LAS VEGAS – According to Newsday, the Mets, Indians, and Mariners are going over medical records and the deal may be announced soon.

Ken Rosenthal, who first reported this, wrote the deal will look something like this:

Under terms of the deal, the Mets would get Putz, outfielder Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green from Seattle. The Mariners would receive reliever Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first baseman Mike Carp from the Mets. They’d also get Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians and minor leaguers. The Indians would get reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and infielder Luis Valbuena from Seattle.

All in all a good deal for the Mets, because they lose no one of consequence and get back equal value.

Posted under Hot Stove, Trade, Winter Meetings

LAS VEGAS – Both the Star-Ledger and MLB.com are reporting the Mets are in serious discussions to acquire closer J.J. Putz to pitch in the eighth inning.

The 32 year-old lost his closer job last season when the Seattle Mariners elevated Brandon Morrow to the ninth.

The names be tossed around on the Mets end are Aaron Heilman, Joe Smith and Mike Carp and there could be a third team [Cleveland] involved as well.

If consummated, this would be a great deal for the Mets as Putz only makes $5.5 million next season, which is perfect for an eighth inning guy. He also has a team option in 2010 for $9.1 million [or a $1 million buyout]. Also the Amazins will get a setup man with closer experience which is something they are looking for, since they got burned last season when Bill Wagner went down with an injury.

Last season Putz went 6-5 with a 3.88 ERA and 15 saves in 47 games for the Mariners. But in 2007, he had a banner year with a 6-1 record, a 1.38 ERA and 40 saves in 68 games.

Posted under Hot Stove, Trade, Winter Meetings

Let’s fast forward for a moment and assume the Mets are in the playoffs. The assumption would have them opening against the Cubs. From what we saw this week, it should be a great series.

However, right now Jerry Manuel has the luxury of using the expanded roster. That won’t be the case next week. He’ll need to pick a pitching staff. I think it will be 12 deep.

Here’s mine:

1. Johan Santana
2. Mike Pelfrey
3. Oliver Perez
4. Pedro Martinez
5. Aaron Heilman
6. Scott Schoeneweis
7. Pedro Feliciano
8. Joe Smith
9. Brian Stokes
10. Luis Ayala
11. Duaner Sanchez
12. Richard Rincon

Posted under New York Mets

The Mets blew 29 save opportunities so far this season, and with them, perhaps a chance at the playoffs. Adding a top notch closer such as Francisco Rodriguez would improve the bullpen, but not put it over the top.

Billy Wagner blew seven save opportunities, but even worse was the bridge leading up to him. It was more than just a bad season.

Here’s how I see the pen:

-Billy Wagner: Won’t pitch for the Mets again. No brainer. However, he will get paid $11 million by them, and that will inhibit what they do this winter. I don’t see them paying both Wagner and Rodriguez.

-Aaron Heilman: They’ve resisted trading him the past two winters. They should pull the trigger if they get an offer this time. Heilman wants to start and since the Mets won’t give him that opportunity, they should try to get what they can. If they wanted to give Heilman a chance at being the fifth starter, I’d entertain it because it is clear this bullpen thing isn’t working out.

-Scott Schoeneweis: I can’t believe they gave him three years. (I mistakenly said he was done after this year. He’s signed through 2009).

-Joe Smith: Has his moments, both good and bad. Will be brought back.

-Pedro Feliciano: I’ve always been cool on him for some reason, even when he’s pitched well. I think they’ll bring him back.

-Luis Ayala: He saved a few games. Big deal. I don’t see him as the answer at closer. I do see him coming back.

-Carlos Muniz: Wouldn’t miss him.

-Ricardo Rincon: Ditto.

-Duaner Sanchez: He doesn’t have his fastball anymore. Certainly not a set-up man or closer type anymore. Not a loss if they don’t bring him back.

-Brian Stokes: More good appearances than bad. I’d like to see him back.

-Nelson Figueroa: Feel good story early this season. Very hittable.

-Brandon Knight: Pitched decently. Long man?

-Bobby Parnell: Can bring the heat. Let’s see what he can do in spring training.

Posted under New York Mets