The Mets performed an extreme makeover on their bullpen bringing in not one but two top-flight closers. And while the K-Rod signing was so obvious, there’s no way to criticize, the deal that brought JJ Putz has some potential downside.
First of all, the Mets gave up Joe Smith who was very effective against righties. I think Smith would be a great righty specialist in a good bullpen. His warts started to show when he had to face lefthanded hitters (.443 OBP vs. .281 against righties), and when he had to pitch too many days in a row.
The Mets also gave up Endy Chavez, their sole antidote to an increasingly, old, slow team that can’t run or play defense. But Endy’s biggest contributions were of the intangible variety, something the Mets were sorely lacking during the meltdowns the last two years.
They also depleted their already barren farm system. Mike Carp is projected to be an average at best major leaguer (and more suited to DH than first base) but he’s capable of providing at least the lift of youthfulness and energy that Nick Evans brought last year.
The Mets also gave up Maikel Cleto a pitcher who is still a few years away (he’s only 19) but has the best potential of the bunch.
I also wonder how Putz will accept his new role. He went from being a closer in Seattle (91 saves in the last 3 years) to having to accept a diminished 8th inning role. Hopefully, he’ll adapt and provide much-needed stability to the 8th inning, but his acquisition is not without risk.
The big question mark is whether Putz was on roids two years ago or whether it was truly just a year of nagging injuries that caused his downturn. I don't like this deal. Smith is still getting better and is a piece of the puzzle, albeit a setup guy is an important piece as well, but nevertheless who will replace smith? Next, obviously it goes without saying that you don't want to lose Endy Chavez. It is telling that we had to trade a bench player who makes a relatively high salary to get this deal done- it means that Endy has real value, both intangible and tangible. All of those great plays in the outfield that save runs are equivalent to coming in and getting clutch hits. Additionally, he has shown that he can hit 300 as a part time player- that is a lot better than Luis Castillo, who is penciled in as our starter at 2nd base.
ReplyDeleteThey did get a capable reliever back in Sean Green as well. he is a side-arming right hander if i am not mistaken. They also got Jeremy Reed, who is not as good defensively as Endy but certainly a capable defensive replacement who has speed. he was once a really high prospect, so who knows
ReplyDeleteJoe Smith's are a dime a dozen. This guy Green is probably just as good. Also, the legend of Endy Chavez is greater than Endy Chavez. I'll miss his defense, but whatever.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great deal. (Not to mention the addition by subtraction with getting rid of that gutless wimp Heilman).
Vdubs- Did you see Endy's defense in the last game of the season?-Two game saving plays in one inning off the bench.
ReplyDeletecan we talk about how penn state football players all belong in jail? i believe the poop should keep readers abreast of all future imprisonment.
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