Adios, Ramon

The Trade
The Ramon Castro era in Flushing came to an end last night. The New York Mets, in a tough situation with their starting catcher Brian Schneider coming off an extended stay on the disabled-list, traded the mainly career backup to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for RHP Lance Broadway.

It was a move that, in early April was unthinkable. Castro was a better hitter than Schneider. This all changed when a young guy by the name of Omir Santos joined the Mets when Schneider went on the DL. To make a long story short: Santos hit, and hit, and hit. Everyone knew that Jerry Manuel favored Santos over Castro, and this became evident in a game a few weeks ago when Jerry had Santos hit for Castro in a potential game winning situation.

We all know it should have been Schneider traded, not Castro. But who really is going to take on a $5 million salary of a catcher, who is oft-injured and hits .250 and 9 home runs at best in a season? So unfortunately, the odd man out was Castro.

What we acquired
Lance Broadway looked like the real deal in the 2005 amateur draft. He was picked fiftenth in the first round of the draft. He was regarded as a very vaulable prospect in the ChiSox farm system, and made his major league debut in September of 2007 for the Sox. He has a career 4.69 ERA with 2 wins and 2 losses in 40 innings pitched. In 16 innings in 2009 he has an 0-1 record with a 5.06 ERA. White Sox fans now refer to him as a "first round bust." He will report to AAA-Buffalo and pitch in the starting rotation.

Schneider back Saturday, Castro being shopped

The Mets announced that catcher Brian Schneider will be activated off the disabled-list tomorrow. This puts the Mets in a very tough place, being that Ramon Castro and Omir Santos (especially) have been playing great in his absence.

According to Adam Rubin of the Daily News, the Mets are shopping around Castro. Rubin says that "If Castro can't be traded by Saturday's game when Brian Schneider is activated, the Mets are not prepared to eat his $2.5 million salary." This means that either the Mets will send down Santos, or they will carry 3 catchers, and get rid of one pitcher. Sending down Santos is highly unlikely considering how well he has been playing since he was called up.

If the Mets were to go with 3 catchers, I think the odd man out would be either Ken Takahashi or Sean Green. I would think the Mets would want to keep Takahashi (who is barely used) because they want two lefties in the 'pen. The most logical candidate would be Green, who does have minor league options.

Honestly, I would rather see Schneider go than Castro. I like Castro's bat much more, and I think that he gives more versatility to the team. Schneider is a great defensive catcher, but is almost an automatic out at the plate. If I were GM, Schneider would either not be activated for a while, released, or traded.

These stats speak for themselves:

Omir Santos: Avg: .268 HR 2 RBI 15 RUNS 10
Ramon Castro: Avg: .253 HR 3 RBI 13 RUNS 5

You'd have to be out of your mind to say that Brian Schneider would be producing those numbers right now, who hit .257 with 9 homers and 38 RBI's. (9 HR's is a lot for him in one year, actually.)

Odds and Ends

According to a Twitter post by John Heyman, the Mets today acquired Emil Brown from the Padres. No word yet on who the Mets traded, or if this was a player for cash deal.

Metsblog is holding a player of the month poll. This will occur at the end of every month this season, and the winner will be announced on an SNY Pregame show. Vote now.

Andrew Vazzano over at The 'Ropolitans argues that "Maybe the WBC isn't such a good idea."
I agree.

And a hysterical Youtube video has been brought to my attention, I won't say anything more, just watch.

Last night's chat

Thanks to everyone that came to chat last night, we had a good turnout. Tonight chat will be hosted by Ryan at www.retire31.com.
See you all there!

Tom

-Posted mobile

Odds and Ends

The Mets today acquired shortstop Wilson Valdez from the Indians, in exchange for cash.

Also, the most exciting news of the day, phenom prospect Fernando Martinez was called up today, and will play right field in his major league debut.

For more on the roster moves check out the New York Post's Mets blog.

Tonight I will have a Mets chat right here, starting at 6:45pm.

Happy Memorial Day

On this special day we think about the men and women who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.

God Bless America.

The case for signing Damion Easley

Remember Damion Easley? The guy that started at second base for most of the year last year while Castillo was hurt? I think Omar Minaya should reach out to his agent.

I know, he's 39 years old, but he's better than Ramon Martinez and Jeremy Reed combined. (And he's also a fan favorite.) Last year with the Mets, in 315 at bats, he hit a solid .270 with 6 home runs and 44 RBI's. I understand Omar letting him go and signing Alex Cora, who is a little bit better than Easley, but now that Cora is hurt and faces possible surgery, I think Easley is the (temporary) answer. I'm sure he's available on the cheap, and maybe even a minor league contract?

Sign him. And hurry, I hear the D-Backs have interest.

Odds and Ends

The folks over at the Bleacher Report have selected their "quarter season" MLB all starts. Two Mets make the list: CF Carlos Beltran, and P Johan Santana.

SS Jose Reyes will not go on the DL (at least for now, says Kevin Burkhardt.)

According to several reports, the Mets have contacted the Inidans about Mark DeRosa. (UGHHHHHHHHH) Joel Sherman has even floated the idea of trading JJ Putz. What are you smoking Mr. Sherman?