The Mets and Padres made an interesting trade today, with the Pads sending outfielder Ben Johnson and reliever Jon Adkins to New York for relievers Heath Bell and Royce Ring.
Johnson, 25, is a possible platoon candidate in the outfield for the Mets in 2007. He can play all three outfield positions and is a good athlete, featuring power and speed. While he mashed during his first stint in Triple A in '05, he didn't impress at the same level this year. Back in 2002, Johnson was the Padres' second choice for a prospect in the Carlos Hernandez trade after Albert Pujols.
Adkins was the return to the White Sox for Ray Durham back in July of '02. He's got a 4.63 ERA in 134 big league innings of relief.
The Mets acquired Ring, a 26 year-old southpaw, for Roberto Alomar back in 2003. Historically, Ring has always been difficult to hit. He posted a 2.77 ERA in 52 innings between Triple A and the Majors this year.
Bell is a 29 year-old righty. He's been dominant in Triple A but has struggled with the Mets for the past two seasons. Even so, he showed very good command as a Met.
