I’m still unconvinced that the Mets ought to be buyers in the trade market this year unless they can get more players as cheaply as they got Richard Hidalgo. On the other hand, it’s July, and if they can rebound and play well against the Phillies and the Marlins over the next 12 games even without help, the race will be close enough that you have to start thinking in those terms, as long as you don’t compromise your long-term plans.
Last week, Jason Mastaitis speculated on the available pitchers:
One high-level scout believes the modest list of available arms ultimately will include Atlanta’s Russ Ortiz and Jaret Wright, Colorado’s Jason Jennings and Shawn Estes, Milwaukee’s Ben Sheets, Pittsburgh’s Kip Wells and Toronto’s Pat Hentgen, Miguel Batista and Ted Lilly. Anaheim’s Ramon Ortiz also could pique the Mets’ interest.
The only two names on that list that would pique my interest are Jennings, who may be worth a gamble taking him out of Coors (although he’s has a great record at home, his stats are better on the road), and Sheets, whom the Brewers would be crazy to trade.
I’m not so sure about Jennings, who’s been appalling even on the road this year. Most of those guys wouldn’t even offer a short-term benefit, and I agree that I can’t imagine the Brew Crew dealing Sheets. On the other hand, if Lilly didn’t come too expensive, I could see being interested in him; Lilly pitched solidly for Oakland last season and is striking out nearly a batter per inning with a 4.01 ERA this year.