Mets DFA Connor Robertson
How about another Mets transaction? This time they designated reliever Connor Robertson for assignment, according to a team press release. He had a 5.10 ERA in 30 IP split between Double-A and Triple-A this year after being acquired in exchange for Scott Schoeneweis this offseason.
You can keep track of all the moves the Mets made today here.
Mets Release Bobby Kielty
Lots of roster moves for the Amazin's today. Bart Hubbuch tweets that in addition to Wily Mo Pena and Javier Valentin, the Mets have also released outfielder Bobby Kielty. The former Oakland cult hero was hitting .231-.394-.346 in just 33 plate appearances for Triple-A Buffalo.
Mets DFA Wilson Valdez
Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post reports that the Mets designated Wilson Valdez for assignment to make room for pitchers Elmer Dessens and Pat Misch. The roster shuffle comes partially because Carlos Beltran is headed for the DL.
In 26 plate appearances for the Mets, Valdez hit .208/.269/.333. The 31-year-old played both middle infield positions.
Discussion: What Should The Mets Do?
Carlos Beltran will join teammates Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, John Maine, Oliver Perez and J.J. Putz on the disabled list, according to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post. The Mets needed a first base-outfield type before they heard the bad news about their center fielder, and now their need is even more pronounced.
The Mets will combine Gary Sheffield, Fernando Martinez, Ryan Church, Daniel Murphy, Fernando Tatis and Jeremy Reed in the outfield and at first for now. As exasperating as these injuries have become for the Mets, they're only two games out of first place, thanks to the Phillies' recent slide.
The Mets are hoping Beltran will miss just two weeks, but they could use help and every team now knows it. Omar Minaya says he'll "continue to have conversations" with other clubs. Should he wait it out until they know more about the injuries? Try and deal for Aubrey Huff, Mark DeRosa or Nick Johnson now? How much should Minaya be prepared to surrender in a trade?
Heyman: Ten Teams That Could Add Payroll
Jon Heyman of SI.com provides a list of ten teams that could add payroll. He adds the Angels, Brewers, Red Sox and Brewers to the list we assembled last week. Here are his ten teams:
- The Red Sox could add payroll, but they don't have significant needs.
- The Mets could add payroll and they need a hitter who can play first, the outfield, or both.
- The Phillies could add payroll to acquire pitching.
- The Angels, with several contracts expiring this year (Vladimir Guerrero, John Lackey, Chone Figgins), could add salary.
- The Giants could take on payroll to add a bat.
- The Brewers and Cardinals could both free up money to add a pitcher or hitter.
- The Tigers, White Sox and Dodgers round out Heyman's list, but he warns us not to rule out the Yankees.
- Don't look for the White Sox to deal prospects away to increase their playoff chances, even though they trail the Tigers by just 5.0 games.
- On another note, no one's called the Mariners about Adrian Beltre.
Mets Release Pena, Valentin
Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post reports that the Mets released Wily Mo Pena and Javier Valentin from Triple A Buffalo.
Pena, 27, has 77 major league home runs to his name, including 26 with the Reds in 2004. He was hitting .276/.296/.414 with 5 homers in Buffalo. Valentin's best years came in Cincinnati, where he played half of his ten major league seasons. This season the 33-year-old was hitting .260/.360/.416 in Triple A.
Odds And Ends: Wedge, Penny, Mets
Some links to start the week off…
- Bud Shaw of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says the Indians wouldn't improve if they fire Eric Wedge.
- As this poll shows, 71% of Plain Dealer readers want Wedge fired.
- Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer suggests the Indians' inability to develop better pitching shows in the standings.
- MLB.com's Ian Browne says Brad Penny's becoming more and more valuable, especially to the Red Sox.
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post believes the Mets' chance to deal Jose Reyes, David Wright or Carlos Beltran for three or four cheap, young players has likely come and gone.
- The Moneyball movie, which was to star Brad Pitt, is now in jeopardy.
Gammons’ Latest: Red Sox, Washburn, DeRosa
In his latest blog post at ESPN.com, Peter Gammons writes that "unless someone comes up with a Justin Smoak, Matt LaPorta or Brett Wallace," the Red Sox will hold on to Brad Penny and enjoy the depth. He says no one will offer up a prospect like that for a few months of Penny.
Here's the rest of Gammons' rumors:
- Takashi Saito is the pitcher on Boston's staff most likely to be traded.
- Jake Peavy and Erik Bedard "probably won't be tradeable before Aug. 1" because of their injuries.
- Jarrod Washburn could be had.
- The Red Sox have talked to the Angels about infielder Maicer Izturis, but the talks haven't gone anywhere
- Mark Mulder "made considerable progress refinding his delivery after one session with pitching coach Rick Peterson."
- The Mets are looking for an outfield bat. They made a run at Mark DeRosa, but wouldn't discuss Bobby Parnell.
- The Cardinals wouldn't discuss Jason Motte or Chris Perez in exchange for DeRosa.
- The uncertain situation surrounding the Cubs' ownership will likely prohibit any major additions.
Mets Claim Arturo Lopez Off Waivers From Padres
David Lennon of Newsday reports that the Mets claimed Arturo Lopez, a 26-year-old reliever, off waivers from the Padres. The lefty allowed ten baserunners over the course of 2.1 innings for the Padres this year without striking anyone out.
Heyman On Pedro, Nats, Mets, Rangers
Jon Heyman of SI.com says those closest to the Pedro Martinez situation expect him to sign soon. Heyman has many more rumors; here they are:
- One GM thinks the Nationals are demanding too much in return for their players. He says they want "a dollar and a quarter for a dollar."
- As Heyman points out, interim GM Mike Rizzo has an especially tough role, since his job isn't secure.
- Heyman says the Nats will make an announcement on a full-time GM this season. Rizzo has a good shot at the position.
- Rival GMs say Omar Minaya is now looking to boost the Mets' offense.
- Adding a player who can handle first base and the outfield would allow the Mets to make room for Carlos Delgado when he returns later in the season. Mark DeRosa fits the bill, but the Indians are apparently asking for a lot in a potential deal.
- The Rangers aren't likely to trade for Brad Penny, though they have considered him.
- Huston Street's one of the relievers who appeals to the Rangers.
- Texas can't add payroll, but can trade prospects.
- Chad Qualls and Heath Bell would both command big returns in a trade.
- Most contenders believe they need to add relievers, but the Red Sox are willing to trade one away.
- Heyman says releasing Dontrelle Willis would be a drastic move.
- The Reds, Braves and possibly the Cardinals are looking for right-handed hitting corner outfielders.