Mack’s Morning Report – 7-4-15 – Q and A

  

Frm Metsiac -

Hi, Mack,

Haven't read/heard anything about him being available, but how about chasing Brandon Phillips? GREAT 2Bman, crowd-pleasing personality, hitting around .290, and LOVES Citi.

Signed thru '17 ($13 M in '16, $14M in '17). If Cincy is out of contention next month and looking to dump salary, IMO he can be had. If we pay the whole amount (Sandy did say he's ready to overpay), he should cost little in talent; the more talent, the less the $$$ cost.

Given the IFers in our system a year or two away, and talented pitching similar, I'd build a package around players like Fulmer, Verrett, Morris, and Flores as a replacement for them this year.

Worth a shot?

Mack – Hey Bill.

I love Phillips and I’m surprised we don’t discuss him more on this web site.

The Mets would easily have this kind of money and, with the reduction of the contracts that go away at the end of the season (Colon, Murphy, etc.), this wouldn’t even be considered added on salary.

Phillips is a real time star infielder that I can build another middle infielder around.

Love your idea.

Now, who would Cincinnati take?

I’d make this simple. I’d take the ‘big 4’ starters, Familia, and Conforto off the table, and give Cincinnati a copy of the rosters of all the Mets affiliates, including the one in Queens. Then, I’d tell them that I would take on 100% of Phillips’ salary and they can have ‘any three players’ they want.

Also from Metsiac –

Hi, Mack,

What's your take on this?

The Pirates have DFA'd Jose Tabata, the former highly-rated Yankees prospect who was crowded out of a spot in the great Pit OF. He's a solid hitter who plays good D. Worth a look IMO, better than Mayberry. He doesn't have Mayberry's HR power, but hits for average as a part-time player. He's only 26, and is hitting .289 this year (.275 career).

What say you?

Mack –

I saw his name cross the waiver wire. He must have cleared it because he was assigned yesterday to the Pirates’ AAA team.

It surprises me that the Mets never seem to make a deal for players that other teams have designated for assignment. Tabata would have made a nice project. Many consider the current Pirates outfield the best in the game so coming in fourth may not be a sign of failure here.

Looks like the Mets passed on his though. 

Gary asked –

Morning Mack,

A few more thoughts if I may.

I've been thinking about our Metsies going forward and am surprised what with all the Met coverage theres's been very little mention of Harvey's contract and our ability to get a deal done knowing ownership's fondness for large contracts. Boras has to start with Scherzer's mega-deal as a reference so to avoid screwing this up like they did with Reyes I am proposing a blockbuster deal with the Dodgers offering Harvey for Joc Pederson [or Puig] and Corey Seager.

Now I know this will get the fan base angry but we really need think about this before it’s too late. Your thoughts please.

Mack – Morning Gary.

I like the way your mind works.

I too think that, if you were going to trade one of the ‘top four’ Harvey would bring you the biggest return. He also seems destine to seek his fortune outside the Mets organization and he could bring you in a deal for both Peterson and Seager because the Dodgers aren’t afraid to spend money and replace those holes in their lineup in the off-season.

I wouldn’t do a deal for Puig. I hear he’s a pain in the ass and always crying about some phantom injury.

Gary, no one wants to hear this, but the Mets are going to have to move someone if they want to compete in the next couple of years. You just can’t play this game with four starters and one star closer.