Putz deal
By Perhaps Scott will have something to say about this deal from the other side. I’ve got some mixed feelings about it, but I think it’s a small net positive for my Mariners. First and foremost, I’m just thrilled that the our new GM actually understands the team he’s running. Gutierrez is, by all accounts, a pretty spectactular defensive outfielder with a pretty questionable bat, which makes for a so-so player. But Zduriencik is aware that he’s got overpriced mediocre pitch to contact flyballers in the rotation that he probably can’t unload. The read coup here would be if the ridiculously good defensive outfield allowed Silva or Washburn to luck into a good ERA and he manages to unload them to someone in a pitching panic. But a high-end CF with little offense is of unusual value to this team. Heilman and Green seem like a pretty even swap of slightly better than average replaceable bullpen arms, with Vargas being a notch below but useable. Endy Chavez? We could have used him the last few years when the team needed a defensive 4th OF. This year he seems largely unnecessary.
Trading Putz is a great idea, and I’m now optimistic enough about our new GM to think he probably won’t foolishly return Morrow to the bullpen because we “need” a “closer”. Use the Beane model, create closers and trade ’em. Watching him on the mound last year, my hunch is that he’s lost something beyond being hampered by a temporary injury. I’m skeptical 2007 is ever coming back.
What makes my feelings a bit mixed is Valbuena. I admit to a bit of irrationality here, but I just don’t like Lopez at 2B going forward. He’s got talent, but he seems unusually susceptible to lengthy funks at the plate and in the field. Betencourt’s defensive collapse is a bigger problem, but if we remain stuck with him 2B defense is even more important. I’d allowed myself to become optimistic about Valbuena and I’m sad to see him go. Hopefully we get more out of this deal then the last time we sent a talented infield prospect to Cleveland.
The Mariners also get three more minor leaguers, at least one of whom (Carp) is an OK prospect. If they get anything from the minor leaguers, or Gutierrez hits like 2007, it’s a pretty good trade for the M’s. But even if they don’t it’s not a disaster.
From the Mets angle, after the K-Rod signing, it’s hard to see precisely what the Mets are up to. A lot of work and money seems to be going into modest Bullpen improvements, but for a high price and with a potential loss of depth, as they loose Vargas, Smith (to Cleveland) and Heilman and get back only Putz and Green. They didn’t give up that much, but it’s still hard to see the point. Looks pretty good from Cleveland’s end, but I’m high on Valbuena.