Metsblog trade market Buzz

Matt Cerrone at Metsblog breaks down the trade talks with just over a week left in sring training:

…the majority of trade talk occurs during the first week of december, the weeks prior to july 31, and the last couple weeks of spring training, which would be now, since teams begin to panic about their rosters and see potential voids filled from other locations…

…as such, there are a few interesting bits of buzz circulating that concerning the NL East, such as…

Phillies GM Pat Gillick recently told the Philadelphia Inquirer that it is unlikely he will trade one of his six starters, i.e. Jon Lieber, prior to opening day. Meanwhile, during an appearance on ESPN Radio in New York, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney noted that the A’s were rather close to breaking up their squad this off season, but since the Angels did not make any major improvements Oakland chose to give it one more go.

However, according to Olney, should Oakland stumble, they could certainly look to trade OF Mark Kotsay, 2B Mark Ellis, and others, including RHP Dan Haren. The A’s will talk to the Mets about Haren, Olney pointed out, but it will still cost a top pitching prospect, Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman.

…it’s the same old, same old…however, while i do not like the idea of giving up, say, humber, milledge and heilman, i do like the idea of Mike Pelfrey, John Maine and haren for the next several seasons…



…speaking of milledge, there is increased buzz from chicago suggesting that the White Sox may soon explore a trade for LHP Mark Buehrle, due to tensions involving his future with the club…if you recall, earlier this off-season, the sox hinted that buehrle will not be re-signed after this season, when he is eligible for free agency…this has led many in the chicago media market, especially on talk radio, to rumor about swapping buehrle for milledge, who many believe the Mets will move for pitching…

…the way i understand it, the Mets have been gauging the pitcher’s market, but do not intend to make a deal until later in the season, either a) because they may need milledge, or b) more pitchers will be available, and they’ll know pedro’s status…either way, i just don’t get the sense the Mets will rush to make a move, unless, of course, the price is right…

Lastly, the Marlins are seeking a closer, and, according to the Palm Beach Post, could have interest in acquiring former-Mets RHP Jorge Julio from the D’Backs in exchange for former-Mets RHP Yusmeiro Petit. Meanwhile, the Star-Ledger links the Marlins to Rangers RHP Akinori Otsuka.