Athletics GM Billy Beane has conceded to be a team willing to disperse his valuable assets on Wednesday afternoon, dealing former Met LHP Scott Kazmir to the Astros for their 19th and 22nd best prospects, according to MLB.com.
With that, it seems likely Beane will soon look to trade some of his other assets, such as free agents to-be Ben Zobrist and Tyler Clippard, opines Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
The Mets have been long rumored to have keen interest in Zobrist, who would fill a number of needs for the club on both sides of the ball.
The Mets should be experiencing some salary relief thanks to the insurance policy they have on David Wright’s contract to the tune of $6-8 million. There’s no commitment to Zobrist beyond the end of this season, so it would seem to make sense the a Mets could make this acquisition with ease, which would go a long way towards improving this club down the stretch of the season.
And, Zobrist has one of the most reasonable contracts in the game right now, which is partly why up to seven teams have shown interest in Zobrist as the trade deadline approaches.
On Tuesday afternoon, Kristie Ackert of the Daily News said talks between the clubs had progressed to the point the two sides were negotiating over a package of prospects. However, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports said there were no on-going discussions between the Mets and A’s regarding Zobrist, and a major league executive told Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record there is, “no chance” the Mets will be acquiring Zobrist.
The sticking point, according to WFAN’s Ed Coleman on Tuesday, could be a reluctance from the Mets to take on the remainder of Zobrist’s $7.5 million salary, which is in the range of about $3 million through the end of the season. That could ultimately be a negotiating tactic, although it’s not totally clear.
Whether the issue over the finances is true or not, or the Mets can make a deal with A’s or not, it’s time for the Mets to act. Now. They need take a gamble, and go for it while they’re still able to tread water. They can no longer stand pat, especially as the market is now starting to shake out.
There is no reason for the Mets to be sitting on the sidelines any longer, waiting and hoping for this roster full of minor leaguers to suddenly blossom into a competitive offense, hoping Michael Cuddyer’s knee suddenly feels better, and Wright comes back.
“The inaction by the team’s leadership right now is inexplicable, and inexcusable,” Buster Olney of ESPN wrote on Wednesday morning.
In fairness to the Mets, he’s correct. The Mets offense has been abysmal and getting worse. After all, their pitchers have a higher batting average and slugging percentage than their pinch hitters. It’s not acceptable, and it can’t be that way, especially if the Mets think they’re for real.
If there’s any time for the Mets to go for it, it’s right now. With the exception of Steven Matz, their special rotation is intact and producing at a high level. It’s a rare opportunity to fuel up now that the trade deadline is here, win the race for October, and go for everything. They don’t know if the rotation will stay healthy and together next season, they don’t know if the Nationals will remain vulnerable either.
They cannot control what other teams do – they can only control their own destiny.
Again, there is no better time to strike, and try and win this thing right now.
That’s not to say the Mets should sell off all of their valuable minor league assets and make foolish moves. All they need to do is get this offense to score the league average, which is about four runs per game, as they’re 35-5 when they score four or more runs thanks to their wonderful and unique rotation and productive bullpen.
They’re close. Let’s Go Mets – make the charge…
Just Mets 