Mets Remain Interested In Hernandez

by Eli Greenspan on Jan 19, 2008 5:53 PM EST

The Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox are still waiting on the Twins to make a deal, but no deal seems close at the moment. The Red Sox would love to have Johan Santana but have a six man rotation right now, so he is just a luxury, not a necessity. Who knows where Hank Steinbrenner stands anymore, but if they are interested, he would probably push Joba Chamberlain back to the bullpen to make room. The Mets appeared close to a deal just a week or so ago, but since the Twins asked for Fernando Martinez, their desire to get a trade done wearing off.

The Mets have had interest in free agent pitcher Livan Hernandez this whole off season. Talks never progressed very far, but they are believed to be picking up again now that the Twins are asking for Fernando Martinez. Hernandez was 11-11 with a 4.93 ERA in 33 games for the Diamondbacks last season, but his playoff performance and ability to rack up innings makes him more desirable. According to major league sources, Hernandez has backed off his demands some, which makes him even more desirable. Not only that, but he might be willing to take a discount to play his half-brother, Orlando Hernandez, also a pitcher on the Mets. Other teams that are interested are believed to be the Marlins, Cubs, Royals, and Astros.

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why would they have to push joba to the pen? minnesota has made it pretty clear that hughes at the very least must be included, and that would leave a spot open in the rotation for joba.

by Anonymous on Jan 19, 2008 7:15 PM EST reply actions

well, i'm pretty sure that after all the statements that you obviously havent heard about joba definitely going into the rotation this year. he is 100% going to be in the rotation.
they arent going to push him to the pen.

by Anonymous on Jan 20, 2008 3:07 AM EST reply actions

Some people in the yankees say that joba might start in the pen so he doesnt go over innings

P.S. Hank isnt the main man is the yankees Hank and Hall take part equally and a Santana Trade would have to be aprroved by both of them

by GOD on Jan 20, 2008 7:42 PM EST reply actions

Joba will not go back to the pen unless his stamina in the later innings is lackluster. I see Wang, Pettite, Hughes, Joba, and Mussina as their opening day rotation, with Kennedy waiting for Mussina to falter. The team as is right now can win 90 games with that offense.

by bucky, NY on Jan 20, 2008 8:49 PM EST reply actions