Rosenthal: Piazza Could Be Shopped

Ken Rosenthal has another column up tonight.  The lead: the emergence of Jack Cust may cause the A's to shop Mike Piazza.  The problem is that Piazza may be limited to DH duties.  Rosenthal names the Mariners, Twins, and Angels as teams lacking at the position, though all those clubs could be in the playoff chase with Oakland. 

Billy Beane might find additional flexibility if Piazza is able to play first base.  He played 64 games there in 2004 for the Mets.  However, this might not sit well with Piazza.  It was thought that his defensive struggles at first in '04 carried over to his offensive performance at times.  Moving Piazza to the NL probably wouldn't work, even if he's able to get behind the plate a couple of times each week.  Since only a contender would consider acquiring Piazza, Beane is probably stuck with him. 

Comments

[tyler]

The yankees could use him if they decide to finally put Damon on the DL. I think he would be a perfect fit with them.

[was385]

Tim, I know you don't like the Braves but we need to see a JS GM Profile.

[RotoAuthority]

I will, but that will be a huge project.

[spieldogg]

I love Big Mike, but he was the worst firstbaseman I have ever seen in my life. He is only a DH/Catcher.

[spieldogg]

Actually, any chance of a Mets return? Julio Franco is on the verge of beeing booed out of town by the fans and the bench as a whole has almost no power what-so-ever. Maybe if they can can be brash enough to kick the old man to the curb, then Piazza would have a big enough role to pick up that salary for a bench player.

...Green Easley/Valentin are all capable backup 1b.

...with the added 3rd catcher it will allow Castro(probably the best hitter on the bench) more PH chances as well

...While Piazza ties your hands as far as flexibility on the bench. Franco pretty much only ph. So you won't lose anything.

...A possible August game at Shea with Pedro pitching to Mike!?!?!? Game over before it starts. It would bring so much excitement to the fans and create playoff like atmosphere at Shea which would be tough for road teams.

[darkstar1661]

"...A possible August game at Shea with Pedro pitching to Mike!?!?!? Game over before it starts"

Why, so many injuries to the 40+ guys that the Mets would need to forfit due to lack of players? :D

Piazza helps as a bat but couldn't imagine him being that hot as a multi-mil backup catcher ~ and that's all he really is to NL clubs at this point...

[peruano13]

Piazza back to shea...would be a good idea...in a way...nice back up catcher...good power...would rather have him come up to bat in a pinch hit situation than anyone else...he also gives lo duca a chance to rest...

[rotoenquire]

I see Piazza being delt back to a NL team soon. Kurt Suzuki is ready for the bigs now and deserve a full time shot.

[nrmax88]

IF Piazza ever came back to the Mets, as somebody said it would only be if somehow Franco retires or is cut, neither of which are likely scenarios to say the least. Piazza would be solely a pinch hitter, maybe get a spot start like once a week, or even play 1st against lefties once in a while. I know how bad he is at first, but getting him in a couple of games a month really couldnt hurt. This team misses Alou though, he solidifies their lineup, especially against lefties. This is moot though, Piazza aint coming back to NY.