Jason Marquis for Victor Diaz?
Just got word from my main Mets source with all sorts of good info.
With Pedro's status a question mark at this point, Omar Minaya would like to add a proven veteran starting pitcher to the middle of the rotation. The Mets first preference is Jason Marquis (a New York native, for what it's worth). They've offered a package beginning with Victor Diaz to entice Walt Jocketty. Diaz would probably be an upgrade over the Cards' current left field options. The Mets aren't thrilled with Diaz's defense and would be content to try Xavier Nady in right field.
Other options include two Boston starters. The Mets would love to bring Matt Clement back to the NL, but they don't want to give up a lot to get him and are wary of his salary. Bronson Arroyo's name has also come up.
The White Sox could also be a factor if they decide to part with Jose Contreras.
Keep an eye this spring on the right field battle, Pedro's toe, and the 4th-5th starter spots in the rotation. A spring trade is a good possibility.
The Soriano thing has pretty much been debunked; the Mets will see where Kaz Matsui takes them and then try Anderson Hernandez as needed.
I could live with that. Nady is going to start anyway. We could really use Jason M. Heilman is a great bullpen guy. And the guy I trust the least is actually Trax.
Get'er done!
Posted by: Bdid | March 08, 2006 at 04:34 PM
Heilan & Diaz for Marquis...I'd pull that trigger in a heartbeat
Posted by: AstoriaQueensMetsFan | March 08, 2006 at 04:37 PM
No thanks on Diaz.Maybe Milledge
Posted by: kev | March 08, 2006 at 04:37 PM
Milledge is almost untouchable...he won't be part of the deal.
Posted by: AstoriaQueensMetsFan | March 08, 2006 at 04:40 PM
Milledge isn't going to be traded for anyone, even Zito.
Zach Greinke? yes.
Jason Marquis? NO.
We have several pitchers that could easily produce Marquis numbers. You don't trade a 24 yo outfielder for a career #5.
That would be stupid. Very stupid.
Posted by: Erik | March 08, 2006 at 04:41 PM
What are we going to do with Diaz? He's going back to AAA. What help is he there? We aren't talking about a guy with enormous upside. Diaz is what he is...lazy. I'd take Marquis for he and a mid level any day. If Diaz could bring back something better, I'd have to think about it...but he can't.
Posted by: Bdid | March 08, 2006 at 04:49 PM
what are the chi sox looking to get for contreras if dealt to the mets?
Posted by: REM | March 08, 2006 at 04:57 PM
I think the Mets should hold out for a high-strikeout pitcher if they're going to trade Diaz. Marquis is just Steve Trachsel 2.0. As a Met fan I'd LOVE to get Clement. Put him in the NL East instead of the AL East beer league and he's back to 7+ K/9 in a heartbeat. He's got a big contract but I'd feel pretty good about having him around for a few years. Bronson Arroyo, notsomuch.
I can't believe someone suggested Heilman AND Diaz for Marquis. That's just crazy. No way in hell I would trade Heilman for Marquis even up.
Posted by: JK47 | March 08, 2006 at 06:02 PM
The Marquis deal could have legs. None of the candidates for leftfield in St. Louis are stepping forward. Moreover, with Junior Spivey's slow start, if Jocketty has ANY interest (and I'm NOT saying he does) in Matsui, they could structure the deal so the Mets pay enough of Kaz's salary to make the deal revenue neutral. He did the same thing a couple years ago when he acquired Roger Cedeno for a couple non-entities and had the Mets pick up almost all of Cedeno's contract.
Posted by: Devlsh | March 08, 2006 at 07:05 PM
Why would the Cardinals do this? Sure, they would get a marginal LFer, but lose one of their starting pitchers. They already lost Morris who they really haven't replaced yet, if they lose Marquis they would have to count on Ponson and Reyes to pitch well.
Posted by: JeremyR | March 09, 2006 at 12:11 AM
I think this may all be a moot point with the story today regarding Cliff Floyd and his kidney problems. If he can't play, Diaz will have to assume the LF position until Milledge is ready. But I agree, no way we trade anybody mentioned above for Marquis. I would move Diaz for Clement, but would stay away from Arroyo.
Posted by: John in RI | March 09, 2006 at 10:46 AM
Haha, "Maybe Millege"... The Cardinals would fall over backwards in the Mets were dumb enough to even mention Millege.
Millege is going nowhere.
Posted by: Pete | March 09, 2006 at 11:38 AM
John in RI is right-- Cliffy has kidney issues and is brittle to begin with. The Mets should keep the extra bat rather than the extra arm. Outside of their core (Beltran, Wright, Delgado, Floyd) the Mets aren't exactly loaded with bats. Reyes and the 2B position will be below average, Lo Duca is average, and the two corner spots are now a concern with Cliffy's kidney problems.
Hold onto Diaz. If Cliffy is healthy and Milledge tears up AAA for a couple of months, trade Diaz then.
Posted by: JK47 | March 09, 2006 at 01:09 PM
If JK doesn't think the Mets are loaded with bats, what does he think of that rotation, especially if Pedro is hurt or impacted in any way?
Posted by: Devlsh | March 09, 2006 at 03:28 PM
You're "Mets Source" is a joke. Why does every one if his rumors favor the Mets??? Since when is anyone lining up for Victor Diaz?
Posted by: I speak the truth | March 10, 2006 at 10:53 PM
as a white sox fan, if we are to give up a pitcher like contreras, we better be getting a huge package back including miledge from the mets..................
Posted by: Joseph | March 12, 2006 at 02:22 AM