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March 17, 2008 Spring Training 08 Joe Janish

Trade with the Yankees?

Trades between the Mets and Yankees don’t happen too often; the last ones were the export of Mike Stanton for Felix Heredia (ouch) and before then, Armando Benitez for Anderson Garcia and Jason Anderson (ho hum).

This spring, it appears that the Mets have some players the Yankees could use, and vice-versa.

In particular, the Mets have a LOOGY named Scott Schoeneweis available, and the Yankees’ best candidates for lefthanded relief roles are Kei Igawa and Billy Traber. So for those of you wondering who would possibly interested in The Show, you need only look across town. Unless, of course, you think either Igawa or Traber are better options for the Bronx Bombers.

On the other hand, the Yankees have about fourteen people trying out for first base — and the Mets can use a backup first sacker. OK, maybe not 14, but it sure seems that way. Specifically, Morgan Ensberg has looked good, and I’m not sure he’s going to make the Yanks’ 25-man roster. Ensberg might be nice insurance behind Carlos Delgado, and he’s a strong veteran bat off the bench. Although his best days are gone, Ensberg still does a nice job of taking pitches and has occasional pop. And what would you expect to get in return for Scott Schoeneweis, anyway?

The Yankees also have Jason Lane in camp. Lane is another RH hitter who can play all three outfield positions, and has played a bit of first base. Personally, I prefer Ensberg, but Lane’s versatility is valuable.

For those paying attention, I had zero interest in either of these former Astros over the winter. However, with the questions swirling around Delgado and Alou, coupled with the need to dump Schoeneweis on someone, I wouldn’t mind either of them coming to Shea.

Thoughts?

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
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  1. Walnutz15 March 17, 2008 at 11:09 am
    I hope Omar has his eyes on the prize — especially with so many key “nice to have’s” either being hobbled — or almost crossed of the list permanently.

    http://mets.lohudblogs.com/200…uld-be-through/

    From Delcos’ blog — Valentin may be finished…..

    For all those wondering why the Mets might keep Jose Valentin over Angel Pagan, I don’t think you have to worry about that anymore.

    Valentin is going to NYC soon to receive treatment on a pinched nerve in the back of his neck. He said if an injection doesn’t work and surgery is recommended, he might retire instead of going through a long rehab program in the minor leagues.

    “I’m going to be out again for three more months, come down there and get rehab?’’ Valentin asked. “By that time, it’s already four months into the season. What do I have to go down there and prove? Nobody’s going to give me a contract for two months just in case somebody got hurt.’’

    Valentin said he was diagnosed with tendinitis in his shoulder prior to spring training, but since he started playing the pain became more pronounced and he was re-examined this week.

  2. Walnutz15 March 17, 2008 at 11:14 am
    It’s funny — because I discussed a possible Schoeneweis for Morgan Ensberg/Jason Lane trade with the Yanks not too long ago. Great, sensible baseball minds think alike….huh?

    Depending on how likely/unlikely the 2 teams are to help each other out….I think it might actually be a bit harder to deal with the Yanks, due to Hankenstein’s presence now — but……

    Both the Angels and Yanks could use a left-handed reliever.

    Basically, bringing names like Juan Rivera, Robb Quinlan, Lane, and Ensberg to the forefront of players we could realistically target — for Schoeneweis straight-up or in a package.

    However, as I’d pointed out on here — Schoeneweis hasn’t been terrible this Spring……..in fact, he’s been better than any of us could have ever hoped. Still very expensive for a strict LOOGY — but he’s has been more than okay thusfar in the spring.

    If the Mets can trade Schoeneweis and get ride of his mega-LOOGY to fill a need, then sign me up. If it’s going to be a situation where we’re just getting a marginal “upgrade” — then just hold onto him and see what happens.

  3. joe March 17, 2008 at 11:25 am
    Schoeneweis wasn’t terrible in the first month of 2007, either. But he was throwing the same slop from May-September and the same slop this spring.

    Move ’em on, head ’em up,
    Head ’em up, move ’em out,
    Move ’em on, head ’em out Rawhide!

  4. Walnutz15 March 17, 2008 at 11:59 am
    By the same token…..

    Ev-reeee-baahhh-deeee….
    Needs some-bahhhh-deeee….

    Ev-reeeee-bahhhh-deeee…..
    Needs some-bahhhh-deeee….

    To throw….(someone to throw)….
    Lefty to pitch…..(lefty to pitch) —

    Reliever to ditch!

    (Excuse the Blues Brothers-glee….)