Brian Fuentes Would Be A Great Addition, But At What Price?

Today in the Daily News, Adam Rubin reported that the Mets have confirmed their interest in Rockies reliever and closer, Brian Fuentes. The 32-year old lefthander has a solid season so far, and his 2.28 ERA looks more remarkable when you consider he pitches in the thin air of Colorado. He also has collected 10 saves, and in 27.2 innings pitched, he has struck out 25 while walking only 8.

Fuentes is not entirely someone that will come on the cheap even though he in the last year of his contract. The fact that the New York Yankees are hot on his trail only means a bigger price tag as well.

He has a very impressive resume, especially in the last four seasons.

Year

Team

G

GS

W

L

SV

IP

H

R

ER

BB

K

CG

SHO

ERA

WHIP

2005	COL	78	0	2	5	31	74.1	59	25	24	34	91	0	0	2.91	1.25
2006	COL	66	0	3	4	30	65.1	50	25	25	26	73	0	0	3.44	1.16
2007	COL	64	0	3	5	20	61.1	46	26	21	23	56	0	0	3.08	1.13

Back in December, Ken Rosenthal wrote that the Mets had offered Aaron Heilman to the Rockies for Brian Fuentes, only to turn away when the Rockies asked for Scott Schoeneweis as well.

Obviously that would be too steep a price to pay for a guy in his walk year, and ironically would they even want Heilman anymore at this point?

One thing is certain. The Rockies are eager to move him, and whatever team does get him, would be getting themselves a heck of a pitcher.