Pedro Out, Harden In?

by Eli Greenspan on Apr 3, 2008 11:05 AM EDT

According to the SF Chronicle, the Mets are interested in Athletics starting pitcher Rich Harden. Harden has pitched well this year (including Spring Training), and would likely benefit even more with an NL team. I think this is a case of Omar Minaya being desperate and trying to get his team into the World Series. It is obvious that the Johan addition will not put them over the top, or even into the playoffs. I think Harden would definitely help, but at what price. They already dumped several highly rated prospects to the Twins, and I doubt they would part with any more for him. The A's would probably ask for Fernando Martinez, but probably would not be able to get him. However, if the Mets pile together a group of solid low level prospects, maybe one soon to be ready, the A's might take it. I think the A's have a better chance to get something from the Cardinals or Yankees though. If I had to guess when this would happen, I would say around the deadline, with a lot more teams interested.

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Buyer beware!!!

Harden = damaged goods!!!

Only a matter of time till he breaks down (again!!!)

by Anonymous on Apr 3, 2008 7:01 PM EDT reply actions

"It is obvious that the Johan addition will not put them over the top, or even into the playoffs."

How stupid can you possibly be? The Johan addition DID put them over the top. And you're assuming they will not make the playoffs?

by Anonymous on Apr 3, 2008 8:53 PM EDT reply actions

That article doesn't even say the Mets are interested. It said one would figure that the Mets, along with other teams would be watching him.

by Anonymous on Apr 3, 2008 8:59 PM EDT reply actions

At 26 he should just be entering his prime, put him behind Johan and it should be the best rotation in baseball with Maine and Perez. But in reality he is a DL canidate every season. Who knows how long until his arm breaks down and he is a middle reliever. It would take Fernando Martinez to make that deal happen.

by Bucky, NY on Apr 3, 2008 9:29 PM EDT reply actions

The Mets farm system is empty. Better possibility is Boston, though the Red Sox should just continue to bring in their own because they have a really good minor league system.

by Anonymous on Apr 3, 2008 9:36 PM EDT reply actions

"It is obvious that the Johan addition will not put them over the top, or even into the playoffs."

Wow. I stopped reading after this statement.
Braves and Phillies can't compare to the Mets. Even without Pedro until mid-May (not even too long a time period), Santana, Maine, and Perez, according to Ken Rosenthal, could be the best trio in baseball. Put that with the best closer in the NL in Wagner, according to ESPN analysts, and an overall deep bullpen, with a deep line-up that plays good defense, and where do you see that the Mets are anywhere behind the Braves and Phillies??

by Anonymous on Apr 3, 2008 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

"It is obvious that the Johan addition will not put them over the top, or even into the playoffs."

Do you guys really think that Santana makes them that much better? I think the Mets will win the division, but I don't think it'll be a landslide.

by Anonymous on Apr 4, 2008 12:20 AM EDT reply actions

Eli..I rarely agree w/ you, right now I do...great addition for the mets, no lock,and the season is 3 days old. lot of baseball to be played..and if it is such a lock, why is gammons and many other top prognosticators picking the braves?..we'll find out in a couple months

by Anonymous on Apr 4, 2008 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

Yes he makes them THAT much better. All he does is push every other starter back one spot, meaning Maine, who is a legit #2 starter, will face more threes and fours during the season, and it takes a lot less pressure off of the rest of the rotation AND the bullpen, because Santana will throw 7 innings most times out. Simply put, his importance can not only be seen by the exorbitant amount he alone helps the team, but his impact of the rest of the team is something to consider as well.

by Anonymous on Apr 4, 2008 1:27 PM EDT reply actions