Calm down Mets fans... I've never seen a fan base get so upset over a trade that involved a mediocre middle relief guy for a fourth or fifth outfielder. The Mets needed another outfielder not only to fill in for Beltran but just in general a team shouldn't only have one backup outfielder.

We're only picking up $2 million of Gary Matthews contract. In fact we're actually paying Kelvim Escobar and Ryota Igarashi more money than we're paying Gary Matthews Jr. So the money is certainly not an issue.

Speaking of those two relief pitchers, the acquisition of those guys essentially eliminated the need for Stokes anyway. We've got an abundance of right handed relievers to choose from this year, nobody should be losing sleep over the idea of losing Stokes.

This was a good deal for both sides. Is Gary Matthews my first choice to be our backup? No, but I can live with him there. Read More...

The New York Mets announced today that they have acquired right-handed relief pitcher Brian Stokes from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations. Stokes will be added to New York's 40-man roster, which now stands at 36.

Stokes, 28, went 2-7 with a 7.07 ERA in 59 games for Tampa Bay last year. In 62.1 innings, the 6-1, 210-pounder allowed 90 hits, 49 runs, earned, with 25 walks and 35 strikeouts. Brian's 59 appearances were fourth among American League rookies.

He is currently 3-3 with three saves and a 4.30 ERA in 12 games, three starts for Mexicali in the Mexican Winter League. In 23.0 innings, he's permitted 27 hits, 14 runs, 11 earned, with 11 walks and 16 strikeouts.

Sounds like another Rick Peterson Project to me. Read More...