A few days ago, MetsToday reader “Isuzudude” pointed out a suggestion by an Arizona writer that the Diamondbacks could consider trading outfielder Eric Byrnes to the Mets in return for Luis Castillo. The article has since been referred to and discussed by MetsBlog, and I think it merits conversation here.

Though it’s only speculation by a journalist, it does appear on the surface to be a fitting deal for both clubs. Continue reading →

Mike Francesa has been ruffling feathers with his silly proposition that the Mets trade one of their “core” players. We know he’s only trying to boost ratings at a time when there is no postseason baseball to report in New York, but what the heck, I’ll bite.

First, I wouldn’t trade David Wright, and neither would the Wilpons ever trade their ideal face of the franchise. The guy is franchise owner’s dream — clean-cut, handsome, superstar offensive numbers, Gold Glove winner, media friendly, home-grown, perfect family background, and active in the community. He’s going nowhere, so it’s not even worth discussing.

As for the other “core” guys, I assume we’re talking Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, and maybe Carlos Delgado.

It would appear that Delgado’s option will get picked up, and I’m not sure there’s anyone on the market who’s better at 1B — unless the Mets are going to either make a blockbuster trade or go after Mark Teixeira. Neither seems plausible. So that discussion is over.

Carlos Beltran is a player I would consider trading, but I’m not sure the Mets would get equal value for him in return. He’s not the superstar he signed up to be, and will always need a superstar hitting behind him. In other words, he’s not a guy who will lead a team — not offensively, and not figuratively. He simply doesn’t have the personality to be a big-time star. He’s perfect, though, as a complementary guy. He’d fit right in on the Yankees, for example. Maybe the Yanks would trade A-Rod for him, who the Mets would then move to 1B? Probably not. Otherwise, I’m not sure what you’d get in return for him that would make the Mets immediately better. If the Mets were considering a complete rebuilding, then he’d be the ideal guy to send away for a multi-prospect package. Otherwise, he’s not going anywhere.

That leaves Jose Reyes, who is one of my favorite players to watch of all time. That said, there’s one deal I’d make that would send him away: to Philadelphia for Jimmy Rollins.

Now that you’ve puked up your breakfast, I’ll explain why. Offensively, the two are nearly identical, with Rollins showing more power. Reyes is a great player, and is more talented overall than Rollins. Reyes is also younger, and a better defender. And faster. But Rollins has something on Reyes: attitude.

In the hypothetical situation that the Mets would consider trading Reyes, I would want it to be a trade of extreme magnitude — something that would immediately change the face and personality of the team, and send shockwaves through the organization. Bringing in J-Roll would do just that. No longer would we have to listen to Rollins yapping about how his Phillies are the team to beat, and then getting ticked off when he backed up his words. Instead, we’d be hearing him say the Mets are the team to beat, and infiltrating the entire team with that cockiness. It’s that cocksure attitude that made the Mets the most successful and most-hated team in MLB in 1986, and made for a fun season. Rollins is not one to go gently into the good night. There aren’t many characters like him left in MLB, and as much as I hate him, I’d love him if he were on my side.

In the long run, it would probably be a bad deal for the Mets — similar to when the Cardinals sent superstar shortstop Garry Templeton to the Padres for the good-field, no-hit wizard Ozzie Smith (oops, says San Diego). Reyes’ best years are surely ahead of him, and he will, I believe, eventually fulfill the enormous expectations many have placed on him.

Don’t worry, the Mets and Phillies would NEVER swap shortstops — and I doubt the Mets will ever trade Reyes, period. Even though Rollins seemed to wear out his welcome in Philly, and the Mets supposedly want to change the culture of their team, it ain’t happening. And if it came right down to it, I’d probably not make the trade if it were presented to me, and I were the Mets’ GM (a grossly unrealistic hypothetical situation in itself if ever one was presented).

But it sure would be intriguing …

After another late-season collapse, we would think the Mets would be hell-bent on fortifying the bullpen, figuring out what to do with the second base issue, deciding on who to bring back and/or acquire for the starting rotation, whether they’ll pick up the option on Carlos Delgado, and who the 2009 left fielder might be.

And that’s the short list of decisions.

That said, you would think that the catching position is one that is more or less set, particularly considering Brian Schneider’s strong second half.

Yet, a day after the regular season ended, it is rumored that Pudge Rodriguez — who will be be a free-agent this winter — contacted the Mets and is very interested in leading the club into the postseason next year.

I like it.

Loyal readers of MetsToday know I’m a huge fan of Pudge, and though in hindsight the Yankees trade for him didn’t pan out as well as they’d hoped, I think he’s a great fit for the leaderless Mets.

Yes, Pudge is only a shell of his former self. Yes, he’s yet another old player who is bound to break down — and don’t we want to get away from the Moises Alou types?

Obvious points. However, the Mets are DESPERATE to change the culture in the clubhouse. Injecting Ivan Rodriguez into that clubhouse is a great first step. It’s not the complete answer, but it’s a start. The guy has been a top player and a winning player his entire career — winning as in the way he approaches the game and conducts himself. He is a leader as an example, vocally, on the field and off. And he is one who has led teams into the postseason in the past. He owns championship rings and he would command instant respect. How many 2008 Mets can say that? Further, how many players with Pudge’s credentials will be easily acquired in the offseason? These throwback type of leaders are going the way of the dinosaur.

If the Mets were to sign Pudge, I believe it makes sense to keep around both Brian Schneider and Ramon Castro, because he’s not going to catch every day and there is a chance he’ll be on the DL at some point. The Mets should try to keep three backstops anyway, and for this to work, Pudge (or Castro) would have to be comfortable with a second position. Pudge played a handful of games at 1B in 2006, and surely can play adequately there again. He may be athletic enough to handle left field as well. Castro? Not so athletic, but who knows. Schneider, obviously, doesn’t hit enough to experiment with, but I’d keep him around. Schneider, in addition to his strong defense, also is a positive clubhouse guy and potential leader. I can easily envision a platoon situation where all three players contribute throughout a 162-game season, and all remain fresh.

Bringing in Pudge, in my mind, would be a good start to changing the personality of this team, while adding a little punch to the lineup. What do you think?