on 12-14-2001 @ 3:14 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Jan. 01 | darm I tought is would last the whole season | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 12-16-2001 @ 8:35 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Update on Juan Gone 12/17/01 Leiter will free salary for Gonzo Juan Gonzalez, outfielder, free agent The Cleveland Indians decided they couldn't afford to keep Juan Gonzalez, despite his monster 35 home run and 140 RBI season in 2001 for the Tribe, and have cut the veteran loose for free agency. Could the Mets bring in the majors' most dangerous mercenary to patrol right field at Shea Stadium? The Mets have shown interest in the past in Juan Gone, once discussing a deal back in Gonzalez's Texas Rangers days that was rumored to include a package of Edgardo Alfonzo, Bernard Gilkey and Bobby J. Jones. But when Gonzalez was available on the free agent market and was hunting for a $10 million commitment for one season, the Mets balked. Gonzalez is likely to be looking for even more this season, somewhere between $14 and $18 million. On the plus side, Gonzalez's often-questionable back appears to be healthier, and his desire to play the outfield instead of being relegated to DH duty has been rejuvenated. Agent Jeff Moorad also states that Gonzalez has taken out a $50 million insurance policy on himself, which he says would be transferred to any team that signs him and would cover the team in the event that Gonzalez is forced onto the disabled list. "Without Cleveland being part of his choices, playing in New York is an extremely attractive alternative," Moorad said. "And for that reason, he's serious about the Mets." New Mets Roberto Alomar and Roger Cedeno are already on the job recruiting Gonzalez to play in Queens, joining Mike Piazza, who gushed about how great Gonzalez would look in Mets' pinstripes earlier in the month at a charity event. Outspoken co-owner Nelson Doubleday, who is in the midst of finalizing the sale of his shares of the club, is also pushing for a Gonzalez signing. Doubleday was instrumental in the club's acquisition of Mike Piazza in 1998, nudging Steve Phillips in a "trade" direction after Fred Wilpon appeared dead-set on sticking with Todd Hundley as the Mets' catcher of the future. Gonzalez seems receptive, speaking earlier in the month about how he decided shortly after Sept. 11th that he wanted to be a part of New York. Those desires have only become stronger since his ballplayer buddy Alomar joined the club. "He's my best friend, he's like my brother," Gonzalez told Newsday from Puerto Rico. "Robbie's the best second baseman in baseball. I'd love to play with him on the Mets." Mets' lefthander Al Leiter is volunteering to defer part of his salary to help the Mets acquire a big bat as the final piece of a championship caliber team, the Star-Ledger reports. The proposal is similar to the one Arizona Diamondbacks stars Matt Williams, Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson were met with by team management late last season, to ultimate results.  Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| PeterDragon | posted on 12-16-2001 @ 9:06 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Jan. 01 | Other, less impressive names have been mentioned as possible met hitting acquisitions: former Met Bubba Trammell, and Ben Grieve. Ben Trammell - was one of worst trades Mets made last year, getting Donnie Wall, who was a bust. He did hit 25 hrs, and .467 slg. (OK) but only had .330 OBP. Ben Grieve - former A's Prospect was placed on waivers by Tampa Bay last september, and the Mets claimed him, but Tampa pulled him back. Had a .372 OBP, but only 11 HRs and .387 slg, much lower than he had with Oakland. He is poor fielder, but only 25 and makes $4Million. Still hoping Mets do better than these two. | ||||
| PeterDragon | posted on 12-17-2001 @ 2:05 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Jan. 01 | Latest outfielder possibility: Gabe Kapler from Texas for a pitcher, possibly Appier. | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 12-18-2001 @ 4:35 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Update 12/18/01: Could Bubba be coming back to Shea? Ben Grieve, outfielder, Tampa Bay Devil Rays The Mets have interest in outfielder Ben Grieve of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as a fallback option, should they be unable to clear the necessary salary to obtain a big name free agent like Juan Gonzalez. Grieve has struggled since winning the A.L. Rookie of the Year award in 1997 with the Oakland Athletics, posting subpar numbers (11 homers, 72 RBIs and 159 strikeouts) last year. Still, the Mets showed interest in Grieve last season by claiming him on waivers from Tampa Bay. He was subsequently pulled back by the Devil Rays. Bobby Valentine in particular holds an interest in Grieve, whose father, Tom, was a teammate in Valentine's playing days and his boss with the Texas Rangers. However, the Devil Rays are more inclined to trade a high-salaried veteran like Greg Vaughn or John Flaherty than deal the young and relatively cheap Grieve (who is scheduled to make $4 million next season and $5.25 million in 2003). "We're not in the market to move Ben Grieve," Devil Rays GM Chuck LaMar said recently. "There's no way we're moving one young player to take on more experience. Our payroll is getting smaller." Of course, the Cleveland Indians also had "no interest" in trading their star player, Roberto Alomar. The Devil Rays list a centerfielder among their top priorities, hinting that Jay Payton could be a piece in a deal. The Mets are also trying to move Benny Agbayani. Bubba Trammell, outfielder, San Diego Padres The Mets are also rumored to be exploring a trade that could bring back outfielder Bubba Trammell from the San Diego Padres. The Mets offered Jay Payton and a prospect, but the Padres had reservations about the quality of the prospect. A source indicates that the Mets and Padres have more recently discussed a deal that includes Benny Agbayani and Rick White for Trammell, who batted .261 with 25 home runs and 92 RBI for San Diego in 2001. Trammell was acquired by the Mets from the Devil Rays in July, 2000 and batted just .232 with 3 home runs and 12 RBI in 56 at-bats as the Mets ascended to the World Series. He was then dealt in the offseason to the Padres for reliever Donne Wall, who was awful for New York in 2001. Steve Phillips could be attempting to right one of his few wrongs in his term as general manager. Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| PeterDragon | posted on 12-19-2001 @ 10:27 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Jan. 01 | The following is on ESPN.com: While Mets GM Steve Phillips has insisted that Juan Gonzalez will not be coming to New York, the team seems to have turned its attention to Vaughn, another former AL MVP, The New York Times reports. The Angels are trying to shed Vaughn's salary, and they might have a match with the Mets. Vaughn, who missed all of last season after surgery to repair a ripped biceps tendon, will make $10 million next season and $15 million in 2003 and 2004. The Mets might persuade Anaheim to take first baseman Todd Zeile and a prospect, according to the report. Zeile will make $6 million next season and will be a free agent next winter, saving the Angels $4 million immediately and freeing a huge long-term commitment for a team that is for sale. Moving Vaughn's salary is critical for the Angels, who seem to have no other takers The New York Post reports that though it seems likely that if the Mets do trade a starting pitcher Glendon Rusch would be the one to be dealt, GM Steve Phillips has spoken to Texas about trading Appier for outfielder Gabe Kapler. If the Mets could rid themselves of Appier's contract (he signed a four-year, $42 million contract last offseason) they could possibly free up enough money to lure free-agent outfielder Juan Gonzalez to New York. | ||||
| Hello! Hello! Diamond Dust! Hello! | posted on 12-20-2001 @ 10:23 AM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Feb. 01 | The latest: The Mets might not just get Vaughn they might get ERSTAD too! This might be even better than getting Gonzo! ------------------------------- Mets closing in on Angels' Vaughn, Erstad By Bryan Hoch, metsonline.net Thursday, December 20, 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mets and Angels are discussing a trade that could have Mo Vaughn slugging at Shea Stadium. NEW YORK -- New York Mets general manager Steve Phillips could soon pull the trigger on yet another transaction in what has already been a banner month for his club. The Mets and Anaheim Angels are reportedly discussing a trade that would bring Mo Vaughn and Darin Erstad to the Big Apple, Mets Online learned late Wednesday evening. A source close to the Mets indicated that a package of players including relief pitcher Rick White, starting pitcher Glendon Rusch and first baseman Todd Zeile may be involved in the transaction. In turn, the Angels would agree to pick up a large portion of Vaughn's remaining contract, which extends for three additional years and is valued at $42 million. Vaughn, 34, missed the entire 2001 season with a torn biceps tendon, since which time the Angels have been eager to unload the bulky first baseman/designated hitter, who tipped the scales at 275 pounds at last season's spring training camp. However, after intensive rehabilitation training, the Mets have been impressed with the results of Vaughn's recent physical examinations, which show him at significantly less weight and in much better shape. New York is also impressed by the potential idea of having Vaughn's big bat protecting Mike Piazza in the lineup. Hampered by nagging injuries in both of his seasons with the Angels, Vaughn still managed to put up numbers that well exceeded the offensive production of Mets first baseman Todd Zeile last season. In 161 games in 2000, Vaughn batted .272 with 36 home runs and 117 runs batted in, but fanned 181 times. The 1995 American League Most Valuable Player was signed by Anaheim as a free agent to a six-year, $80 million free agent contract after the 1998 season. He holds a career batting average of .298 in 1346 major league games, with 299 home runs and 977 runs batted in. Vaughn, a native of Norwalk, Conn., has expressed a desire to return to the East Coast since his departure from the Boston Red Sox. The New York Times reports that it is unlikely that he would exercise his right to demand a trade one year after being dealt to a team such as the Mets. With Anaheim desperate to start fresh without Vaughn's salary, they are willing to include outfielder Darin Erstad in the transaction. Erstad, 27, is a six-year major league veteran who turned in his best season to date in 2000, batting .355 with 25 home runs and 100 runs batted in for the Angels. He further showcased his best abilities with a series of electrifying defensive plays and blazing speed on the bases. Last season, Erstad's numbers slipped to .258 with just 9 home runs and 63 runs batted in. He continued to be a threat on the bases, swiping 24 bags to give him 20 or more stolen bases in four of the last five seasons. In 785 major league games, Erstad has a career batting average of .293 with 86 home runs and 395 runs batted in. One of the enticing factors for the Mets in the proposal is Erstad's ability to fill in or assume a starting position at first base in addition to the outfield, a quality that also had them exploring Cliff Floyd of the Florida Marlins earlier this offseason. He is also durable, having played 157 games in each of the last two seasons with Anaheim. The Mets have been looking for a team willing to take a chance on Zeile and his surgically repaired right elbow, all the while taking on the remaining $6 million of Zeile's contract. Moved to first base upon his acquisition as a free agent prior to the 2000 season, Zeile's first season with New York closely paralleled his career averages at .268 with 22 home runs, but his much-needed power production dropped sharply as the Mets' offense stagnated in 2001. In the campaign, Zeile was only able to provide ten home runs in a small-ball offense that desperately needed much more. Mets' management is reportedly down on Rusch, 27, after the southpaw failed to improve upon his 11-11 2000 campaign for the club. In 33 starts last season, Rusch was 8-12 with a 4.63 ERA. The Mets were down and out early in a good number of Rusch's starts, as opposing batters tattooed the lefthander to a .301 tune. White, 31, appears to be the odd man out in a bullpen that has been reinforced by the additions of veterans Mark Guthrie, Saturo Komiyama and Dave Weathers. The righthander was called upon to shoulder a majority of the load on an over-taxed bullpen late last season after the Mets dealt Dennis Cook and Turk Wendell to the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline for Bruce Chen and Adam Walker. White's final totals for the season stood at a record of 4-5 with an earned run average of 3.88, 10 holds and two saves in four opportunities. His numbers were affected by a sore arm that nagged him down the stretch, but White chose to grit out his assignments as the Mets attempted an improbable late-season run at the division pennant. The Mets are also still involved in negotiations with free agent outfielder Juan Gonzalez, who has been recruited by Roberto Alomar, Al Leiter and Mike Piazza to join the team. All three have offered to defer part of their current salaries to help acquire the slugger. Gonzalez is said to be more than receptive to the idea and is looking for a contract offer in the range of $12 million per year for four years; Mets sources say that may still be too high for their budget. New York may also attempt to re-open discussions with the Seattle Mariners regarding outfielder Benny Agbayani, who signed a one-year contract with the Mets Wednesday. HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLO! | ||||
| PeterDragon | posted on 12-20-2001 @ 2:08 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Jan. 01 | There is a shitload of speculation re: Mets & Vaughn. NY Newsday (& WFAN) has Vaughn (& money) for Appier; Mets online has Vaughn & Erstadt for Zeile, White & Rusch. very big difference in terms of talent; Vaughn for Appier makes no sense outside of money. Mets would be taking gamble on an overweight slugger who didn't play last year due to injury and would block Piazza in a future move to 1B, while giving up their #2 starter making this (IMHO) a steal for Angels. The Vaughn & Erstadt for Zeile, White & Rusch means Mets get 2 players who had great 2000 and poor (or non-existant) 2001 seasons for an overpaid 3B who played at 1st, an OK middle reliever, and a Lefthanded starter who might be #5 for Mets and gave up more hits than innings - A much better deal for Mets. Something is wrong with one of these rumors. quote: This makes no sense if they are also getting Vaughn - why would they care if Erstad play's 1st if they are giving $50 million to Vaughn? | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 12-20-2001 @ 3:56 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Update 12/20/01: More on Vaughan an Erstad. This would be a nice deal. In a transaction that was deemed unlikely just weeks ago, the Mets and Anaheim Angels are reportedly moving forward on a proposal that would send first baseman Mo Vaughn, and possibly outfielder Darin Erstad, to New York. In return for Vaughn, 29, and Erstad, 27, a source close to the organization tells Mets Online that the Mets are offering pitchers Glendon Rusch and Rick White, and first baseman Todd Zeile. In addition to this five-player trade, a number of various proposals and combinations are circulating; some which include Zeile and Erstad, and some which do not. Kevin Appier, Bruce Chen and Steve Trachsel are also possibilities, with Appier drawing some attention by the Mets due to the remaining three years on his four-year, $32 million contract signed last winter. The Mets are reportedly impressed with Vaughn's progress in recovering from a torn left bicep tendon that forced him to miss the entire 2001 season. In his last full season, 2000, Vaughn batted .272 with 36 HR and 117 RBI while striking out a career high 181 times. He was nagged the entire season by an ankle injury. Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 12-21-2001 @ 11:43 AM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Update 12/21/01: Looks like we are serious about Mo Money Rumor Mill: Steve Phillips, Bobby Valentine & Omar Minaya trek to Mass. to see Mo Vaughn work out. Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 12-28-2001 @ 4:44 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Update 12/29/01: Ziele may go Displaced by Thursday's acquisition of Mo Vaughn, Mets first baseman Todd Zeile has requested a trade. "I feel like right now I'm in a state of limbo," Zeile told the Daily News. "It doesn't make tremendous sense for a club to have a 12-year starter that's making $6 million (per year) to be a slot-fit, random-playing-time type of guy. So my guess is I'm in limbo right now and if a deal comes up, I guess I'll be dealt." The Mets attempted unsuccessfully to insert Zeile into the trade with the Angels, but Anaheim had no interest; many other teams are scared off by Zeile's poor season in 2001 and the fact that he just underwent a surgical procedure on the ailing right elbow that preceded the poor campaign. Mets general manager Steve Phillips telephoned Zeile on Thursday evening after the Vaughn trade was consummated and told him he had not been dealt, and suggested a number of options should he remain a Met: left field, third base, first base or injury backup. Rick Reed The Mets are strongly considering re-acquiring Reed now that the deal with the Angels has gone through; James Baldwin, Terry Adams and Pedro Astacio are among the other names that have been mentioned by Mets brass. Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| Hello! Hello! Diamond Dust! Hello! | posted on 12-29-2001 @ 11:58 AM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Feb. 01 | Hammer, he might go to the Astros. Here's a rumor from MetsOnline.net regarding Shane Reynolds of the Astros: Looking to add balance to a starting rotation that boasts Steve Trachsel as its only righthanded pitcher, the Mets have interest in Houston Astros hurler Shane Reynolds, according to a source close to the Mets organization. Reynolds, who made his major league debut in 1992 and has been a mainstay in Houston's starting rotation since 1994, was 14-11 with a 4.34 earned run average in 28 starts last season for the Astros. An innings eater much like Kevin Appier, Reynolds' best season was 1998, when he went 19-8 with a 3.51 ERA in 35 starts. In order to acquire Reynolds, the Mets are said to be considering a package that includes first baseman Todd Zeile (whom Houston would give a shot at third base), lefthanded pitcher Bruce Chen and possibly newly-acquired outfielder Gary Matthews, Jr. However, in order for that transaction to work, Zeile would have to agree to defer part of the $6-plus million he is owed for the 2002 season. Zeile, who said it would have been "ideal" to be dealt to Anaheim in the Mo Vaughn trade, has requested a trade from New York and would likely be receptive to such a proposal under the right terms. HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLO! | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 12-29-2001 @ 1:01 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Update 12/29/01: Reeder could be back and more on Gonzo. Rick Reed The Mets' acquisition of Gary Matthews, Jr. from the Pittsburgh Pirates late Friday appears as though it could be a precursor in a transaction netting the Mets Reed or another starting pitcher. Juan Gonzalez, outfielder, free agent With the Mets having completed the trade with the Anaheim Angels for the "Hit Dog", Mo Vaughn, sources indicate that agent Jeff Moorad and GM Steve Phillips will continue discussing another Moorad client -- free agent outfielder Juan Gonzalez. Contrary to published reports - including one printed in the Newark Star-Ledger - the Mets have yet to make an offer to Gonzalez, who is said to be seeking a contract offer in the $12-$15 million per year range. Some sources believe he's more likely to receive a contract similar to the three-year, $27 million pact inked by Moises Alou with the Chicago Cubs. Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| Hello! Hello! Diamond Dust! Hello! | posted on 01-01-2002 @ 11:15 AM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Feb. 01 | This combined with a report by ESPNews I saw last night saying about the same thing tells me it could be Juan Time any day now! credit: nypost.com A JUAN-DERFUL NEW YEAR By KEVIN KERNAN December 31, 2001 -- Juan Time is coming for the Mets. After a weekend respite, Gonzalez' agent Jeff Moorad will be on the phone today with Steve Phillips in an effort to complete the Juan Gonzalez negotiations. "We'll wrap up the situation this coming week," Moorad said yesterday, taking a much-deserved weekend break after a month of Mo Vaughn trade talks and negotiations. If the Mets offer the right numbers this deal could be finished quickly. The Mets and Orioles are both in the running for Gonzalez, but, it appears, the only way Juan would be gone from the Mets is if the Orioles come in and blow away the competition for the free-agent slugger. Gonzalez figures to wind up with a three-year, $30 million contract with the Mets. Gonzalez has blasted 230 home runs over the last six seasons, that's eight more than Mike Piazza has hit over the same period. There are a number of other teams who could greatly benefit by adding Gonzalez, but it remains to be seen if clubs like Oakland and Texas will get involved in the bidding. Adding Gonzalez would be the final piece to making the Mets a super-powered offense. The two newest Mets, Robbie Alomar and Vaughn, have both made it clear that Gonzalez needs to be signed. Vaughn gave the Mets much salary relief when he deferred nearly $14 million in salary over the next three years, $3.75 million this season, $5 million next season and $5 million in 2004. Moorad continues to be a most popular agent in these parts not only because he represents Gonzalez, but also because he is the agent for Orlando Hernandez, who is now out of the Yankees rotation because of the return of David Wells. "His strong preference is to start," Moorad said of Hernandez. With the Wells signing, that doesn't seem possible now so Hernandez could be traded. The Marlins have shown interest and perhaps the Mets may get involved. Hernandez made $2.05 million last season and is eligible for arbitration, but is coming off his worst season at 4-7 with a 4.85 ERA in only 16 starts because of a toe injury that required surgery in June. Moorad also represents Texas free agent right-hander Rick Helling. The Mets have shown keen interest in acquiring another starter with such names as Helling, James Baldwin, Terry Adams and Pedro Astacio on their wish list. Helling was originally drafted by the Mets and has the most upside, considering he was a 20-game winner three years ago. It's believed the Phillies, Twins, Mariners and Red Sox are all going after Helling. Ex-Yankee Ricky Ledee also is a Moorad client. The Mets were considering Ledee before making a trade for Gary Matthews Jr. Ledee hit only .231 last season, a year in which he was limited to 78 games because of hamstring surgery. Ledee has received interest from about 12 teams, including the Yankees, and figures to sign where he can get the most playing time. HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLO! | ||||
| PeterDragon | posted on 01-01-2002 @ 1:55 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Jan. 01 | I don't understand news reporting Mets going after the likes of James Baldwin, Rick Helling, etc. All of these guys have given up more Hits than Innings, and seem like no improvement over Bruce Chen, who is only 24 and whose opponents have only hit .244 against him over his career. Mets would be better off Sticking now with rotation of Leiter - Estes - Trachsel - Chen, with Rusch, Dicky Gonzalez, and Grant Roberts battling for 5th spot, than tying themselves up with another mediocre pitcher. If no one steps up, there will most likely be someone available in July in a salary dump. 4 lefties in the rotation? who cares! How many teams have 4 righties in their rotation. Hell, let Pete Walker have a shot. Yeah, he'll be 33 next year and a career minor leaguer, but he did well in Norfolk. Better than giving a multi million dollar contract to a mediocre pitcher. Save that money for Gonzo - it will be better spent.  | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 01-02-2002 @ 1:14 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Mets primed for Gonzalez By Bryan Hoch, metsonline.net - January 2, 2001 After initially hesitating, Mets GM Steve Phillips has finally targeted the fans' choice in outfielder Juan Gonzalez. NEW YORK -- If everything goes the way all involved are hoping, the New York Mets will have free agent slugger Juan Gonzalez manning one of their corner outfield positions on Opening Day. A major league source reports that the Mets and Gonzalez's agent Jeff Moorad are moving closer to a mutual agreement, with general manager Steve Phillips formally presenting Moorad with a two-year, $28 million contract offer on New Year's Eve. After a brief respite on Jan. 1, the two sides will be back at work to achieve what all involved are interested in -- getting Gonzalez to a press conference at Shea Stadium, the same way they did for another Moorad client last week, first baseman Mo Vaughn. It could happen soon, with Moorad telling the media that he expects to get a Gonzalez deal done "in seven to ten days". Gonzalez appears to be a perfect fit for New York, who desperately want to upgrade an outfield that, despite Phillips' wholesale housecleaning over the past few weeks, at the moment projects to have Benny Agbayani, Joe McEwing and Timo Perez rotating for the left field position. Conversely, it's Gonzalez's first choice to come to the Mets, especially after hearing nothing but sweet praises from the mouths of Roberto Alomar, Al Leiter and Mike Piazza. Leiter and Piazza further begged Phillips to go get Gonzalez by offering to defer part of their salaries for the 2002 season. Phillips dismissed the requests at the time by saying that the Mets' payroll was not "flexible" enough, but it appears the $13.75 million that Phillips talked Vaughn and Moorad into deferring from the $50 million owed to Vaughn over the next three seasons could add several inches of elastic that could be used to sneak Gonzalez into the club's payroll. A request to co-owner Fred Wilpon to increase salary from the projected $95 million range is still likely to be necessary, although Wilpon should be receptive to the idea if the organization believes Gonzalez is the final piece in a juggernaut that would be primed to return to the World Series. In their pursuit of Gonzalez, the Mets continue to cast a wary eye on the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers, both of whom are said to be interested in the 32-year-old outfielder. However, a source indicated that the Orioles may be unable to keep up in the high-rent neighborhood with financial limitations that could strap the team from paying the $14-$16 million per season Gonzalez is seeking. Gonzalez is coming off a monster season with the Cleveland Indians, where he batted .325 with 35 home runs and 140 runs batted in as he joined forces with Alomar's Tribe. Over the last six seasons, Gonzalez has been one of the majors' top offensive superstars, slugging more home runs (230) than either one of the Mets' top bashers, Mike Piazza (222) or Mo Vaughn (227). Of course, Vaughn rode the pine all last season with a torn left bicep muscle. If Vaughn returns healthy and the three can line up at Shea, look out. Concerns over nagging back injuries that have limited Gonzalez's production in past seasons were quelled somewhat by the protection of $50 million toward a contract under an insurance policy wisely opened by Gonzalez and Moorad before entering this season's free agent hunt. While discussing Gonzalez, the Mets would also like to upgrade their pitching rotation, weakened by last week's trade of Kevin Appier to the Anaheim Angels in the Vaughn deal. Moorad and Phillips could always discuss pitcher Rick Helling, but the Mets have been said to have far more interest in free agent James Baldwin, a mainstay of the Chicago White Sox rotation who was last seen with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| PeterDragon | posted on 01-03-2002 @ 5:11 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Jan. 01 | ESPN today reporting Mets are among teams who will bid for newest Japanese import: Left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii of the Yakult Swallows, 28 Several teams expected to bid on Ishii Ishii was 12-6 with a 3.39 ERA for Yakult this season, and for his career is 79-46 with 1,277 strikeouts in 1,184 innings. Worst part of this story is the ending, which says Mets are looking to get back Bubba Trammel and offering Bruce Chen. Bubba Trammel is not Jeremy Burnitz; no need to re-acquire him. he is only marginally better than Agbayani - some power, no defense, no speed, etc. Bubba for Donne Wall was a bad enough trade; giving up 24 yr old Bruce Chen for him now will only compound the problem. | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 01-08-2002 @ 2:31 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Update 1/8/02: Looks like we may not get Gonzo, although I have heard that 100 times already. He has to the end of today to make up his mind on Texas. Juan Gonzalez, outfielder, free agent Maybe the World Trade Center disaster really might have drawn him in, but apparently New York State's income tax could push him away. With every passing moment, Mets club officials sense that their chances of signing free agent slugger Juan Gonzalez continue to wane, according to a Jan. 8 report in the New York Times. For over a month, nearly all of the P.R. spin coming from Gonzalez and his agent, Jeff Moorad, was that the outfielder wanted -- needed -- to be a New York Met. Current Mets Roberto Alomar, Mike Piazza, Al Leiter and Mo Vaughn all sang the praises of what a powerhouse like the Gonzalez would do to complete the team, and one report quoted the two-time American League MVP as saying that he made up his mind after Sept. 11 that he wanted to be a part of New York. However, the story has taken a sharp turn over the past week, with Mets co-owner Fred Wilpon authorizing GM Steve Phillips to go above and beyond the club's projected $95 million payroll for 2002 by issuing a take-it-or-leave-it, two-year $25 million offer (worth $11 million for 2002 and $14 million for 2003, with a club option for a third season that can be bought out for $2 million) to Gonzalez. Just as suddenly, an out-of-character comment from Gonzalez surfaced stateside that quoted the 32-year-old as saying "if the Rangers offer a little less than the Mets, I wouldn't have to pay the taxes that are in New York." After expecting the deal to be complete on Saturday and still hearing no word from Gonzalez or Moorad on Monday, the Mets have no plans to remain patient if Gonzalez continues to bait the team in a waiting game. The frustrated club is prepared to move forward on a trade proposal with the San Diego Padres that would net the Mets outfielder Bubba Trammell, and placed a bid Monday with the commissioner's office for the rights to negotiate with pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii. Gonzalez batted .325 with 35 home runs and 140 runs batted in for the Cleveland Indians last season, earning $10 million. He turned down salary arbitration from the Tribe after the season. Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 01-15-2002 @ 3:46 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Possible three way trade for Burnitz and D'amico. Jeromy Burnitz, outfielder, Milwaukee Brewers Trade Proposal METS GET: OF Jeromy Burnitz RHP Jeff D'Amico UT Lou Collier BREWERS GET: LHP Glendon Rusch OF Alex Ochoa Player to be named ROCKIES GET: 3B Todd Zeile Cash (Mets) Player to be named Newsday reports that the Mets are hard at work on a multi-player trade, possibly involving multiple teams, that would bring them power-hitting outfielder Jeromy Burnitz of the Milwaukee Brewers. As the teams discussed at length in August, the Brewers would acquire lefthanded starting pitcher Glendon Rusch, whom many in the Mets' organization are down on after the southpaw turned in an 8-12 performance with a 4.63 ERA in 2001 -- failing to improve on the promise of an 11-11 season in the Mets' pennant-winning season of 2000. You certainly know what you're getting with Burnitz -- an outfielder who can bash 30-35 home runs a season and plate 100 runs for you, but he's going to strike out over 100 times and won't hit for a good average. "The Mets know Jeromy well, and he knows them well, and he's very comfortable with them and the concept of being traded," said Burnitz's agent, Howard Simon. The Mets would also receive 26-year-old righty Jeff D'Amico and utility man Lou Collier. D'Amico was mentioned earlier this offseason when GM Steve Phillips and his Brewers counterpart, Dean Taylor, tried to hammer out a two-for-two deal in which the Mets would send Matt Lawton and Rusch to the Milwaukee Brewers for Burnitz and D'Amico - a trade scrapped when Lawton went to the Indians in the Roberto Alomar trade. D'Amico was 12-7 with a 2.66 ERA in 2000, but his last campaign was trashed by injury, going just 2-4 with a 6.08 ERA. Taylor is also seeking a contact-hitting outfielder, and the New York Times suggests Jay Payton may be involved before all is said and done. An additional part of a Burnitz transaction could involve the unloading of displaced first baseman Todd Zeile to the Colorado Rockies, with the Mets eating a large portion of the $6 million due to Zeile in 2002, the final year of his contract. Colorado is not sold on Zeile and continues to look at alternative options at third base, but is serious enough to have scheduled a medical examination on Zeile's surgically repaired right shoulder. The Brewers would receive former Mets outfielder Alex Ochoa and a player to be named from the Rockies under the scenario. Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| Thrillhouse Alkey gave me my bonus points back. | posted on 01-15-2002 @ 4:37 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Aug. 01 | god i hope this trade goes through | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 01-27-2002 @ 9:12 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | Update 1-27-01 Possible intrest in Lofton. No, please stop and be happy with what we have. And keep Trachsel. Reed is old and has too big of a contract. Kenny Lofton, outfielder, free agent Talk has surfaced about the Mets pursuing free agent centerfielder Kenny Lofton, with one source stating that "it's down to the Mets and Cleveland." It was a topic of discussion among Mets players at John Franco's celebrity bowling tournament in Staten Island Wednesday, with current centerfielder Jay Payton reportedly irked by the suggestion. Although he has remained on the roster thus far into the Mets' busy offseason after being included in a number of trade proposals -- one of them a package to re-acquire outfielder Bubba Trammell from the San Diego Padres prior to the Jeromy Burnitz trade -- management seems to maintain their reservations about having the injury-nagged Payton in the lineup every day. Lofton has been one of the game's premier leadoff hitters for nearly a decade with the Cleveland Indians and briefly the Atlanta Braves, but at age 34, he may be slowing down a notch. After leading the American League in stolen bases every year from 1992-96, Lofton swiped just 16 bags in 2001 -- his lowest total since his rookie season with Houston in 1991. A .302 career hitter, Lofton batted just .261 and posted a .322 on-base percentage last season with the Tribe. However, he did show pop, belting 14 home runs and driving in 66 runs in 133 games. The Mets' leadoff hitter currently projects to be leftfielder Roger Cedeno, with Payton likely hitting seventh in the order. A signing of Lofton could bump Cedeno down to the lower part of the order, where he thrived in 1999 when New York posted Rickey Henderson as their leadoff man. Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| hammersavage | posted on 01-27-2002 @ 9:15 PM | | |||
| Psychopath Registered: Oct. 00 | And on a personal side note, I just booked my flight for spring training, March 18-22. If anyone is going, let me know. if anyone has ever gone, any suggestions or stories. I hope I see Mo Vaughan at the strip clubs or talk to Piazza about Eddie Trunk. 19 days till pitchers and catchers report... Salad Tosser Left Fielder, Center Fielder, and First Baseman **Official Painter of Billboards** "Opie and Anthony: The thinking mans Beavis and Butthead" -Playboy | ||||
| PeterDragon | posted on 01-29-2002 @ 10:02 PM | | |||
| O&A Board Regular Registered: Jan. 01 | Enjoy your trip. Make sure you get unlimited miles on your car, as there is nothing in Port St. Lonesome :) I hope Lofton doesn't come to Mets. Just doesn't make sense. Reed vs. Trachsel is an interesting idea. Reed is older and doesn't pitch well in August, but remember, he can beat Braves and had only victory in 2000 WS for Mets. Crafty guy, and actually wanted to be here. Trachsel on the other hand, has always been up and down - who knows which pitcher we'll see this year. | ||||
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