In an exclusive from the Daily News, Adam Rubin is reporting,
The Mets are working the phones, trying to trade Ramon Castro before Saturday’s 1:10 p.m. game, according to sources. If Castro can’t be traded by Saturday’s game when Brian Schneider is activated, the Mets are not prepared to eat his $2.5 million salary, a source said. As a result, if Castro remains, a source said the Mets are prepared to go to 11 pitchers for a couple of days, depending on usage tonight. Otherwise, the Mets are willing to option Omir Santos to Triple-A Buffalo. The Mets are believed to have spoken to the Mariners about Castro.
Wow, there’s the answer to the question posed in our previous blog.
It makes sense trade him, but how much can we possibly get for the guy?
I find it more shocking that the Mets are prepared to just cut him outright. My mistake, I read the above quote too fast.
More, as this story develops…
Update 6:00 PM
Adam Rubin has some new information to the original post…
Moving Castro seems to be in deference to Manuel, who continued to champion Santos’ case in his pregame press conference.
“Right now, I really like what Santos has brought, and it would be difficult for me to see him not be a part (of us),” Manuel said of Santos. “He’s been good and he’s been good for what I would say is kind of an extended period of time.”
Sources said the Mets were not willing to eat Castro’s contract, which gives him $2.5 million this season. If they cannot move Castro before activating Schneider, a source said the Mets would be willing to carry all three catchers on the roster, and just 11 pitchers, for a few days while they continue to explore their options. They are also thinking about optioning Santos back down to the minor leagues.
Sending Santos, who has hit .268 with 15 RBI in 26 games, down to the minors is clearly not what Manuel wants.
“At least, I know I have made (the decision) hard for them,” Santos said. “I know I did my best to make them think about me.”
