Hanley for Reyes?

            The Marlins are in last place. They are sixteen and a half games behind the Phillies. Josh Johnson might be done for the season. But they aren't in the financial turmoil the Dodgers are in. They have more talent than the Astros. They have a young core that includes Logan Morrison, Gaby Sanchez, Mike Stanton, the previously mentioned Johnson, and the once considered best shortstop in the game Hanley Ramirez. The New York Mets find themselves in a peculiar position. They have outperformed anyone's most generous predictions for them this season thus far. Met fans would storm Citifield in protest if the team entered a fire sale right now. But the reality is that they cannot pay Jose Reyes the money he's going to be looking for, reportedly a contract larger than Carl Crawford's. What to do?

             Ramirez's unpopularity has been documented. He's worn out his welcome and this year's performance simply does not justify putting up with his antics anymore. Most general managers feel he may even be untradeable figuring his attitude, lack of performance, and his increasing weight. But a change in scenery is definitely needed. His remaining contract presents a nice discount compared to what Jose Reyes will command in free agency. The Mets should look into swapping Reyes for Hanley now. It's a gamble. But if Hanley refocuses, changes his act, loses this weight, and gets back to being the power/stolen base threat he was in seasons past, then the Mets will have actually gotten fair value for Jose Reyes while paying less.

              At the same time, such a deal should provide a boost to the Marlins. Infuse a young talented core with more energy, and positive attitude. Reyes would provide the team with the table setter they undoubtably need. He would get into the heads of opposing pitchers who would need to deal with him while pitching to Stanton, Sanchez, and Morrison. Such a trade would make them dangerous. Yes there's the threat of injury. Yes there's the question if the Marlins can afford Reyes. But if they can get out from the shadow of Hanley Ramirez, then it is a risk that may be well worth it.

Daniel Mazler
Twitter - DMazzle

Yanks in position to take advantage of Angels, Mets financial woes.

           The Yankees have some glaring holes. They lack a number two ace (Sorry A.J, you're paid like one but you don't pitch like one). Joba is gone till sometime next year and Rafael Soriano is in hiding after collecting his paycheck. Outside of Mariano Rivera and David Robertson, their relievers cannot be trusted. Their offense has failed to produce consistently as well. Curtis Granderson cannot be your most dangerous hitter. But if Brian Cashman looks around and spends his money wisely, there can be some potentially strong acquisitions.

            We've recently learned that Angels ownership has put a stop to anymore spending this season. Word is the team is cash strapped. Gary Mathews Jr, Torre Hunter, and Vernon Wells have basically produced nothing. The Yankees should inquire about Jered Weaver. There are not too many pitchers of his calibre available. He's arbitration available next season and a free agent in 2013. There has to be internal discussions taking place considering whether the pitcher, who's 8-4 with a low 2's era, will simply cost too much to resign. The Angels, who have one of the worst farm systems in MLB, could take a package from the Yankees, who boast one of the best. Most teams are interested in prospect Jesus Montero, and I have a feeling that much like one time prospect Austin Jackson, Montero will never see big league time with the Yankees. Sprinkle in a few young arms and a deal can be struck. While the teams are talking, perhaps the Yankees should inquire about former right fielder Bobby Abreu. He has a tidy $9 million dollar option for next season. The Yankees at this point will most certainly not bring back under performing Nick Swisher, who's option for next season will cost the team much more. Abreu still hits for a decent average, can drive in a few runs, still has the speed to nab a few bases, and still boasts one of the best eyes at the plate in baseball.

          Cashman should also give the Mets a call. They have several contracts they will be looking to unload and the Yankees should consider Francisco Rodriguez. The Rafael Soriano deal has so far blown up in the Yankees faces and they find themselves very thin in the bullpen. K-Rod can add some much needed depth and experience, rebuilding what would be a very formidable bullpen. The Mets will most likely eat a good portion of this year's remaining salary and his $17 million dollar option for next season doesn't seem too large considering Jorge Posada's expiring contract. Considering the Yankees current rotation after C.C Sabathia - Burnett, Garcia, Colon (who's currently on the DL), and Ivan Nova, you can clearly see the need for some serious bullpen help. Besides, it's a cheaper investment than the deal Heath Bell will be looking for.

        The Yankees have some opportunities to make themselves better. It may require spending some cash, but sense when has that ever been an issue? What remains to be seen is how long Brian Cashman will try to fill holes from within and at what point does he give in to the need for Major League ready players right now.

Daniel Mazler
Twitter- @DMazzle

Mets a .500 team? Almost sounds amazing.

      Terry Collins issued a guarantee to begin this season. The Mets were going to play baseball the right way. And then everyone laughed. The team got off to a horrible start, mired by shoddy defense, shoddy base running, and horrible give-away at bats. Jason Bay started the year on the DL. Angel Pagan who got off to a horrible start ended up on the DL (with the now becoming designer injury - oblique strain). Ike Davis, one of the lone bright spots on the team, made his way to the DL. David Wright is god knows where. Fred Wilpon told us exactly what he thought about his team, coinciding with the team bringing in David Einhorn as their new minority owner to bring in some much needed cash. Those who predicted the Mets would win 70 were looking generous.

       Last night, the Mets entered play a game under .500. With all things considered, that may just be considered an accomplishment. What happened exactly? We can start with Jose Reyes having an MVP start to this season. He's leading the league in average and in hits. He's been stellar at shortstop. And (knock on wood Met fans), he's stayed healthy. Odd that this would happen in his walk year...Carlos Beltran is playing baseball again. And he's played fairly well both offensively and defensively. His announcement that he was willing to slide over to right has done a lot to lessen his load and keep him fresher. Justin Turner and David Murphy have come in and sparked the team. Turner has filled in well at third base while doing a great job driving in runs. Murphy has bat close to .300 and was actually moved into the cleanup slot. He's shown his versatility moving to third for a few games when Turner was resting a sore thumb. Angel Pagan has come off the DL and picked right back up where he left off last season. Playing great defense, hitting over .300 and stealing a few bags. Last but not least, the Mets pitching staff has been great for the most part. Most wondered who would actually line up to pitch following Mike Pelfrey and R.A Dickey with Johan Santana out until god knows when. But Jonathan Niese, Chris Capuano, and Dillon Gee have been the backbones of the Mets rotation, Gee especially with his 7-0 start.

         Terry Collin's guarantee may have drawn a lot of laughs early on, but it's been no laughing matter since. Should the Mets keep this up, they may actually contend for the Wild Card this season. That is of course a huge "If". Besides Franky Rodriguez in the pen, the Mets bullpen is wildly inconsistent. They've yet to get anything out of Bay. There's no telling when Ike or Wright will be back. The Mets are also in an era of rebuilding. Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Jose Reyes, and the aforementioned Rodriguez can all be gone by the trade deadline. But one thing is for sure. So far, they have been the team most fun to watch in New York this season thus far.

Daniel Mazler
Twitter- @Dmazzle