If you guys stay up on your sports (which if you read this blog, I'm sure the answer is yes), then you're aware that the New York Mets recently traded their closer of the last few seasons, Francisco Rodriguez (better known by his nickname, K-Rod). They traded him and cash to the Milwaukee Brewers for 2 players to be named later, and from what I've heard, "later" will be sometime in September. This means that the Mets will most likely be scouting prospects in the Brewers farm system for the time being.
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| NYDailyNews.com 12/28/2009 |
The semi-blockbuster move was announced immediately following All-Star Game. Us baseball fans all know that from early July up until the July 31st non-waiver trading deadline is the most hectic stretch of time for general managers. It's the time when they decide whether or not to build for the future, or go for the win right away. This trade is obviously a step in the "win now" direction for the Brewers (who plan to use the single season save record holder as their 8th inning man), but it's a little less defined for the Mets. A clause in K-Rod's contract stated that if he finished 55 games in a Mets uniform this season, he would be owed $17.5 million in 2012. The Mets, looking to cut costs (thanks for the memories, Bernie Madoff) traded their closer in what I think and hope are steps to keeping core players like Jose Reyes and David Wright around for at least another 5 seasons.
Being a Mets fan (which is why East Coast Nick asked me to make a post on this), when K-Rod came over in 2009 I was very excited. He had just set the single season save record of 62 in 2008 with the Anaheim Angeles (who despite their official team name are located nowhere near Los Angeles). The thrill soon wore off as I watched him pitch more and more. I can count on 1 hand the number of clean innings I've seen him throw. His mechanics make me cringe and he never finishes in decent fielding position. His very public altercation with his father-in-law in the Mets clubhouse at Citi Field last season was far from flattering. However, he has been far better than expected this season and can really help a playoff hopeful like the Brewers. This move makes a great deal of sense and my hat goes off to Mets GM Sandy Alderson. I also assume that this move will finally force the Mets to give young power arm Bobby Parnell a legitimate chance to close out games.
Time can only tell what kind of talent the Mets may get back in return, but until then ya gotta believe.
- Mitch, NYC
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