Being a realist at the deadline

The Mets are employing the “wait-and-see” approach to the rest of the season.  Sure, Omar Minaya is probably fielding calls left and right as the non-waiver deadline approaches, but if you’re waiting to see a blockbuster deal, I wouldn’t get my hopes up.

That said, there is always the chance that something huge happens that changes for the outlook for this season and beyond.  But being a realist, I’m not expecting it.

Sure, I’d love to get Victor Martinez or Carl Crawford or Scott Kazmir or Adrian Gonzalez or Roy Halladay.  Who wouldn’t?

If the Mets do make a deal, it will most likely be for a bullpen arm or back of the rotation starter.

The Mets won’t want to deal for any sort of bat, outside of maybe a left fielder or bench player.  They won’t deal for a starting shortstop, first baseman or center fielder because they seem pretty confident with what they have and what will likely be coming off the DL soon.

Over the next few hours leading up to the 4 p.m. non-waiver deadline today, you’re going to hear and read some of the craziest trade rumors ever – but you won’t be reading them here.

Though my traffic might suffer because I’m not posting every whisper and rumor that some other blogs might tout as “TRADE TALKS BETWEEN THE METS AND ______,” you won’t see that at The ‘Ropolitans.

I, too, will be employing the wait-and-see approach to the deadline.  Don’t believe everything you read today, unless it’s written here.

Lugo soon?

Julio Lugo is working out at the Mets camp in the Dominican Republic and could join the Mets as soon as he is released, according to Adam Rubin.

The Mets need to wait until he is officially released by the Boston Red Sox before signing him to some sort of contract.  Rubin also notes that Tim Redding would likely be the player cut from the roster.  The Mets seem willing to eat his $2.5 million contract.

I wrote yesterday that this would be a bad move, especially with Angel Berroa recently in the fold.  How many middle infielders can the Mets really bring in?

I like the idea of Teahen and the Mets

The blogfather, Matt Cerrone, relays a tweet from Peter Gammons in which the ESPN analyst links the Mets to Mark Teahen.

Teahen, 27, has played first, second, third and right field this season. He’s batting .282 AVG / .343 OBP / .448 SLG with nine home runs and 27 RBI in 259 at bats.

No clue what the Mets would have to give up to land Teahen, but the Kansas City Royals just lost Coco Crisp for the season with shoulder surgery. Could a young, B-level outfield prospect with a high ceiling be enough to bring in Teahan? Maybe in my dreams, but a package of decent prospects with some potential could be enough.

He’s arbitration eligible for two more years beyond 2009, so it wouldn’t be just a “rental” player.

I’d like to see Teahen in left field or anywhere really, as long as he takes Fernando Tatis’ roster spot. I just don’t see Tatis helping this team much for the rest of 2009.

DeRosa dealt to Cards

Well, there goes that option.  If the Mets want to make a trade, it won’t be for Mark DeRosa.

The New Jersey native was sent from the Cleveland Indians to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Chris Perez and a player to be named later.

Shucks.

Too expensive?

The Mets may have money to spend, but it looks like they're not going to spend it all in one place. Smart move.

(Ed. note: This might be the 942,398th article I've written about this, and don't expect it to stop. Things are generally speculation, but speculation leads to discussion, and discussion is always fun.)

According to Ken Davidoff, the Mets realize that both Manny Ramirez and Francisco Rodriguez may be too expensive.

The Mets have convinced themeslves that Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez just isn't worth the money he wants to close.
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The Mets, moreover, have no intention of pursuing Manny Ramirez at this point. Too old, too expensive, too potentially disruptive.

We're all going to have to wait until after the World Series until real news starts pouring in, but this seems about right to me. The Mets have too many holes to fill to go out and spend the majority of they money on one player (especially one who only pitches one inning a game, if at all.)

I'd much rather see them pick up a bunch of good players, instead of one "great" player. Makes more sense in the situation they're in, even if it really hasn't been the style lately.

He-Lowe again, Derek?

Another 180-degree turn in the Derek Lowe sweepstakes.

On Wednesday, I linked to a Ken Rosenthal column saying that free-agent-to-be, Derek Lowe, was against playing on the East Coast.

Rosenthal rebuked his own statement today.

In a recent item, I started that the Yankees shouldn't be confident of landing right-hander Derek Lowe in free agency, saying that some rival clubs believe that Lowe wants to stay on the west coast. Lowe told me that my information was wrong, that he actually wanted to go east. He backed up that remark by telling the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo that the Red Sox were his first choice.

So, there is still hope for the Mets too, I guess.

It all depends if the Mets want to re-sign Oliver Perez, or let him go and seek an outside source.

Jake Peavy may be coming to the NL East

Seems like the Braves are the early leaders in the Jake Peavy trade talks.

According to MLB.com, the Braves are preparing a package of players to pitch to the Padres in return for the 2007 Cy Young winner. Peavy has a no-trade clause, but is said to be open to waiving it to play in Atlanta. Peavy is from Alabama.

A bunch of minor league prospect have been rumored, along with players like Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar.

The Braves seem poised for a good year, as they have a bevy of prospects who are just about major league ready. Watch out for them next season.

I really hope they don't land Peavy. I'd be much happier to see the Yankees trade for the 27-year-old. Obviously, I'd prefer the Mets, but I don't think they have the minor league talent to pull that off.

Commenting on the stupidest trade proposal ever

Honestly, who concocts these miserable trade ideas?

The latest "rumor" out on the web has the Mets trading away Carlos Beltran to the Yankees in return for Robinson Cano, Brian Bruney or Jose Veras, Ian Kennedy, and another prospect or two and some cash.

No to Cano.
No to Bruney.
No to Veras.
No to Kennedy.
No to anyone else they want to throw in (unless it's A-Rod.)

This "rumor" shouldn't even get any press, but it keeps popping up and I feel like I have to comment on it.

The Mets are not going to trade Beltran, unless they're going to get someone worth $119 million. None of those players combined could equal what Beltran does for the Mets.

A lot of people hate Beltran, and I'm not sure why. Sure, he had a stinker of a first season with the Mets, but look at his stats over his Mets career.

2005: .266 BA, .330 OBP, .414 SLG, 16 HR, 78 RBI, 83 runs.
2006: .275 BA, .388 OBP, .594 SLG, 41 HR, 116 RBI, 127 runs.
2007: .276 BA, .353 OBP, .525 SLG, 33 HR, 112 RBI, 93 runs.
2008: .284 BA, .376 OBP, .500 SLG, 27 HR, 112 RBI, 116 runs.

Not to mention three All-Star Game appearances, most likely three straight Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers awards.

What else do I have to say? He's good at the plate, and great in the field. He's a cornerstone of the team, and without him, expect many more balls to fall in for hits.

No way, no how is this trade even considered by Omar Minaya.

Eric Byrnes for Luis Castillo? Yes yes yes yes yes

People actually think this guy can still play baseball? Chumps!

Nick Piecoro, in The Arizona Republic:

Outfielder Eric Byrnes would figure to be the toughest to deal as he's coming off an injury-riddled season and is owed $22 million over the next two years. But the club could look to match up his contract with another team's bad contract, like that of Mets second baseman Luis Castillo, who is owed $18 million through 2011.

I will personally drive to Phoenix to pick up Byrnes and drive him here.

I've never been too hot on Byrnes, as his off-the-wall attitude always struck me as annoying. But he's a hard-nose, no nonsense player, something this team desperately needs.

If the Mets can trade Castillo away and get something, anything in return, it will be a huge plus.

Mets Rumors: Shhh! All quiet in Queens

It looks like the deadline is going to pass without a move. Thank goodness.

There isn't a bullpen arm on the market that I would want the Mets to look into. Arthur Rhodes was taken by the Marlins, but I don't think he's that great of a pitcher. Keeping Scott Schoeneweis is a great move.

Just over an hour left before the deadline passes, and I'll be keeping track while on the train home. I highly doubt any Mets trades go down, but I'll try to keep you updated on any MLB trades from around the league and especially if anyone in the NL East makes a move.

Mets Rumors: Why move Scott Schoeneweis?

I keep reading that the Mets might move Scott Schoeneweis.

Why?

Schoeneweis has been one of the best arms in the bullpen all year long. He's had a nice bounceback year after last year's performance. I would hope the Mets would be able to land a solid arm in return if they do trade him away.

Without Schoeneweis, the bullpen would be much worse off than before. He's the third best reliever in the pen, behind Billy Wagner and Aaron Heilman (I never thought I'd write that sentence).

I'll be fine with the Mets making no moves today, and as of now, that's what seems like is going to happen.

MLB Rumors: Finally teams are asking about Adam Dunn

It's taken to the final hours of the trade deadline, but teams are finally asking about Adam Dunn.

Dunn, who sports a low batting average yet a high on base percentage, isn't known for his glove which has hurt his marketability. He strikes out 25 percent of his at-bats, which is another mark against Dunn.

Both of the Rays and the D'backs are inquring about the availability of this power bat. I wouldn't mind the Mets taking a look-see at what it would cost, though I think they need to look for a bullpen arm over anything. Maybe they could pry Billy Bray away.

Mets Rumors: Maybe no deal will go down; Bullpen help

If the Mets sit back and watch the trade deadline pass them by, will you be upset? I won't, and I hope Omar Minaya doesn't make a deal just to make a deal.

The Mets have some team chemistry going, and are playing fairly well together. They lost two our of three to the Marlins, but it was their first series loss in all of July. With Ryan Church on the comeback trail, it may not be the worst thing in the world to keep what they have and continue on.

If the Mets felt so inclined to fix an area on the Mets, I implore them to look to the bullpen. Duaner Sanchez and Joe Smith have really started to struggle. Pedro Feliciano has turned into a one man pitcher, and Carlos Muniz switches between being extremely effective (Wednesday against the Marlins) and not effective at all (many times). They need a steady, MLB ready arm to bolster the pen.

The pickings are slim, though.

• Arthur Rhodes. Mets haven't really been mentioned in any deal for him, and the Marlins are supposedly on the verge of landing him.
• Will Ohman. Also, haven't really heard the Mets involved here, probably because the Braves are in their division.
• Brian Fuentes. Mets were linked to Fuentes a few days ago, but no one seems to be able to figure out Colorado and if they're buying or selling. Seems like he's going to stick with the Rockies.
• Eddie Guardado. This is the name I've heard mentioned the most of late. Won't cost a high level prospect, but most likely if the Mets trade for him, you'll have heard of the players dealt.

Doubt a deal gets done, but only time will tell.

MLB Rumor: Manny to the Marlins still in motion

According to MLB Trade Rumors, a deal is supposedly in place for a three-way deal between the Marlins, Red Sox, and Pirates.

The deal would send Manny Ramirez to the Marlins, along with another prospect and some cash. Jason Bay would head from Pittsburgh to Boston, and John Grabow would also be a member of the Red Sox. Jeremy Hermida, prospect Ryan Tucker, and possibly one or two more prospects would join the Pirates.

It would be interesting to see this actually go down. It would tear down everything the Marlins have stood for over their entire franchise life. Trading for a huge, expensive slugger at the deadline, and sending away young players and prospects? Blasphemy!

I think the Marlins realize if they want to hang tough in the NL East, their method needs to change. They're sniffing the postseason already, hanging a few games back of first in the three team race, and they feel Manny would simply put them over the top.

Something to watch: How rookie manager Fredi Gonzalez handles Manny's ego. He's never had to deal with an established eventual Hall of Famer with a ego bigger than Dolphin Stadium's outfield. This could pay off huge dividends for the Marlins if everything works out, but it could also blow up in their faces if Manny isn't handles correctly.

In Agreement: Mets should say no to Raul Ibanez

Joe Janish over at Mets Today, runs one of the best blogs on the Mets you will ever come across. His thoughts usually echo mine and are all around solid on every account.

Today, Janish wrote that the Mets should say no to Raul Ibanez, and compares him to another player in the Mets recent past:

For those who are more literary than visionary, Raul Ibanez is Shawn Green. In other words, a guy who once was a strong all-around player with a slugging lefthanded bat, who has declined drastically in all phases of the game in the past few years due to age. Bat speed - gone. Power - gone. Fielding ability - gone. Baserunning - gone. Yet the Mariners want two prospects for Ibanez, and are supposedly holding out for Jonathan Niese. My answer to the Ms is “NFW”.

Bingo. He's a shell of what he once was, and for the asking price, the Mets shouldn't even begin to think about this deal. He'd be a nice fill-in, but not something I would depend on.

Janish goes on to say that if the Mariners will accept a lesser deal, for a fringe "prospect" player, to jump at the chance. Again, I agree. He's worth a flier, that's for sure. I think he'd be beneficial to the team this season, but for the price the M's want, I'd balk.

Is it too crazy for the Mets to sit back and not make a deal? Is that ever at all possible? I really can't fathom Omar Minaya sitting back and watching the deadline approach and not pick up the phone and make a deal. Maybe that's what is best for the team right now, though. They're in first place with the players they have, and have been without a true corner outfielder for the majority of the year.

IF (big if) Ryan Church can come back healthy, and have Endy Chavez and Fernando Tatis split time in left field, I'd be more than happy with that. I don't think Tatis can keep it all up on his own, so if his time is cut in half or so, his hot streak and ability might carry further into the season.

So in conclusion: No to Ibanez, unless it's on the cheap. Church needs to come back healthy. Tatis and Chavez will be just fine in left.

And that's that.

Rumor: Mets, Sox, Pirates in a three-way

This one will blow your socks off.

From WEEI Radio:

WEEI out of Boston is reporting the Mets, Sox, and Pirates are working on a 3-way deal. The Mets would send prospects to the Sox for Manny, and then the Sox would ship prospects to the Pirates for Bay.

So, Manny Ramirez would be a Met, Jason Bay would be a member of the Sox, and prospects would go to the Pirates.

Enticing, as always. Just a rumor, but one just crazy enough that it just might work. The Mets would have to part with Fernando Martinez, there isn't a doubt in my mind, but I think Omar Minaya would pull that trigger if he could land Manny.

Again, just a rumor.

Update: Don't think this is even in the works, but I think this makes a ton of sense for the teams involved. I truly don't trust "prospects." I'd much rather trade for an established player than wait on maybes.

Thanks to Ryan Punzalan for the heads up...