Reliever Kyle Farnsworth may not be long for the Mets organization, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York writes. He doesn't appear likely to make the team out of camp, and he has an opt-out clause he can activate tomorrow. Farnsworth is also an Article XX(B) player, which means that even if he were to decline his opt-out clause, the Mets would have to promise to add him to the roster, pay him a $100K retention bonus, or release him by Tuesday. Rubin mentions that the former flame-thrower's velocity has been off this spring, which means it may be tough for him to get a big-league job anywhere right now. Here are more notes from the National League.
- The Phillies would like to add a starting pitcher, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal tweets. There aren't many available, however, and the team doesn't have much money to spend. With Cole Hamels recovering from injury, the Phillies are a bit thin in starting pitching, although they don't need a fifth starter until April 14.
- Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers, meanwhile, says he is not pursuing starting pitching, tweets MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. The Diamondbacks are short-handed after the loss of Patrick Corbin to injury.
Jimmy Rollins for Wandy Rodriguez. I like Mercer, but he isn’t a big bat. Lets remember Rollins is only 2 years removed from one of his better offensive seasons. He can split up Marte and Cutch nicely and is still a above average shortstop defensively. One bad year isn’t going to ruin his career and the Pirates save some salary.
Pirates don’t save salary. Houston is paying for some of Wandy, plus Rollins’ option will vest rather easily. Couple that with the Phillies’ reluctance to eat money in any trade, this would work out to be a horrible trade for the Bucs.
Erik Bedard?