Apparently, Livan Hernandez is almost on the Mets, and thank god, no Teading needed here. I think we really need to shaping the rotation, and while Livan is no superstar, I think he's just what need to start moving into making moves, and a good 2nd-3rd slot starter, and the best part, he is not an inury risk like his brother.
Back to Johan. I've been thinking about it and I realize exactly what we are doing these last 2 1/2 months. A good strategey (sorry for spelling) that I hope the Mets are taking goes like this:
1. Look at Martinez and Mulvey in Spring Training
2. Look at their preformance in Spring Training, to see if they are worthy of staying, or getting traded
3. If the Twins are willing, go into the the season, see how they're able to compete against actual big leaguers
4. Decide to let them go, or keep em on the squad.
But then again, poor preformance could scare the Twins away, or they might want to keep em in AAA. This is why I'm not payed enormous amounts of cash to make these choices.
I like Livan and I don't
I've seen the reports that the Mets are close to a deal with Livan. As far as I'm concerned this is one of those glass half-full or half-empty type of transactions. Yes, the Mets need another starting pitcher for the 2008 season. We did lose Tom Glavine ya know. And Livan is a workhorse. According to an MLB.com story, "...for the eighth straight season, he pitched more than 200 innings." So there's one part of me that thinks this is a good get.
You could reasonably make an alternate assessment of this deal. Last season with Arizona Livan's record was, "...11-11 with a 4.93 ERA." That's not too hot. Certainly not the kind of record we'd hope to be bringing in. Weren't we supposed to be going after Johan Santana? Maybe Omar calculated the cost for Santana and thought, "Too high!"
The MLB article I read on this subject was a good one. It lays out the Mets other options and makes a pretty good case for picking up Livan. There's a part of me that wishes we could've done something to make a deal for Santana.
In any case, here's the MLB.com articled titled, Free agent Hernandez a good deal.
Mortgage the Farm?
Rob,
I absolutely agree with you on the "half full/half empty" way of looking at Livan. Sure, he chews up innings and hopefully will continue to do so. However, with regards to Johan, would you really want to "mortgage the farm" to get a pitcher? Sure, one of the best in the game but we all know pitchers can be so fragile, one injury and poof! - there goes the trade! On the otherhand, there's no guarantee that any of the Met prospect will blossom anywhere near the Mets expectations. I just think that trading up to five players may not be in the best interest of the organization, even if it is for the "best pitcher in baseball".
I, of course, will change my tune if I wake up one morning and read the back page of the Daily News stating "Johan Comes to Mets!"
GO NY FOOTBALL GIANTS!!!!!!!!
Exclusivity
Are they mutual exclusive?
I'm not really excited to get Hernandez, but I don't think he'll hurt us. And I also don't think that getting him will give the Mets a reason or an excuse not to go after Santana (if that's what they want to do).
Post new comment