Mets After Blanton, Again

It seems the Mets have given up on Lastings Milledge now that Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez are showing potential in the wings. The Mets really want pitching, and Minaya is looking to find a solid pitcher who would thrive in New York. Joe Blanton, as I reported several months ago, was nearly traded to the Mets for Milledge but Minaya balked because he wanted to give Milledge another chance. Blanton did very well for the A's this season going 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA and 140 K. Those numbers would look even better in the NL with a run scoring team. He pitched at Shea Stadium this season and picked up a no decision over eight innings. He had one rough month this season which changed his whole record, but a five hundred month like that next season makes his numbers look even better. Milledge batted .272 with 7 HR and 29 RBI in 59 games this season. Gomez, who is the same age, batted .232 with 2 HR, 12 RBI, and 12 SB. In 60 games at Double-A, Fernando Martinez, 18, batted .271 with 4 HR and 21 RBI. I think Carlos Gomez would be the better player to trade in this situation. Milledge put up better numbers than Gomez and is the same age, while Martinez is ready if all else fails. Milledge also shows more potential with his bat than both and this year might have shown that hitting seven homeruns in 59 games. He has a lot of speed too, and being a righty balances out the lineup. Minaya is looking to make a big splash, but in order to make a big splash he has to stop competing with the Yankees front office and do what is best for the team.