Well ladies and trolls, it’s that time again! It’s July 30th and that means all those last minute wheelings and dealings will get done, maybe with the exception of our New York Mets. Anyway, here’s the latest on your Amazin’s as the deadline approaches:
Quite A Bit Of Last-Minute Interest In Scott Hairston:
Team such as the Tigers, Giants, Braves and Rangers have been linked to Scott Hairston, but as Ken Rosenthal tweets, the Mets may value him more than other teams do. Many teams see him as a right-handed bat off the bench or a platoon guy, while the Mets see the 32-year old as a near-starter over the next two months.
As we saw however last week, the Mets were considering moving Hairtson because they were afraid he would become “too pricey” once he hits free agency this winter. Hairston is making $1.1 million in 2012, but multiple sources indicate that Alderson is leaning towards holding onto him.
Byrdak Market Ice Cold:
According to Andy Martino, there is absolutely no interest in Tim Byrdak. The Mets have expressed that they would be willing to make him available and Alderson was said to be “fielding calls”, however due to his recent struggles leading to his ugly 4.76 ERA, the 38-year old is also more likely to stay in Flushing.
Huston Street Signs Two-Year Extension With Padres:
Two of the big names associated with the Mets early in this trade market were Carlos Quentin and Huston Street, now both have singed extensions with the Padres. Street’s deal will earn him $7 million per year in 2013 and 2014 with a $7 million option for 2015 with no buyout option. The Padres now have Street, Quentin, who signed a three-year, $30 million deal last week, and Cameron Maybin making up roughly 40% of their payroll in 2013.
Murphy Offers Underwhelming:
The Mets have not been impressed by the offers on Murphy says Martino. Apparently, they expected a .300 hitter with 32 doubles capable of playing three infield positions would draw more attention, but silly me!
Martino went on to say that one Mets person told him “We’re not trading Murphy for a reliever”.
Amazin’s Interested In Brandon League?
Martino is also reporting that the Mets had interest in Mariners closer Brandon League, but interest in him and some of the higher profile relievers has faded for the Mets as of late (as has their win total). Martino expects a quite deadline for the Mets overall.
Mets Had Discussed Geovany Soto:
One final tidbit out of the Martino rumor bin: Andy Martino is reporting the Mets and Cubs had discussed a deal for Geovany Soto, however it isn’t likely to materialize. Soto is batting .195 in 2012 and is making $4.3 million headed into his third year of arbitration should he be tendered.
Ramon Hernandez, Kelly Shoppach and Miguel Olivo were also on the Mets radar, but the asking prices for them appeared too high for their liking.
Basically, unless the Mets are either one, blown away by a deal, or have the chance to acquire someone who is going to make an impact on 2013, they most likely will not make any significant move.
But hey, the Phillies are supposed to be agressively shopping Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence. There is rumored to be “a deal in place” for Pence to go to the Giants. Can we take their suckitude as a consolation prize? 😉
