Minaya Giddy About Deal

While not officially "invited," The Log crashed the Bellagio in search of interesting tidbits at last week's Winter Meetings. Real reporters were everywhere with fancy passes. Baseball officials seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. As the event came to a close, Met's GM Omar Minaya held an informal chat session with a couple of reporters on the casino floor. Less than 24 hours after the Putz deal was announced, Minaya at first appeared giddy or even gloaty (yes, new word) on the heels of aquiring one of the best closers in the game and a decent arm in Shawn Green without giving up one important piece of his 2009 team. Minaya seemed to catch himself shortly into the conversation, toning down his excitement and engagement in some good-natured banter about who would get the ball in the 9th inning. Everyone knows it will be Francisco Rodriguez, but Minaya was in a playfull mood, saying that even he didn't know who the closer will be. One thing is for sure, they have two great options.

A quick refresher on the deal:

The Mariners received:
Major Leaguers:
-From the Indians: Franklin Gutierrez
-From the Mets: Outfielder Endy Chavez and reliever Aaron Heilman
Minor Leaguers:
-From the Mets, 1b Mike Carp, right handed pitcher Maikel Cleto, outfielder Ezequiel Carrera and left handed pitcher Jason Vargas.

The Met's received:
From the M's: Putz, Green & Jeremy Reed

The Indians received:
Major Leaguer: From the Met's: RP Joe Smith
Minor Leaguers:
From the M's: infielder Luis Valbuena

At quick glance it is easy to see why Minaya seemed to be walking on air. What a great deal for the Met's in 2009. Time will tell the true value of the minor leaguers involved.

(Photo: AP)

Time To Make A Rotation Move

If the plan is still to move Morrow into the rotation, why wait? The time is now. The M's should shift Batista into the setup role and let Morrow start building up arm strength. If Morrow isn't ready to go 5 innings, then let them share starts for a while, let Morrow go 3-4 innings, and then bring Batista in for the next 3-4 innings to save the bullpen.

One reason the Mariners may not be willing to make a move now is they are paying the back end of their rotation $28 million a year. That's a lot of cash to lose games. Time to break up the "Three headed 5th Starter" and try to win some ballgames.

A second part of this could be dealing Putz and shifting Batista into the closer role. The Mariners need pitching and hitting. It shouldn't be difficult to get two good young players, or possibly one very good youngster ready to start along with a mid-minors propsect, in return for Putz. The closer position can be filled fairly easily. That's not to say that great closers are easy to find. Putz is a great closer. But when you lose 90+ games how critical is the closer position?

I realize Bavasi and McClaren need to win now, but the team isn't good enough. It's almost like the Mariners are the last ones to realize they should be rebuilding.

If you don't agree, I'd love to hear some other ideas. But first answer this question...what do they have to lose?