Are Heilman, Castillo and Church On The Outs?

An article by Joe D    Comments Off

I’ve been reading some interesting rumors lately regarding some of the things we can expect from the Mets this offseason. Additionally, many reliable sources who have contacts within the Mets hierarchy, have been revealing some of the Mets’ upcoming moves. Mets GM Omar Minaya and newly re-signed Mets manager Jerry Manuel, have been carefully revealing what may lie ahead in recent press conferences.

It’s no secret that both Jerry and Omar have had second thoughts regarding Castillo’s ability to remain the Mets’ primary second baseman. Despite the big contract last offseason, even Omar has admitted that in hindsight, it wasn’t one of his shining moments as the Mets GM. He has also asserted that he would be willing to eat a large portion of Castillo’s contract if he can somehow find a taker for the ailing and aging second baseman. 

What is very surprising to me is that for the first time in his career as a Met, Aaron Heilman is no longer getting that vote of confidence from upper management that was always so prevalent during his time with the Mets. Regardless of Heilman’s ineffectiveness in the past, everyone in the organization had always been quick to respond with statements asserting that Heilman’s place in the bullpen was rock solid. That is no longer the case. In stark contrast, everyone now believes that Aaron Heilman desperately needs a change of scenery.

Finally, last week I wrote of how Ryan Church was not entirely happy with his role on the Mets. These sentiments were loudly echoed in dramatic fashion by WFAN’s Mike Francesa. Most of our readers disagreed with the notion, but now Jon Heyman of SI.com reveals that the Mets may have every intention of trading Ryan Church this off season.

“The Mets have a group of players they feel will play much better outside of New York. Those players may include Luis Castillo, Aaron Heilman and Ryan Church.”

Heyman has had the inside track on many of the rumors circulating around the Mets front office, and has almost become a sounding board for the Mets in the past year.

Heyman also believes that the Mets will be among the biggest players for the services of Manny Ramirez. He writes,

“One GM said he believes the Mets will make a big play for Manny Ramirez. It certainly seems like GM Omar Minaya is ready to finally try to land one of his favorite players.”

It’s certainly looking like the Mets will be busy not only in the free agent market, but in the trade market as well.