I, like all of you, was excited, I may even say giddy, after the start by Harvey last night. With Harvey's showing and the promise of more young talent to come and with the rapidly approaching trade deadline, I thought it would be a good time to propose, what I believe are, realistic trades to further increase the talent pool in the farm system. I know Sandy has said that he will only make small moves, but, I think this will be a fun exercise. I welcome your critiques of my proposals and of course you are welcome to add your own, if so desired.

Trade #1: RA Dickey to St. Louis for Oscar Taveras and Shelby Miller

Why for St. Louis: The cardinals are in the thick of the wild card race and still within striking distance of the division title. They have the best hitting in the NL but their pitching is in the middle of the pack. RA Dickey would give their pitching staff a major boost as they make a push for the playoffs.

Why for the Mets: The outfield talent in the Mets system is weak. Currently, Matt den Dekker is the only outfielder of promise in the upper levels and with a .206 BA and a strikeout rate of 33%, he is not close to being ready. In addition, the failed Lucas Duda experiment in RF makes the situation even worse.

Oscar Taveras is an outfielder at the Cardinals' AA level (Springfield of the Texas league). Currently, he is leading the Texas league in hitting and is in the top ten in hits, doubles, HR, RBI, SLG and OPS. Also, he has just 48 strikeouts in 365 AB and he is doing all this at the tender age of 20. No one seems to be talking about him, but, he may be one of the best offensive players in the minors

Shelby Miller is having an awful season, but, prior to this year, he was one of the top prospects in baseball. With the down year he is having, it would be a perfect time for the Mets to steal him and add him to the stable of young pitchers in the system.

Trade #2: Johan Santana to the Angels for Peter Bourjos

Why for the Angels: Like St. Louis, the Angels are in the middle of the playoff chase and could use a veteran pitcher to boost their playoff chances. While Santana's salary is prohibitive, the Mets could make the deal more palatable by assuming some of his salary. Santana's injury could also be an obstacle, but, since it did not involve his arm, the Angels should still have some interest.

Why for the Mets: As mentioned, the outfield is a sore point for the Mets and centerfield is even more so. Bourjos represents an immediate defensive upgrade for the Mets and he still has some offensive upside. Bourjos should be available as he has received only sporadic playing time, since the promotion of Mike Trout.

Trade #3: Daniel Murphy to Toronto for AJ Jiminez.

Why for the Blue Jays: Daniel Murphy is one of the best offensive second basemen in baseball and would represent an upgrade at that position for Toronto. The Blue Jays have tremendous depth at catcher with JP Arencebia, Travis d' Arnaud and AJ Jiminez and while they will not part with d' Arnaud, they may be more willing to deal Jiminez.

Why for the Mets: Catching talent in the Mets system is even weaker than that of the outfield. One would be hard pressed to find a single player who profiles as a backup, much less a starter in the majors. Jiminez does have the potential to be an above average starter in the majors. He has hit well (over .300 the last two seasons) and is one of the best defensive catchers in the minors.

Hey.

Good luck with that.

St. Louis isn't trading Tavares let alone him AND Miller for Dickey. Their GM came out yesterday and said Oscar is 100% untouchable, or as close as it gets to that.


Santana is owed 31 million next year. Maybe you get Bourjos for him.... If you eat 25 million. Maybe.

Cardinals GM John Mozeliak told a St. Louis radio station that Oscar Taveras is nearly untouchable.
"I don't like to call anyone untouchable," said Mo, "but if there's a player we value in that kind of category, it's Oscar Taveras." The 20-year-old Dominican outfielder is batting .330/.388/.593 with 19 home runs, 28 doubles and 75 RBI in 93 games this season at the Double-A level. He should reach the major leagues in late 2013. Jul 26 - 1:07 PM

I understand the thinking on Dickey (kinda) with the idea of trying to import top end tslent, but he's cheap and good. He's not young but unless we're going into full bore "don't even watch the games until 2016" mode, not sure why everyone is so eager to trade him. He's helping you win and not hurting payroll/blocking someone deserving.

I also think everyone would be much less eager to deal him once they heard the offers.

Yeah, I think he has real value on the trade market, but I also think he probably has more real value to the Mets.

Dickey and Niese might be the only ones healthy enough to pitch next year.

You're putting the Whammy on Harvey already? Great. LOL

I meant of the non-Harvey starters for most of the season. Oops.

I hearby renounce the whammy.

None of these trades is realistic because the Mets don't make trades.

I remember when you were happy, china.

I am storing my happiness up for when Sandy makes 100 trades in the next 48 hours.