Interview with MlbTraderumors.com, Tim Dierkes

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WS:Who do you think is the best closing option for the Mets?

 

TD:I like Fuentes for the Mets if he can be had on a three-year deal in the $36MM range.

WS:K-Rod or Fuentes who would you choose?

 

TD:I'd choose Fuentes, but I don't think K-Rod in the low $50MM range for four years is a horrible move.  And they do seem to like J.J. Putz, who could be a bargain next year.

WS:Do you think the Mets make any major trades this winter?

 

TD:Seems like that some members of the bullpen will be dealt.

WS:Is Omar on the hot seat?

 

TD:Not that I know of...I suppose he could be a year from now.

WS:Aaron Heliman,  Scott Schoeneweis, Pedro Feliciano, who gets traded out of that group?

 

TD:Just Heilman.

WS:Can the Mets get a high level prospect for Heilman?

 

TD:I don't think so, he is pricey his reputation isn't great.  It will be a useful player though.

WS:Juan Cruz or Joe Beimel, or someone else for middle relief?

 

TD:Not a fan of either option, I don't think they will come cheap.  I would troll for the really cheap guys.

WS:Will Luis Castillo get traded? What can they get from him? How much money will the Mets have to pick up?

 

TD:No, and they can't get anything for him except for another bad contract.

WS:Orland Hudson- Future Met?

 

TD:It does not seem that way.

WS:Out of all the free agent starting pitchers who do the Mets get?

 

TD:I can see them adding Randy Wolf or Freddy Garcia.

WS:Is Dan Murphy the everyday LF next season? Or do you see the Mets getting Manny, or Raul Ibanez?

 

TD:I would be surprised to see Manny or Ibanez signed. 

WS:Will the Mets trade for a catcher?

 

TD:Probably makes sense to stick with Schneider.  Sorry for the less than exciting answers...I figure that if the Mets add a high-priced reliever, a setup man, and a starter, they won't have much money left over.  Maybe enough for one mid-tier position player like Juan River

Comments

[Phlavio]

Fuentes vs. Rodriguez? If I'm paying over 11 Mil per year for Fuentes why not get Francisco?

Will the Mets make a major trade? Like the one for Santana? No. Could we still snag Street as a setup guy? Yes.

Is Omar on the Hot Seat? No, but he should be. When are they gonna hire me to replace him? That's a better question.

Heilman, Schoenweis, and/or Feliciano? I see two moving, because I see the Mets wanting Street to set up.

Is Heilman worth a high level prospect? Not one like F-Mart.

Cruz or Beimel? If the Mets could get Cruz in here I'd be thrilled. Beimel is only important if we traded both Feliciano and Schoenweis.

Is Castillo finally gone? No... (Pouts)

O-Hud moving to Queens? Not unless Castillo disappears. "Hey Fat Tony, make it happen."

Who will the Mets get to start? Oliver Perez because who would really want those silly draft picks.

Is Murphy the starting LF in '09? They'll be a contest in Spring Training but it looks likely for now.

Who will catch in '09? Schneider he did not perform under MY expectations. Who did Omar think he was?

Phrodo Lives!
http://phlavioscorner.blogspot.com

[James K.]

I don't understand the perception that K-Rod is vastly superior to Fuentes. Honestly it's pretty close, and on any given day I might say Fuentes is better.

[metzfan22]

Fuentes is 7 years older, and lost his job as recently as 2007. I wouldn't pay 11 million+ for Fuentes, I agree with Phlavio, may as well get the 26 year old K-Rod

[nrmax88]

Yeah really. Forget about peripherals, deterioration of stuff, price tag, just keep grasping to that 'Fuentes lost his job in 07' crap.

[sidd finch]

I'd go with Fuentes, when he lost his job in '07, he was injured. He went on the DL, and Corpas was lights out. The Rockies signed Corpas to long term deal, they can't have two closers.

The clincher for me is that Fuentes put up the numbers that he put up in COLORADO, the graveyard for pitchers.