We just finished are daily session with Omar Minaya, who said it wasn’t likely (but not impossible) another deal would get done tonight. He left us for dinner and meetings, one with Oakland, where of course, what we’ve been talking about all day will be discussed.
Minaya said adding Ambiorix Burgos provides the flexibility to deal from his bullpen – and we’re talking Aaron Heilman – if he wanted. Minaya said at the start of the meetings somebody always emerges in trade talks who wasn’t thought to be on the market and evidently that somebody is Rich Harden.
I’ve heard more Harden than Blanton, and I’ve heard three players could get it done. I’m still thinking Lastings Milledge, Heilman and Phil Humber.
Minaya also said the groundwork was laid to continue trade talks after the meetings break tomorrow morning. If the Mets don’t do anything else this winter, Minaya said he’s satisfied with his staff, but that could just be posturing as to not appear over-eager in the eyes of the trade market to add something.
As far as Barry Zito is concerned, the Mets will continue to talk with agent Scott Boras.
10 Comments
John, you’re probably at the bar listening for more gossip. But, the other thing with all of his Harden talk, I still think they’re not trading Peterson’s first two draft pitching targets Humber and Pelfrey. These are the first two real tests of his ability to judge prospects. If he’s as good as his reputation, you have to see what these guys can do.
To Craig …
Acutally, I was heading down there, but thought I’d check in here first. I know the Mets don’t want to trade either Humber or Pelfrey, but they have to realize they are banking on an awful lot if they expect to go into the season without adding a quality starter. Harden is intriguing, but has an injury history. Harden projects higher than Joe Blanton, too.
Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman won’t get it done, and I think we could all agree that if it did, the trade would be made in a second.
I think to get Harden they have to give up Phil Humber. Now, maybe he and Milledge, or he and Heilman could do it, but he has to be in the mix somewhere.
What happened to them talking with the white sox about Garcia? If they are willing to send off Milledge, Heilman and Humber I think it should be for more of an established front line starter. Harden had a decent year back in ‘04 pitching about 190 innings and had a good year in ‘05 with a 10-5 record and a 2.53 ERA. But this past year he could not pitch 50 innings because of injury. I worry about his durability. The Mets seem to be looking for a starter that will eat up some innings. After all, isn’t that the same package that was rumored to bring Willis over if he was available?
To Anon …
I haven’t forgotten Garcia. Or Javier Vazquez for that matter. Harden has been the focus today, but they are still talking to the White Sox and other teams, too.
Do you think Zito is worth the 17 million a year that he wants, oops sorry, that Boras wants? Plus the sixth year is a little much. I do not see the need to break the bank on this guy. He is not a Santana.
If they feel they do not need him in the bullpen, the Mets may be best served by attempting to convert Heilman back into a starting pitcher. This way, they can allow Heilman and Milledge to continue their development before giving up on them.
The last time a few veterans tagged a youngster as arrogant or a showboat/hotdog, the Mets would up dealing said youngster for a slightly older pitcher with injury concerns. How did that Kazmir for Zambrano trade work out?
I certainly hope the Mets will not repeat history here. I am a huge fan of Harden and his tremendous upside, but am very concerned about his injuries. He has never pitched more than 200 innings in a season, and has thrown a total of 174.2 innings duing the past two seasons (twenty-eight starts, three relief appearances). That should raise HUGE red flags throughout the organization.
I’d rather see them spent $40 million on Meche while developing the young players, than deal so much potential talent for such an injury risk.
John, what have you heard about Dan Haren. The San Francisco Gate is reporting that the Mets never asked about Harden and that his name was just mixed up with Haren. Is a Haren trade likely? If so, what would it take?
To Anon …
Yes, I have heard about Haren. He’s somebody they are talking to Oakland about. But, they aren’t close to making a deal there. The A’s want too much.
To Anon (is Zito worth the price?)
I don’t think so. I am aware of Zito’s durability, but I wonder how long he’ll go without a problem. Six years is way too much. The big thing to me is he is four years past his best year. He might be the best FA out there, but I don’t think he’s worth $100 million.
To That Rogue (RE: Heilman) ...
The Mets have enough options right now to where they don’t have to go back to Heilman in the rotation. I liked Meche, too, but he’s off the market now.