The mat Latos trade last year is a good barometer for a Niese trade. Dickey is a little different because at the moment its just a one year rental for him unless he signs a extension.

The mets should get at least one very good outfielder, not a guy who sometimes plays the outfield, and at least one other good prospect in any trade od Dickey…possibly more.

A few things. Taveras replaces Beltran in the OF. Adams is ready at 1B. They have Matt Carpenter who plays all corners and hits lefties. Craig is essentially trade bait. I live in St Louis. He plays a good RF

So, what are the trade pieces?

Pitching wise the Cards have Wainwright. Carp, Westbrook, Garcia if healthy, plus one of Miller, Lynn, Kelley, and Rosenthal. Martinez is a half year out. Looking at 2014 their rotation is Miller, one of Rosenthal and Martinez, one of Lynn and Kelley, Wainwright. They could use a pitcher but don’t need one. Niese would be their first choice to replace Garcia. But that’s not happenning. Thus, RA enters the picture. Given his desire to win and the ballpark and brutal (and I mean brutal) heat and humidity here this is the perfect place for him.

So RA and Craig are involved. Westbrook, Beltran, and Carp are gone next year do there aren’t any huge salary issues. But I’m sure the Mets would like to get a pitcher back. So I’m guessing Westbrook, who give you innings. You may get Kelley, a rich man’s Gee, instead if you somehow sweeten the pot. SS is a major issue for them but Tejada isn’t going anywhere. That leaves a 2Bman short term until Wong is ready and/or a loogy. Murphy really isn’t their type, but Edgin is.

Of course Thole needs to be included so a swap of back ups would make sense. Cruz is much better than Thole, has a gun, and is adequate at the plate with some power.

RA, Thole and Edgin for

Craig (RF), Cruz, and Kelley

You may have to swap Boggs for Parnell to make the money more equal. The Cards have a strict budget.

If you want to go hog wild then include Davis for Matt Adsms, Wacha or upgrade Kelly to Lynn.