Not for nothing, but I couldn’t help noticing how both Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki are now on the DL and there is a strong possibility that each could be done for the season.
CarGo has been bothered by knee issues all year long and now he finds himself on the 15-day disabled list with left knee tendinitis. This could end up being something chronic for the 28-year-old outfielder. We can’t afford a player with bad knees in the vastness of Citi Field. He has already missed time after undergoing surgery in early June to remove a benign tumor from his left index finger. Gonzalez is batting a disappointing .238 with a .723 OPS, both career lows at an age he should be peaking.
The oft-injured Tulowitzki has been on the DL since late July with what’s been called a left hip flexor strain. However, today news is circulating that he may in fact have a labrum tear that might require surgery. The Rockies are meeting with various doctors this week to determine if they’ll have to shut down Tulo for the season.
Incidentally, Tulo strongly stated this weekend that he wants to stay in Colorado and that his comments two weeks ago were not an indication he was frustrated with the Rockies. “I said I want to win,” said Tulowitzki. “It doesn’t mean I want out of here. It means I’m sick and tired of losing.”
On Tuesday night, Rockies beat writers are reporting that team brass is getting together with doctors to determine treatment options for both players.
Let the buyer beware…
August 8
Here’s a fascinating look into the days leading up to the trade deadline last week, as chronicled by Andy Martino of the Daily News.
While most of the lead-up was focused on whether the Mets would find a taker for Bartolo Colon, the more compelling storyline was the groundwork for a potential deal with the Colorado Rockies for stars Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.
Martino confirmed that the Rockies did a lot of poking around the Mets’ system late last month, sending several top evaluators – including general manager Dan O’Dowd — to watch their minor league teams.
Noah Syndergaard was specifically targeted, but they were also scouting Rafael Montero, Jacob deGrom, Matt den Dekker, Ruben Tejada and Matt Reynolds, according to several of his sources.
The Rockies are focused on acquiring power pitching, making veteran starters like Jon Niese and Dillon Gee unappealing to them.
All that transpired was that the Mets reached out in July to express interest in Tulo and CarGo, and the Rockies responded with interest in the the Mets’ young pitchers – namely Syndergaard with lesser interest in Montero and deGrom. It’s what is often called a “preliminary discussion” and could be the foundation for something more significant later this winter involving these players.
The real question from a Mets standpoint is whether the team can afford to add either of these players to the payroll, even if they were willing to move one or more prized arms to bring an impact bat. Tulowitzki is owed $114 million through 2020 with a $15 million team option for 2021, while Gonzalez is owed $53 million through 2017 after which he becomes a free agent.
People who know Sandy told Martino they believe he would be more inclined to present the CarGo option to ownership and if he made a strong enough case the Wilpons would sign off.
But here’s the catch… It all hinges on whether the Mets can first dump most, if not all, of Colon’s $11 million salary on another team. Alderson took a huge calculated risk when he gave Colon that guaranteed second year, and if he can’t unload him the chances that the Mets make any splashy moves this offseason probably go out the window.
