In a report for the Star-Ledger, in-the-know Dan Graziano reports the Mets and Mariners are in ‘serious discussions’ on a trade that send J.J. Putz to New York in exchange for RHP Aaron Heilman and minor-league 1B Mike Carp.
Earlier tonight, on SNY’s Mets Hot Stove, SI.com’s Jon Heyman mentioned Omar Minaya’s continued interest in Putz, noting that the closer could be used as a set-up man, which would be an unrealistic request for a pitcher like Fuentes.
…wow, ‘and now we’re cooking with gas,’ as Adam T. Intern used to say…i mean, this would be a tremendous deal in my book…
…prior to the K-Rod signing, i talked with a variety of scouts and people in baseball who believe putz has some of the best ‘stuff’ of any relief pitcher in baseball, so to slot him in to the eighth inning, for heilman and a minor-leaguer, who most believe is a DH in waiting, would be strong…
…in other words, i hope this happens…fingers crossed…
In 47 games for the Mariners in 2008, during which he was on the disabled list twice, once with a hyperextended right elbow, the 31–year-old Putz was 6–5 with a 3.88 ERA with 15 saves in 23 opportunities.
He had a 1.88 ERA in 2007 with 40 saves, and a 2.30 ERA in 2006 with 36 saves.
Speaking of relief pitchers…
Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com believes Fuentes will eventually get a three-year, $33 million deal.
