26
2012
Why Aren’t The Mets Looking At Willingham And Balfour?
An article by 
Sandy’s comments on Monday regarding the Mets organizational shift from buyers to sellers really pissed me off. I swear this guy doesn’t make any sense. I don’t get the whole buyer and seller thing. We should be builders and that includes both buying and selling. To be competitive we need to add players who fit this team and address some of the needs we currently have. Here is a look at two guys who could not only help us this season, but would be here for the 2013 season as well.
1. Josh Willingham
Willingham is suppossedly on the block. I’m not sure if he is being floated out there but Minnesota or from interested clubs. Either way if teams come calling the lowly Twins will undoubtedly be listening. What would it take to get a guy like Willingham and what does he bring to the table that we are currently lacking?
Contract: 3 years, $21 Million. $7 Million in 2013, $7 Million in 2014.
Pros: At $7 Million a season Willingham is extremely affordable and just what the Mets need. He provides right handed power, is gritty and is a quality run producer. He’s consistent as you can pencil in 25 homers and 80 RBI just about every season.
Cons: He’s a below-average defensive outfielder and has very little speed.
Cost: We would have to agree to take on all of the remaining dollars since the cash strapped Twins won’t be picking up an of it. He would also cost a decent package in return. The Twins need everything since their farm system is pretty bare. I could see them asking for some players as high as Familia or Cesar Puello, or I could see them asking for a package of lower level players to add depth to their system.
The Rub: Jason Bay’s contract gets in the way here, but if he continues to struggle could we see a waive coming next spring a la Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo? Willingham would be a great addition and could slot in the 5 spot or bat 6th depending on who is in the lineup. There is no way a guy like Duda should be in the way if we could acquire Willingham.
2. Grant Balfour
Grant has been linked as a possible bullpen addition for the Mets in recent weeks. He would be a big upgrade to a pen that has struggled mightily and could use a veteran to help stabilize the back end. But what would a guy like this cost and is this something we could pull off?
Balfour is in the midst of yet another solid season pitching in the back end of the bullpen for the Oakland A’s. Right now the A’s are in contention and may not be looking to sell. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t if they get offered some young promising player in return for the veteran. Oakland may be in the running for the Wild Card but they should have no delusions of beating Anaheim, Texas or the Yankees to reach the World Series should they get in.
Contract: 2-years $8.1 million. $4 million in 2012, $4 million club option in 2013.
Pros: Experienced veteran reliever who has closers experience. He has been a steady quality reliever since joining the Rays bullpen in 2007. Best suited in a middle relief or setup role.
Cons: No real success as a closer, 17 saves versus 16 blown saves.
Cost: Should come at a lower cost then other relievers on the market since he probably won’t be closing games. Should only cost a B-level and maybe a C-level prospect or 2. I could see players such as Domingo Tapia or Jefrey Marte headlining a small package that would go back to Oakland in a deal for Balfour.
The Rub: Balfour could be had for the right price and at $ 4 million for next season he is a bargain for a quality right hander power arm in the back of your bullpen. Rauch is making $3.5 Million this season but comes off the books at years end, Balfour could just replace Rauch in 2013 as a much better option.
Either of these players would be a great addition to the 2012 version of the Mets, and still be here for 2013. I just wish Sandy was thinking the same thing,
About the Author: Dan Valis
I am a staff writer for Mets Merized Online. I am a Mets team analyst with a focus on the minor league system, as well as the major league club. I am a lifelong New Yorker who was born and raised to be a Mets fan. The ups and downs of being a Mets fan is what makes following this team so much fun, but at times so frustrating. You can follow me on Twitter @BgAppleMetsTalk.
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They aren’t looking because the A’s are in the playoff hunt and the Twinkies aren’t trading Willingham.
NJ, check out MLB Trade Rumors. It will shed light on your thoughts on the market. You are wrong on Balfour and Willingham. And BTW, Oakland is looking for a bat and will barter Balfour for one. Yankees, Dodgers, others talking to Twinks about Willingham. Check out that site, it will be a real eye opener for you. I suggest following Morosi and Heyman on Twitter too.
I enjoyed the sarcasm font. Is that downloadable for Firefox as well?
Oakland needs a bat and will dangle Balfour. Tell me what “bats” we have on this team? The only one that comes to mind is Murph. Maybe that gets it done. Balfour has a 4.5 million team option for 2013, so that could be desirable. I got that off of baseball-refernce.com In case you wanted to check out a good site as well. Quite informative.
On Willingham, are you willing to part with Harvey for him? He’s the top bat that may (or may not) be on the market. Per Jason Stark on MLBTR “The Twins’ asking prices for Morneau (“pricey”), Denard Span (“more pricey”), and Josh Willingham (“it made me laugh”) are high.” So yeah, lets go all in for a OF bat when the SP is in shambles, the BP ain’t good and the offense isn’t doing much to speak of. Sticking one cork in the myriad of holes on this team’s ship is not going to stop the sinking.
And while MLBTR is a good site, it’s basically reiterating what babble spews forth from the Heymans and Olneys of the world. You need to filter the info coming in and check the source. Be care in taking that to be religion.
Agreed NJ, Beltran was a great player but that is not the only reason we got Wheeler. We were able to trade the RENTAL of Beltran and pay some of the cash for a top prospect because he was the best hitter actually on the market. Cue Willingham. Not only is he not a rental but he actually hitting better than Beltran did last year for the Mets. Why do we think he wouldn’t cost Wheeler or Harvey?
and because sandy alderson is our GM. The worst we have ever had in our 50 year history…
So Sandy is the worst ever because he can’t trade for 2 players that will not be traded? makes sense.
No , he’s the worst GM because he can’t make any move. I really enjoy how you ardent supporters of losing baseball in Queens throw out the tiniest thing to try to get the valid attacks on this loser GM distracted. But alas, it wouldn’t matter what names the OP put out, you’d spew out the same simple minded statement, wouldn’t you? BTW what is the blanket statement for every player who did will get traded this week and next? I’m sure it will be “Do you really think this one piece would have turned the Mets around”? I guess that’s because you all beleive the lord can’t make a two moves. It must be against the rules or something, right?
No, he’s the WORST GM we’ve ever had because of his deals, trades, moves, etc has done nothing to help the franchise!
I am not sure he is the worst GM in franchise history, but he has not done his job this year. When the Yankees find out Gardner is out for the year Cashman trades for Ichiro,SA knows he needs bullpen help and just sat there, and now the season is essentially over.
Ichiro was also traded to a contender for two non impact prospects while the Mariners paid some $ to make the deal work. The Mariners had younger guys they wanted to play and Ichiro requested a deal. The team made sure to send him to a winning club and not hold him hostage out of respect for his service. Find a reliever in that same situation and maybe the Mets make a deal.
SA couldn’t find us one single decent BP arm over the last 2 weeks? Where could the Mets have been if that just one BP arm kept the Beato’s and Ramirezes watching from the pen instead of pitching? Even just 3 wins in our last 13 have us right at .500 and in not so horrible a shape. I’m really trying not to get into a Sandy is THE LORD vs. Sandy is THE DEVIL back and forth, but I just don’t see how he could sit on his hands and watch this unfold.
Most reports have the Mets contemplating doing the exact buying/selling you’re asserting they should do – e.g. they are contemplating trading Hairston/Byrdak, but for players who would help the team in 2013.
As someone above has pointed out, Willingham is a very good and affordable player, so the Twins really have no incentive to trade him. The A’s, who are playoff contenders, have even less incentive to trade Balfour (and the idea that they couldn’t possibly make or win the World Series is off base – anything can happen in the playoffs, as we’ve seen in recent years with highly flawed teams like the Cardinals catching fire at the right time and winning the WS. If you make the playoffs, you have a shot, period.).
The Mets should absolutely explore all options but simply wanting to have players on your team doesn’t make them available.
I was thinking the same thing. Some are so blinded by this Sandy crap that they don’t even look at what is going on or read what is actually being said. Not that they would believe it anyway.
Alderson is saying that he will not trade guys that can help this year’s team unless they get players that can help now as well as next year. Sounds about like what everyone wants, unless you are wanting them to go crazy and shoot for the moon and miss.
Willingham is 33 years old, with 2 more years on his deal and he is having a season he is likely never able to replicate again.
This is the exact kind of player you DON’T trade for unless you feel he is the missing piece to winning the WS since trading for him is one that you will likely regret.
Balfour on the other hand would be a nice player except the A’s are in the playoff hunt and are the hottest team in baseball. Why would they trade him???
Because Sandy is the worst GM ever. Didn’t you know that?
I agree with Oleo on this. On the surface one would think Balfour will remain with the team.
I think we are also set with below average defensively OFs with no speed.
Now, if they can get someone like Upton with youth, speed, D and upside on his side, then you are talking!
These are the kind of guys you get when you are in 1st place and need a piece or two. We do not need 33 year olds, we need young future guys.
STOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!! Why would the Mets want to rentals!?!?! We are not able to compete this year…..get over it. No trades. Just cut the dead weight Ramirez, Bay, Etc. And develop the kids. Enough with this we can compete bs. We cant!!
I think the perfect fit would be Carlos Gomez. He hits RH and plays a good CF while stealing some bases. He’s got a little pop and under control for another year. I know everyone wants the sexy names and a big power guy, now is not the time to be buying that.
You could go with Kirk in LF, Gomez in CF and VSpin/Hairston in RF. Also allowing you to trade Hairston.
In fact, might as well do a package deal for Gomez, George Kottaras and K-rod/Wolf.
While the defense would improve, can we perhaps get someone a little less offensively challenged?
For CF? Most likely not. I am also not confident in Kirk or DD there going forward and Kirk isn’t even a SB threat. Again, you want an OF that can hit for power that we can actually afford? Fix Duda. There’s nothing on the market and right now you pay a premium for that. Besides, Gomez isn’t as bad offensively as you think. His value is very similar to Angel Pagan and then throw in the plus defense.
Eh I mean you’re talking about a guy stealing bases etc. but over the last 3 years his OBP is .291.
I get what you’re suggesting, but if you’re going to bring a guy in to be a threat on the bases, then he needs to get on base. If a player with Gomez’s skill set has an OBP of .291, he’s a bust.
Kottaras is fine if you don’t NEED him to be your starter, but they DFA’d him so what does that bring his value to?
To me, you’re suggesting trading for 2 bench players and a pitcher. Everybody needs bench players… except the Mets, we have plenty don’t ya think?
I think this are the types of moves that we can and should be making. No he isn’t skilled at getting on base but neither are our alternatives. He doesn’t strike out like Kirk, is RH, plays great defense and has the same pop as Kirk while actually stealing bases. He also isn’t old. (Kirk 8/ 7/1987 , Carlos 12/4/1985) . Right now who is the starting CF for the Mets next year? Where would you rank Gomez on that list if he were here?
I think you have to explore Valdespin in CF before you go get a CF who is barely an upgrade. Gomez is who he is. We don’t know for certain that Kirk cannot get better. If the choice is between Kirk and Gomez – sorry I’ll take Kirk.
I get what your point is. Two years ago I wanted a guy to play CF mostly for defensive purposes and got killed for it. He just won the AS MVP. I like defensive minded CF *IF* your corners can produce offensively.
But Gomez to me, is nothing they can’t find in Spin, or Kirk unless you’re just desperate for the occasional SB.
To me, if they make a deal it needs to be an actual improvement toward this year and the future. It has to be almost obvious in a way… not “well if this happens and then this happens then this will work out.”
I just don’t see it, that’s all. I don’t think it’s a bad idea, I just don’t think its a good one.
We have no idea if V-Spin is an actual major leaguer or if he can play CF. His arm has shown to be really weak. He’s also another LH. This roster is so off balance. Adding a RH to the mix who even if he is only slightly better is still an improvement. Also, why are we acting like that we have to throw those guys away. Adding Gomez allows us to protect against Kirk failing, allows us to pursue trading Murphy and playing V-Spin at 2B, and yes adds a stolen base threat which to me is something we are desperately missing. I know saber doesn’t respect SB but to me in the NL it is still important as is defense.
angel Pagan’s #s this year (other than SBs) are very similar to Kirks anyway. Really not a whole lot of difference there, contrary to popular opinion.
I did not have a chance to go analyze Gomez’s numbers, but he has to supply some production with the bat in this lineup. But it does give some more RH bats.
and, he could split time with Kirk or DD (shades of Moolie and Lenny, right?)
Duda in left with someone in right that also has speed and a good glove would really help the pitching too, since way more balls would be getting caught!
Again, does he have to supply much? We are looking for improvements over what we have. Right now that doesn’t take much. I could certainly take watching Gomez instead of Torres and right now Kirk is a mess and trying to prove he isn’t a fluke and DD is hitting .206 in AAA. If you want someone with a little more pop then you need to be looking for a RF not a CF.
His OPS is higher than:
DeJesus,
Pagan,
Kirk,
Vicky,
Bonafacio,
Stubbs,
Maybin
In fact it puts him 8th in the league. Certainly to me factoring in the defense and SB he would certainly be an upgrade.
I think we’re dismissing Kirk as if he’s been given a fair shake and has failed. He’s a rookie. He doesn’t even have one full season under his belt, and we’ve seen what he can be. It’s not like he’s been this bad from jump street. It’s very typical for a kid to come out raging, the league catches up and the kid needs to adjust again. Give Kirk the chance to adjust again. Start next season with Duda/Valdespin/Kirk left to right. Valdespin can steal 20+ bases and Kirk can steal 10+. If Duda can mash, and you get double-digit home runs from Valduy and Kirk, that’s a well-rounded OF offensively.
It’s LH strikes out a lot, LH , LH strikes out a lot .
I am not saying dump Kirk. Bringing in Gomez, a RH, actually allows Kirk some protection as well. You could play Kirk as the 4th OF.
Sorry, I just can’t buy bringing in Gomez to play every day and making Kirk the 4th OF. Kirk needs to play every day in RF and Valdy every day in CF. Torres can be the 4th OF and Hairston can spell Kirk every now and again against a tough lefty. If they can find a way to get rid of Bay, then recall Duda and put him in LF every day. Go with the young OF and see what you have.
Carlos Gomez is redundant on this team with Torres and neither of them deserve a starting job over Kirk.
Again, his offensive numbers are better than all but 7 CF in the league, also as I said you can’t go with LH, LH, LH, with LH and LH in the IF and most likely LH at catcher.
I think that’s an indictment on the NL CFs more than a boon for Gomez. And if you’re going by his OPS, you’re barking up the wrong tree with me. The team is LH heavy, sure, but Carlos Gomez isn’t the answer just because he happens to be better than Andres Torres or a rookie that needs the PT to make adjustments.
To each his own. To me he would be an upgrade over every OF we have.
I’m not arguing that right now, on July 26, he’s better, but Gomez is what he is, and it’s not very good. Meanwhile, we’ve seen enough of both Kirk and Valdespin (and Duda, too) to know that they can be much better than Gomez was at his best, and the FO owes it to the Mets fans to see it through. The organization went so long without anything from the farm, and now there’s finally some meat on the bones and bringing in Carlos Gomez sets them back every single game he plays that Kirk or Valdespin doesn’t.
You want Gomez to replace Torres as the 4th OF, that’s a different story.
Well technically Gomez was developed by the Mets. Now back to your point, are you confident in Kirk and V-Spin for 2013? Also you are acting like Gomez “is what he is” but our guys have potential to improve. Gomez is 2 months older than Duda.
Again, what are you going to do about the 6 LH in the lineup?
“…are you confident in Kirk and V-Spin for 2013?”
No, but now’s the time to find out. I don’t want to see Kirk ride out the string in Buffalo so Gomez can be Andres Torres Part Deux, then experiment with Kirk next April.
And age has very little to do with it once you hit the mid-20′s…..it’s all about experience. A 20-22 year old, sure, age is a factor, but not when you’re 26. Gomez lost his rookie eligibility in 2007 and played a full season in 2008. Kirk and Spin took their first major league cuts three months ago. Duda had 129 total games logged coming into this season, which is 29 fewer than Gomez had in 2008.
So yes, I’m saying Carlos Gomez is what he is and we know what he is, and it’s not good. Enjoying the debate, by the way.
Me too you goon. LOL.
I guess I just see it another way. I don’t think Torres should be on the team now anyway and Kirk may need some AAA time or go down for Baxter anyway. I understand Gomez isn’t an offensive juggernaut, I just think it provides us with a league average CF who is cheap, RH and provides speed and great defense.
Otherwise, I have no idea how we will address the LHness of the team. Even if they get rid of Murphy then you are most likely still replacing him with a LH. Also, I don’t think the team is going to give up on Thole. So either LF, CF or RF has to be a RH. And no Bay doesn’t count, LOL.
Right. I think if Murphy is traded, Valdy takes the 2B job and then what have you accomplished, balance-wise? I’d love to see Upton traded here in the off season.
As would I. Honestly I have dreams of BJ (FA), Justin (trade) and Duda/Kirk in LF. Allowing Murphy or V-Spin to either be LH bench utility or traded.
Agreed, there is no doubt that he has struggled but despite his high strikeout rate he has shown enough to believe he can be a part of this team in the future. Right now with Baxter on the horizon he may be the odd man out. His splits over his last 33 & 72 at bats compared for example to Torres doesn’t make it hard for him to be the odd man out next week.
Last 33 at bats.
Nieuwenhuis
.121/BA, .194/OBP, .152/SLG, 2/BB, 14/SO, 3/RBI, 1/R
Torres
.273/BA, .385/OBP, .333/SLG, 6/BB, 6/SO, 3/RBI, 6/R
Last 72 at bats.
Nieuwenhuis
.139/BA, .195/OBP, .250/SLG, 4/BB, 32/SO, 5/RBI, 3/R
Torres
.222/BA, .349/OBP, .264/SLG, 12/BB, 18/SO, 7/RBI, 12/R
Nieuwenhuis if indeed is sent down I expect will be back up as soon as they expand the rosters and hopefully he’ll make the adjustments to be a good Mets starting outfielder for years to come.
I like Kirk, I am not saying he is garbage. I am saying the team is way off balance with LH and doesn’t have enough true speed. Gomez is #1 in the Spd category. Whatever the hell that means.
Understood and for the record I never thought or suggested you said he was garbage.
Kirk should be on the next flight to Buffalo when Baxter is activated (sooner than later I hope). He has been a complete liability at the plate and his defense is just average.
I too would love to see Justin Upton brought in (especially since his brother would likely jump at the chance to join him and that would give us a seriously talented OF with Duda in LF. Have Hairston and Baxter on the bench and you have a potentially dangerous OF
Obviously not going to happen, but nice to dream…
I don’t necessarily agree with the defense being average. I won’t say Gold Glove but I would say above average. His hitting though as I pointed out has left the Mets in a position where he probably will be the one sent down when that time comes to activate Baxter. Kirk was hitting OK up to the series vs the Rays but since then he has just lost it.