The Mets announced soon after that they had acquired J.J. Putz in a 12-player deal with the Mariners and Indians, sending relievers Aaron Heilman and Joe Smith, outfielder Endy Chavez and four prospects out of New York in exchange for Putz, outfielder Jeremy Reed and right-handed reliever Sean Green. (MLB.com)Goodbye, Endy Chavez. You delayed the inevitable with the greatest defensive effort I've ever seen on television. I wish I had your bobble-head watching me as I type this blog.
Although not mentioned in the above block quote, one of the four prospects traded away was the dreaded Jason Vargas. I knew he was traded for Matt Lindstrom (silly Minaya). I didn't know he debuted the day Al Leiter was fired.
I won't talk about Putz, who isn't happy:
"It's not the ideal situation, but having the two of us at the back of the bullpen will be pretty strong," Putz said in a telephone interview on Wednesday night. "I will not change my approach at all. I will close the game in the eighth and give the ball to Frankie." (MLB.com)
or K-Rod until April.
