Rosenthal on the Mets injuries
Ken Rosenthal has a new column up. Let’s dig into it, shall we?
Rosenthal states that the Mets asked the Tigers about Marcus Thames during Winter Meetings, but were turned down. One has to wonder if the talks could pick back up now with the rash of injuries. The Tigers are expecting Thames to platoon in left field with Jacque Jones, but with their off-season additions and Brandon Inge’s wishes to play every day, could the team trade Thames and have Inge fill his place in the platoon? Doesn’t seem too far-fetched, but then again, I’m not general manager.
If acquired, Thames could play left field in the absence of Moises Alou and become a right handed complement to either Ryan Church or Carlos Delgado after Alou’s return.
Xavier Nady of the Pittsburgh Pirates could fill a similar role as Thames, but Rosenthal thinks the Pirates would want major league ready prospects, which the Mets simply do not have.
Ben Shpigel of the New York Times suggests that Mark DeRosa may be an option, if the Cubs do eventually acquire Brian Roberts from the Orioles.
For the more far-fetched idea, Rosenthal says the Mets could go for the extravagant and pursue Paul Konerko, who he says “remains quietly available.” The problem with Konerko is the money owed to both he and Carlos Delgado.
The Mets owe Delgado $20 million — $16 million in 2008 and a $4 million buyout — and Konerko is owed $12 million for each of the next three seasons. Konerko will gain his 10-5 status early in the season, giving him a full no-trade clause. Rosenthal thinks that the White Sox are willing to move him as they have first base options on the team. They could move Josh Fields or Nick Swisher to first base. Moving Fields to first base would open up a place for Joe Crede at third base.
Filed under: Carlos Delgado, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Marcus Thames, Mark DeRosa, Moises Alou, New York Mets, Paul Konerko, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ryan Church, Xavier Nady