I like Chris Schwinden and think with patience he could be a back-end starter or AAAA backup for most teams. However if the Mets are going to try and stay relevant in the NL East and in the 2012 season they cannot continue to toss Chris out there every 5th day… at least not with the general quality of our other four starters. So is there a solution externally or internally to Schwinden, or now that he’s been dropped – Miguel Batista?
Externally:
Ryan Dempster – The Cubs are not a team built to win right now… the same could be argued for the Mets, but freed of their financial woes a little the Wilpons could make a financial contribution to help the team win in 2012 and Ryan Dempster is a good mix of current value, low cost in terms of prospects and availability. He might even be a guy the Mets would want to bring back beyond 2012 if he found a home in Citi Field.
Jake Peavy – While I’m talking about Chicago, Peavy might be another solution who just exceeds what his current team wants to pay him right now. Peavy has a bit more upside especially if he gets into Citi-Field and can utilize the confines that are a bit more friendly and reminiscent of Petco.
Wandy Rodriguez – He’s another pitcher on another team that probably doesn’t want to pay him. I’m still not sure this is the ideal target for the Mets… but he’s out there.
Francisco Liriano – He looks bad, but a change of scene CAN help. Minnesota know’s his value is dropping rapidly as his time comes to an end. He’s not necessarily a solution but he still has some serious upside if you watched him this spring. What he’d cost is anyone’s guess.
A.J. Burnett – I’m convinced that Pittsburgh made the trade hoping that he’d build his trade value. Yankees are already covering part of the bill so he’d cost SOMETHING.
Wade Davis – Tampa Bay needs a 3B for now and the Mets need some pitching. Zach Lutz makes a little sense to me in this situation. The trade might need to be expanded but that would be the start of my thinking process here.
Internally:
Chris Young – This was the guy who was supposed to be there when injury struck… but injury struck too soon. I think other options need to be explored before he’d be ready to come in. Not to worry, Mr. Young – more injuries are down the road.
Darin Gorski – This southpaw, who I now understand has pretty reasonable stuff for a lefty, has been solid in AA and profiles as a more control oriented pitcher. This likely rules him out of ever being an Ace and therefore makes him easier to promote. He’s got a better ceiling than anyone in AAA.
Collin McHugh – Much like Gorski but a righty, he’s a more talented version of Schwinden with a little less polish. I think in another couple months he’d be ready – that might be too long to wait.
Matt Harvey – He needs more time in the minors. That being said – of the internal options who aren’t recovering from injury – he’s the most ready. I don’t think the Mets should think about it too seriously.
I think Wade Davis makes a lot of sense but like you said it’s going to take more than Lutz to make it happen.
I would not pull the trigger on a Murphy-Davis deal but I think that’s more in the ballpark. Perhaps that’s why Valdespin is still on the roster…
I would because Davis is 26, he is very affordable the next two years,with team options the next three years after that. It is a very good, flexible contract for a middle of the rotation starter. I like Murphy but on this roster he has more ready backups then any other position. Murphy would thrive in the AL and let’s face it, you got to give up something to get something.
Well, I don’t see Davis as a middle of the rotation starter. Two years ago he had a 96 ERA+, last year it was 83 and this year he’s not even in the rotation. It’s great that he’s young and he’s (somewhat) cost controlled but he’s just not anyone to get excited about. He’s a step above what we have now, and worth pursuing, but I don’t see him as a guy you overpay for. And I just think Murphy is a more valuable commodity.
Agreed, I’d keep Murphy over him, but I think a call should be made and discussions held.
Oswalt is still out there.
No thanks. I haven’t been high on Oswalt for 3 seasons… I’m not about to expect much from him now. On the flip side, I think Mejia and Young are going to be starting for Port St. Lucie soon.
Good breakout…
Jeremy Hefney threw his hat in the ring last night after a commanding outing…
Not a big Hefner fan. He’s fine, but I don’t see the upgrade from Schwinden.
Hefner…
can’t see the keys from the bed… sorry
Externally, Wade Davis would be the most realistic option. I’d love Jake Peavy, but it’s unlikely the front office will go after him.
Internally, the Mets are kind of stuck.Nobody (except Schwinden) is really close enough to call up, but Hefner would be the best option at this point.
I’d say once Batista falters, Hefner will get the call.
Agreed pretty well on all accounts
Reading all this reinforces how grim the situation is. I think Murph is gonna be an acceptable 2B guy by seasons end (did I say that out loud?), and the infield is stabilizingeven to be playoff caliber, and I wouldnt break it up by trading anyone. So it leaves the team needing gate receipts to get an arm in. Internal options dont look at all appealing for this year, so its time to start shopping, and Id drag Oswalt kicking and screaming to Flushing.
It’s not grim. We’re above .500 and playing better baseball than we expected. Try to see the glass half full.