An interesting trade appears to be close for the Mets.
New York would send Angel Pagan to the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Andres Torres and reliever Ramon Ramirez.
The trade makes a ton of sense for the Mets.
In Torres, they are getting a hitter just a year removed from posting an OPS+ of 122 while playing an extremely good center field. His offense dropped precipitously in 2011, just like Pagan’s, but Torres’ defense remained stellar. And after making just $2.2 million last year, he’ll probably check in around $3 million in arbitration; Pagan will get more like $5 million.
So it isn’t clear that Pagan is a better bet than Torres in 2012, both come with one-year commitments, and Torres is much cheaper.
But wait; there’s more.
Ramon Ramirez is a very good relief pitcher. He struck out nearly a batter an inning in 2011, walked a reasonable 3.4 per nine, and made just $1.65 million last year, putting his salary around $2.5 million in arbitration this year. He’ll instantly become the best relief pitcher on the Mets, which says a great deal about current inventory, to be sure, but reiterates that Ramirez is a help for this team.
No, they didn’t just win the pennant, for those who want to dismiss any minor move. But this is a good move for the Mets.
3 Comments
I still think they should have gotten a lefty for the bullpen to backup Byrdak.
Also, what do you think of Jose Morales, a free agent catcher formerly of the Rockies and Twins?
Why didn’t NY sports reporters report on all or any of the whispering going on about Pagan and Paulino? Seems like barroom fans know more about what has been going on internally with this team than journalists do.
George, they do have Daniel Herrera. Wouldn’t be shocked to see them pick up a second lefty in the Rule 5 draft, either. Agree that two lefties is a good idea.