If Ichiro Suzuki Is Walking, Then The Mets Should Be Talking
Interesting trade today as the Cubs send catcher Mike Barrett and cash to San Diego for reserve catcher Rob Bowen and a single-A outfield prospect. Barrett, you might remember Barrett was involved in that ugly dugout fight with pitcher Carlos Zambrano. The trade is a steal for the Padres.
I wrote about some players that might be available yesterday and continuing along that line, we have a few more players I like that may be available at the trade deadline.
I took a look at the standings and then perused the local papers of the cellar dwellers and came up with some more interesting rumors.
Since Willie Randolph began tinkering with the number two spot in the lineup in Spring Training, the topic of who should hit second doesn't seem to want to go away.
Maybe the Mets could take a look at finding someone outside the organization. They could start by looking at Texas Rangers shortstop, and former second baseman, Michael Young. The 31 year old, right hander could take over at second base and give the Mets a solid number two hitter with some pop in his bat. Young is a career .300 hitter with a .449 slugging percentage. Last year he hit .314 with 14 homers, 52 doubles, 103 RBI, and 93 runs scored. His name has been tossed around in several rumor mills and his availability should be explored by Minaya. A package that would include Ruben Gotay, Mike Pelfrey, and Aaron Heilman might be all it takes to land this perennial All Star.
Another name that seems to be popping up all over the place these days (including this website) is Ichiro Suzuki. Yes, that Ichiro Suzuki. It seems the Mariners might be looking at the possibility of trading their most popular player as they head into yet another rebuilding mode. This is the same team that traded stars like Ken Griffey Jr and Randy Johnson, and let guys like Alex Rodriguez walk away. So trading Ichiro is not beyond the realm of possibility, in fact it's a certainty. The 33 year old outfielder, is among the elite at getting on base with a career batting average of .332 and an on-base percentage of .378. He has never stolen less than 30 bases in a season, and has had 200 or more hits for six straight seasons. He can certainly fill the void in left field, and provide the Mets with a potent 1-2 punch at the top of the order with Jose Reyes. He is a free agent at the end of the season, so the Mets might be able to get him for less than true market value. Ideally, they might want to get a 48 hour window to try and negotiate a deal with Ichiro before finalizing anything, but with a player of this caliber, you jump first and ask questions later.
What do you think? Should Omar pick up the phone and dial 1-800-Get-Ichiro?
Comments
Wow, that would be a big feather in Omars hat if he can get either Young or Ichiro! It would solve our offensive woes for sure!
Posted by: Peter R. | June 20, 2007 11:36 AM
Ichiro would definatly be a great pick up for the Mets, but I dont see the Mariners parting with him as long as they are still in the race for the division. Also being he is the biggest name in Seattle I think there would be a riot if they were to trade him away. Michael Young is a good choice though, its clear to me Valentin had his good year and is hurting this year.
Posted by: chris | June 20, 2007 12:14 PM
Chris is right, Joe. I just dont see the Ichiro thing happening. But I did hear something about him being on the move on Baseball Tonight. I haven't heard a thing about Young, but it makes sense. He'd be a good fit on the Mets.
Posted by: Jackie | June 20, 2007 12:40 PM
Michael Young will command a whole lot more than two prospects and a shaky reliever, come on dude.
On Ichiro: If Omar could get him either via trade or offseason signing, that would be absolutely huge. It would trump the Beltran signing. That being said, it's doubtful because of how much the mets LOVE their upcoming OF prospects.
Posted by: gentry | June 20, 2007 01:00 PM
What about Nady? He was perfect for us last season! And why is everyone giving up on Mike Pelfrey all of a sudden?
Posted by: Derek C. | June 20, 2007 01:56 PM
Don't get me wrong, I think Young or Suzuki would be a great fit in the Mets' lineup, but they won't come cheap. Especially that they are both in their walk years.
Posted by: Derek C. | June 20, 2007 02:02 PM
If we can sign Ichiro in the offseason we be a greater team. If we try and trade for him at the deadline, i would give upp millegde,humber, and hielman, but i do think that would be risky. But i would rather wait for the off-season and sign him to a 4 year/$68 mil. deal with an option for a 5th year. If we got Michael Young id be very happy. For him id trade Humber and and a infield prosepct and some cash. on si.com the truths and rumors page, i heard that if the Marlins struggle more (i hope so) that they dould trade Dontrelle Willis and the Mets would want him. Id trade Pelfrey and Milledge for him. LETS GO METS!
Posted by: Metsfan4life | June 20, 2007 02:54 PM
Like I posted before, I'd move Milledge and Pelfrey/Humber to get Ichiro or Young... in a heartbeat. This team was built to win NOW and either player would be a great spark to a lethargic lineup.
Posted by: Fred | June 20, 2007 03:21 PM
We have to do something. This is getting ridiculous already. Lets get Adam Dunn if he's on the block.
Posted by: Devin | June 20, 2007 09:20 PM
There is absolutely no reason to go out and get Ichiro. Yes, it is true he is a great pure hitter and would be an awesome 1-2 punch with Jose Reyes; however, we really need an everyday second baseman (yes, it is true, I'm not a Valentin fan). I would much rather have Lo Duca hitting 7th or 8th than second. Thats why I feel Young is the better choice. He is younger than Ichiro, so he will last longer, enought time for the Mets to develop a second baseman in the farm system.
Posted by: Greg | June 20, 2007 09:31 PM