Mets and Mariners Talking Trade?
ESPN New York is reporting that the Mets and Mariners may be close to finalizing a deal that sends prospect Fernando Martinez to Seattle.
It is still not clear who the Mets would get back or if they would be sending additional players, though Luis Castillo is mentioned as another possible piece in the deal.
Two sources — one with ties to the organization, one formerly with the organization — indicated the Seattle Mariners are the team involved in dialogue with the Mets.
One of the sources indicated that 21-year-old outfielder Fernando Martinez, who was one of the two players scratched from the Bisons’ lineup, could be headed to Seattle if a deal materializes.
Meanwhile, RotoWorld is guessing that the Mets could be getting Chone Figgins back as part of the deal.
This is mainly piecing a few things together to try to see what fits at this point. We know that the Mets and Mariners are talking trade. We know the Mariners shopped Figgins before the traded deadline and that he would almost surely clear waivers after the deadline. We know that Fernando Martinez and Ruben Tejada were scratched from their Triple-A lineups without any reason given. Put it all together and we could have a trade brewing. It’s possible Luis Castillo could be involved in the deal, as well. Stay tuned.
UPDATE (11:48am) – MetsBlog is reporting that both Martinez and Tejada will be called up today. No word yet on who will be moved, demoted or released to clear room on the roster.
That would be terrible.
Jeff Francouer has cleared waivers, as will Luis Castillo and Alex Cora by Monday. They can be traded. I suspect these vets are the ones being moved and not the youngins. That’s my hope, at least.
That also explains why Cpt. Kirk Niewenhuis has been promoted to a bloated Bisons outfield. I don’t think the organization has any intention of trading him.
If Omar is waiving the white flag and moving some pieces in anticipation of next year, then he has my full support. Further, I think that Jerry’s going to ride out his contract. Hopefully, he’ll get reassigned somewhere within the organization because he’s an excellent baseball man and an even better person.
I expect to see Wally Backman at the helm next year with some fresh faces on the roster. If that’s how things play out, then Omar gets yet another reprieve. I think that’s where Fred and Jeff are coming from, setting aside all other errant criticism.