After a long day at work on Tuesday, I come home only to hear that closer Francisco Rodriguez has been traded away to the Milwaukee Brewers. My initial thoughts consisted of "Why would we do that? We're still in the Wild Card hunt." and "Uh-oh, here comes the fire sale." But after a few days of thinking about the deal, it actually makes sense. Here's why.

Reyes has become invaluable to this team in what could possibly be an MVP type season. Hitting .354 with 30 stolen bases, 15 triples, an on base percentage of just under .400 (.398) [that's a good thing], and slugging a shade under .530 (.529) Reyes will likely land a big contract somewhere including with the Mets now that there is no worry of K-Rod reaching his mark.

With the contracts of Rodriguez, Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo and Carlos Beltran all coming off the books, the organization can make a legitimate offer to Reyes.

But, the risk with that comes with this trade is that the bullpen becomes unsettled with no roles set for players like Bobby Parnell, Pedro Beato, Ryota Igarashi, and Jason Isringhausen. This could mean that the team falls out of contention and the fire sale begins. This is something that no fan ever wants to see. If that happens then the already slim turnout at Citi Field will become an empty cavern.

The K-Rod trade makes sense, but it will not be worth it if there is no payoff.

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...

The New York Mets announced today that they have acquired catcher Johnny Estrada from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for righthanded pitcher Guillermo Mota.

"Johnny adds depth to our catching situation," said Mets General Manager Omar Minaya. "He's a former All-Star who switch-hits and has hit over .300 three times in his career."

Estrada, 31, hit .278 (123-for-442) with 40 runs scored, 25 doubles, 10 home runs and 54 RBI in 120 games with the Brewers last year.

Mets fans rejoice, because not only have we gotten rid of Mota, we also solved our catching problem as well...Oh yeah and did I mention we got rid of Mota?
Read More...