Mets add Putz in three team swap

Mets get former stud closer J.J. Putz, middle reliever Sean Green, and 4th outfielder Jeremy Reed. They give up Aaraon Heilman, Endy Chavez, Joe Smith, Jason Vargas, prospect 1B Mike Carp, and a pitcher and outfielder.

Mariners get the prospects, Chavez, Vargas, Heilman, and Indians outfielder Franklin Guitierrez, a stud defender.

Indians get Mariners infielder Luis Valbuena and Joe Smith.

Quick take, Mariners add a great defensive outfielder in Guitierrez, and nice 4th OF in Chavez, and some relief arms. Carp also could be a decent 1B. Indians get someone to play 2B right away and a decent situational righty. Mets get the bullpen help they need. I like it for everyone, even though there's hardly any upside in it for anyone unless Putz returns to greatness.

11 months ago 17843 3 comments 0 recs |

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Looks like the Mets are taking the route the Braves did a few years ago by putting a big bull’s eye on the bullpen, and having multiple closer options.

I wonder what K-Rod thinks about Putz being on the squad, who would no doubt take the closer role from him if any sort of injury or slump occurs? Some ego warfare might be beneficial and entertaining to other NL East teams’ fans.

I think the Mariners got the best of this deal; quantity over quality in this case, a blend of ML-ready, as well as potentials, with as you mentioned, the production of Putz being the key tangent in this being a success or not.

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on Dec 11, 2008 9:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Not a big fan of either move

Both guys have serious question marks, at least to me. K-Rod is one of the more overrated closers out there, he allows WAY too many base-runners. I honestly think Putz is injured. 28 BB’s in 46 innings last year when he barely walked a 26 in a combined 150 IP’s the previous two. Somethings not right there.

Is the 2009 Mets bullpen going to mirror the 2008 Braves bullpen (Injury wise)?

by scstrato on Dec 11, 2008 12:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs