Cliff Lee heading to the Yankees?

July 21, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With the decimation of their pitching staff through injuries the New York Yankees have been actively negotiating with the Philadelphia Phillies for star pitcher Cliff Lee. Lee, 35, is locked up through the end of next season and would not only give the Yankees a bona fide top of the rotation starter but also one of the postseason pitchers in the clutch over the past decade.

Will the Bombers give up the farm for Lee?

The only problem is that the asking price for the veteran left-hander will be steep. Originally the Yankees reportedly wanted both Lee and Chase Utley in a deal, but the Phillies have let the Yankees know that New York doesn’t have the pieces for that type of move.

Still, the Yankees would have to mortgage their future as the Phillies have been adamant that top prospect Gary Sanchez must be in a deal for Lee. Even the prized catching prospect may not be enough as the Philllies may want one of the Yankees top outfield prospects as well.

However, New York has been exploring other options such as finding another trading partner for a three team deal. With a weak A.L. East this season and the fact that Lee would be locked up until the end of 2015, could make the Yankees pull the trigger for the southpaw that they have coveted for years.

With the Phillies already looking forward to 2015 and the Yankees once again in the thick on a pennant race, the deal makes sense for both sides. That is, unless another suitor such as Los Angeles, Anaheim, or Detroit becomes involved.

The sooner the Yankees can get this deal done the better.

Wheeler and Dealing? New York Mets shopping Wheeler

July 10, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The New York Mets could be moving one of their best young arms at the MLB trade deadline. With an abundance of young arms, and Matt Harvey returning next season, the Mets are strongly hinting that they will trade some of this young pitching to bring in a bat or two for a team whose lineup resembles that of a Triple A squad.

According to our sources the Mets have been in serious talks with the Chicago Cubs. It appears the Mets could be moving the highly touted Zach Wheeler to the Cubs

Wheeler to the Cubs?

for an everyday player of two. One key position the Mets need a desperate upgrade in is shortstop. Fortunately for New York, the Cubs have an abundance of players at the shortstop position.

One player the Cubs are reportedly offering is current major league shortstop Starlin Castro. Castro, who is 24, is having a solid season hitting .280 with 11 homers and 52 RBIs. He would instantly improve the Mets woeful offense by providing a good young bat in the lineup who not only is still improving at the plate, but would give the Mets an everyday shortstop who plays very good defense.

Castro is a great option for the Mets, but could there be other players on the table? Sources say the Mets will also explore some of the Cubs top prospects instead of just one everyday player.

The Cubs are loaded with talented young prospects, especially at the shortstop position. Javier Baez, the team’s top prospect, is knocking on the door at Triple A with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs. Baez might not be a top of the order player but could be the big power bat the Mets are desperate for. Another reason the Mets could be targeting Baez is that they could possibly get another piece in the deal.

The Cubs have three very good outfield prospects that could be nice pieces in the Mets outfield. However, if New York could also get Arismendy Alcantara, another triple A player on the major league border, they could have a middle infield set for the next decade. Alcantara could be a solid second baseman who hits for a high average and steals bases. A perfect top of the order player that would be nice with either Baez or Castro in the middle of the lineup.

Bartolo Colon will probably be dealt first, but keep and eye on the Mets and Cubs. Both have prospects in key areas of need for the other team and have excess prospects that could be moved. The Mets need bats, Chicago has bats, New York has pitching, the Cubs need pitching. Sounds like a match made in heaven. Now we wait until July 31st to see if something happens.

Targets Acquired: 5 players Mets should target

May 30, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Giancarlo Stanton:
Wishful thinking? maybe not

This may seem like a pipe dream, but if we’ve learned anything about the Marlins it’s that they are always looking to deal. What makes this trade more probable is that not only are both teams struggling, but they have needs that the other can help with. The Marlins need young arms, and the Mets need a big bat. The price tag for Stanton would be huge, but with his presence in the lineup the Mets could finally have a major league quality lineup. It won’t be cheap, but it maybe worth the high sticker price.
Josh Zeid:
Relief for Mets terrible pen

While not a household name, Zeid is a young relief pitcher who could greatly improve the Mets middle relief. With the crowded Astros bullpen and despite a very good season, Zeid has bounced between the majors and Triple A. A solid reliever whose career 3.89 era and good stuff out of the bullpen could bring some stability to the Mets woeful relief pitching. A small risk, big reward type of target.
Luis Sardinas
A shortstop finally?

The Mets shortstop position has been a revolving door since Jose Reyes was let go. Sardinas maybe a year or two away, but Texas already has a great shortstop and could use a pitcher for a postseason run. Bartolo Colon could be a nice trading piece to bring in a great fielding shortstop. While he may not have a lot of power, Sardinas is a great fielder whose speed could transition nicely into a leadoff or top of the order hitter in Flushing.
Joc Pederson :
Outfielder who can make an impact in 2014

The Mets outfield is still a mess. Despite his numbers including 15 home runs in the minors already in 2014, Pederson is blocked by a slew of outfielders in the majors. He could be a five tool player and with the Dodgers already crowded outfield could become a nice piece for the Mets. It may take a few good pieces in a trade to get Pederson, but he could be a great cornerstone with Juan Lagares in the Mets outfield for the next decade.
John Ryan Murphy
A crosstown catcher with major league potential

The Mets making a deal with the Yankees may seem unlikely, but if it were to happen Murphy would be a great return. With the struggles of d’Arnaud at the plate and staying on the field, it would be nice to get an insurance policy. With McCann already the starting catcher, and a plethora of catchers including Gary Sanchez behind him, Murphy could be moved. Once again Bartolo Colon to the Yankees maybe a good move for the Mets. Murphy is hitting .357 as a backup and has shown very good defense behind the plate. Best case scenario is that he can become the Mets starting catcher, worst case a great backup whose bat could be vital off the bench or if the Mets need him to fill in as a third baseman or outfielder. Who do you think the Mets should target or be looking to move? Comment and follow below!