Mets acquire Putz in complicated trade

BLOCKBUSTER TRADE

The Mets, Indians, and Mariners have completed a blockbuster three way deal . The Mariners send closer JJ Putz, RP Sean Green, and OF Jeremy Reed. The Mets sent starter/reliever Aaron Heilman, OF and fan favorite Endy Chavez, higly regarded 1B prospect Mike Carp, lefthander Jason Vargas and prospects Maikel Cleto and Ezequiel Carrera to Seattle. Also, the Mets sent, arguably, the best relief pitcher they had last year in Joe Smith, to the Indians. The Mariners also received Cleveland outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.

I'm shocked to see Smith traded, because he's so young and was so great with the Mets for the past year and a half. It's sad to see Endy Chavez go, a fan favorite at Shea. His defense will be missed. Mike Carp, who was rumored to be the future 1B of the Mets, was also suprisingly traded. I am happy that Aaron is gone, for our AND his sake.

I really like Putz, I think he's perfect to setup K-Rod. A Putz+K-Rod 8th and 9th is a one-two punch that could be one of the best in the majors.

Other happenings

Here's a look at some other winter meeting action:

• The Yankees have signed CC Sabathia to a 7 year deal worth around $160 million according to John Heyman of SI.com reports.
• Closer Kerry Wood has signed with the Indians for 2 years, with a vesting option for 2011.
• The Braves and White Sox are talking about a deal that would send Jermaine Dye to Atlanta, reports WFAN reporter Sweeny Murti.
• The Mets and other teams are interested in SS Michael Young.
• The Mets, Angels, Phillies, Braves and Nationals have been in touch with the agent of Raul Ibanez. The Mets had dinner with his agent at the meetings.

BOTTOM LINE: K-Rod and the Mets set off this hot stove.

K-Rod is a Met!

ALERT!

Omar has done it. Fransisco Rodriguez is now the closer of the New York Mets. He was signed to a 3 year contract worth $37 million, with a vesting option for a fourth year.

BOTTOM LINE: A bargain price for a guy of this magnitude.

Mets make offer to K-Rod

Finally! Omar Minaya, Mets GM, has made a contract offer to closer Fransisco Rodriguez. The deal is worth $12 million a year for 2 years, with an option for a third year.

Rodriguez, 26, saved a Major League-record 62 games last season, and is the top closer available on the free-agent market.

BOTTOM LINE: Yeeeeeessssss!

Blue Jays owner dies

Ted Rogers dies of congestive heart failure

Our heart goes out to the Rogers family and the Toronto Blue Jays.

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The Latest

Here are your latest headlines:

The Mets say when they open their doors in April to their brand new stadium, it will still be called Citi Field. Read

At the GM's meetings next week in Vegas, Omar Minaya will be focusing on pitching, according to the Mets website.

"It is all but certain" that the Mets will host the 2013 All Star Game, reports Newsday.

Guest Blogger James: Last win at Shea Stadium memory

A special guest blogger, James, is sharing his memory of his last game at Shea, and the last win ever at the stadium.

Shea Stadium has closed and come to a sad end, but the 2nd to last game will never be forgotten. Johan Santana pitched an amazing game, his best game since he has been on the New York Mets, a shutout. Fans wittnessed history that day, the stadium was vibrating with cheers for the Mets ace. I'll never forget that game as long as I live.

Do you want to guest blog? Email nymx5793@yahoo.com for more details!

Some incredible CitiField video

I invite all our readers to check out an amazing video that was shot by SNY and Metsblog.com Check it out

It's been a slow day on the blog my friends, hopefully we'll have some fresh information to post tomorrow.

Mets expected to offer arbitration to Ollie

The Mets are expected to offer SP Oliver Perez arbitration, making it clear the Mets would like him back in New York.

According to http://www.mets.com/ :
The Mets, in hopes of re-signing Oliver Perez, are all but certain to offer salary arbitration to the free-agent pitcher before the midnight ET Monday deadline and thereby assure themselves of a degree of compensation should Perez opt to continue his career with a different club.

The Mets are not expected to offer arbitration to Ramon Martinez, Damion Easley, Luis Ayala, Moises Alou, and Pedro Martinez, among others.

BOTTOM LINE: The Mets have guaranteed two draft picks should Perez sign with another team.

Mets sign C Rene Rivera

The Mets have signed 25 year old catcher Rene Rivera to a minor league deal, according to the Seattle News Tribune.

Rivera batted .227 with a .252 OBP in 53 major-league at bats with the Mariners.

BOTTOM LINE: A nice young guy to have armed and ready in our farm system.