The (hopefully) eminent return of Carlos Beltran to the Mets’ outfield might well render the rapidly improving Angel Pagan surplus to everyday requirements. Jenrry Mejia (above), recently demoted to Double A Binghamton, is being retooled as a starter, more for 2011 in mind than the current campaign. As such, is it any surprise two players the oft-maligned Mets player development dept. can finally take some credit for, might ultimately be trade bait for the best arm available (and perhaps more importantly for the Wilpons, one due far less remaining salary in 2010 than Roy Oswalt)? The Seattle Times’ Geoff Baker —ruling out the financially challenged Texas Rangers — considers the Mets and Twins the finalists for the services of Cliff Lee.
The Twins have been seen as favorites because they have a blocked top catching prospect in Wilson Ramos that they could make a centerpiece to a deal along with a mid-to-back-end starting pitcher. Seattle has apparently let teams know that acquiring a good catching prospect is high on their priority list.
But the Mets have some pretty good young players of their own. Not catchers, mind you, but if the rumors coming out of New York are true, the M’s might have to ship Lee off to the Big Apple.
That’s because the rumors — and they are only rumors, but with some logic — say the Mets might offer top pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia and current major league outfielder Angel Pagan in a Lee swap. Wow, that one would be tough to decline.
An item from yesterday in the New York Post, suggests the Mets are unlikely to deal Mejia. But that’s what teams always say before they deal a guy. Who knows? Would the Mariners have to send more than just Lee to New York? Possibly.
Indeed, who knows? Perhaps the Mets are showcasing Josh Thole at this very minute. Who can really say for certain? Other than those with televisions, telephones, etc.