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Rubin: Mets Could Get Garcia Or Vazquez

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According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, the Mets may be able to acquire Freddy Garcia or Javier Vazquez from the White Sox.  He says:

"The White Sox have been calling around to clubs – including the Mets – letting it be known that Javier Vazquez or Freddy Garcia would be available. The price: top-notch relief help, which would allow the Sox to fortify their bullpen leading to closer Bobby Jenks, sources told the Daily News. Chicago has 23-year-old Brandon McCarthy ready to step into its rotation."

Seems like relievers are the hot ticket item of this particular trading season.  They’re always a popular deadline commodity but the price seemed quite high yesterday.  My Mets source is adamant that New York would not give up Duaner Sanchez (2.45 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 6.4 K/9) for Garcia or Vazquez.  He tells me that Aaron Heilman is an option.  To me, sounds like just the pitcher Don Cooper could fix after he’s stumbled a bit this season.

This year, the Mets have seen fine work from Heath Bell (0.83 ERA in 21 Triple A innings plus a 3.68 ERA in 22 big league innings) and Royce Ring (1.53 ERA in 29 Triple A innnings).  Henry Owens jumped up from Double A after 25 innings of 1.08 ball.

Rubin’s story also indicates that the Sox could have some interest in Tom Gordon, the best reliever on the trade market.  Flash has pitched for both Chicago teams.  He posted a 3.16 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 12 saves, and 11.0 K/9 in 74 innings for the Sox back in 2003.

Relievers On The Market

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Sometimes trade deadlines come and go without any phenomenal blockbuster; such was the case last year when July’s biggest deal may have been the Randy Winn trade.  However, one type of player is sure to change hands – contenders will add relievers this month.  Let’s break down the best available.

The reliever who could make the biggest difference this year is probably Tom Gordon.  Trading him now could free the Phillies from the worrisome agreement to pay him $5-7 mil per season as he nears 40 years old.  Gordon has been excellent this year.  A return to the Yankees has been mentioned, and the Brewers or Dodgers could certainly use him.

Joe Borowski has been quite solid in Florida, and he makes less than $400,000.  JoBo’s actually been a lot better than his 3.71 ERA indicates.  He seems a lock to be dealt this month.

Adding a Salomon Torres or Roberto Hernandez from the Pirates doesn’t seem like it could possibly improve a team’s playoff chances significantly.  Still, there’s no reason for Dave Littlefield to keep these guys around given their salaries.

Bob Wickman, an impending free agent, has been connected to the Dodgers in rumors.  LaTroy Hawkins seems like a good candidate to move.  Other possibilities include Brian Meadows, Scott Williamson, Guillermo Mota, Arthur Rhodes, and Gary Majewski.

Phillies Sign Tom Gordon

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Ken Rosenthal deserves some sort of award for his offseason so far.  He’s scooped pretty much every major trade or signing.  Given that it’s entirely free and has better writers, I’m starting to gravitate towards Fox Sports more and more.

Anyway, the Phillies signed Tom Gordon for three years and $18-21MM.  It ain’t pretty, but they did what they had to do (a.k.a., Plan C).  I’m sure Beer Leaguer will weigh in and let us know how Phillies fans are feeling.

Me, I’m a bit taken aback by a team giving three years to a man who just turned 38.  Save the $20MM, pour it into a superstar.  A guy who plays 160 games and can impact your team by eight wins.  Not 80 innings of an aging closer.

Of course, Flash Gordon is a top-notch reliever.  The Phillies snagged the best one left on the market; why wouldn’t they?  Everyone expected this.  I can’t find anything worrisome in his stats besides his age.  Current Mets hitters have hit .096 off Gordon in 52 at-bats.  For the most part, he’ll be new to the National League hitters he’ll face regularly.  I just can’t get past the three-year commitment, especially knowing the Phillies’ history with overpaid relievers.

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