pdaj
06-05-2003, 01:34 PM
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/156/sports/For_starters_Kim_makes_an_impact+.shtml
www.boston.com/dailyglobe...act+.shtml
"The first in-season trade by new general manager Theo Epstein, in which he sent Shea Hillenbrand to Arizona in a trade of All-Stars, will not be the last, Lucchino said, though pledging he had no knowledge of the rumored deal passed on by one National League executive yesterday in which the Sox would send second baseman Todd Walker to the Mets for second baseman Robbie Alomar.
Lucchino was with Alomar in Baltimore and said last night that he tried to get him when Lucchino was in San Diego. The CEO praised Walker for his offensive productivity, which included a hitting streak he extended to 19 games, the longest current streak in the majors, with two hits in the opener, including his fourth home run, and a ninth-inning RBI single in the second game. ''And he's a great teammate,'' Lucchino said.
Both Walker and Alomar are in the last year of their contracts, and the Mets are known to be willing to dump Alomar. But at 34, his performance has dropped precipitously, including his defense, which is the area he would have the biggest edge over Walker."
I have no idea where this comes from -- Alomar might be an upgrade defensively, but he can't hit anymore, is 35, makes $8 million, and is currently suffering hip problems. Maybe someone in the Mets organiziation floated this to see if they could get a bite?
IMO, there's no way Epstein would do a Walker-Alomar deal straight-up. Thus far, Walker has superior offensive numbers (by far), and he makes nearly half of what Alomar does. Also, with the Mets struggling, they could be desperate to relieve payroll eventually.
But why would this trade even be considered?
Perhaps, the Red Sox feel Alomar's past ability will be rediscovered in a return to the American League (and out of the Mets organization)? Would the Mets be willing to pay a decent amount of his salary? Is Theo worried about Walker's defense as the season continues? And would it include a player like Benitez?
Additionally, while the Red Sox would certainly be adding salary in such a deal, both Alomar and Benitez will be free agents next season, thus the increase in payroll would not extend past this year (ie the World Series run).
But would a trade like this (or similar) improve the team? I'm not so sure. Would adding improved middle defense and a top reliever for some offensive pop be in Boston's best interest? It's possible.
I can only provide a Red Sox perspective.
Any comments?
www.boston.com/dailyglobe...act+.shtml
"The first in-season trade by new general manager Theo Epstein, in which he sent Shea Hillenbrand to Arizona in a trade of All-Stars, will not be the last, Lucchino said, though pledging he had no knowledge of the rumored deal passed on by one National League executive yesterday in which the Sox would send second baseman Todd Walker to the Mets for second baseman Robbie Alomar.
Lucchino was with Alomar in Baltimore and said last night that he tried to get him when Lucchino was in San Diego. The CEO praised Walker for his offensive productivity, which included a hitting streak he extended to 19 games, the longest current streak in the majors, with two hits in the opener, including his fourth home run, and a ninth-inning RBI single in the second game. ''And he's a great teammate,'' Lucchino said.
Both Walker and Alomar are in the last year of their contracts, and the Mets are known to be willing to dump Alomar. But at 34, his performance has dropped precipitously, including his defense, which is the area he would have the biggest edge over Walker."
I have no idea where this comes from -- Alomar might be an upgrade defensively, but he can't hit anymore, is 35, makes $8 million, and is currently suffering hip problems. Maybe someone in the Mets organiziation floated this to see if they could get a bite?
IMO, there's no way Epstein would do a Walker-Alomar deal straight-up. Thus far, Walker has superior offensive numbers (by far), and he makes nearly half of what Alomar does. Also, with the Mets struggling, they could be desperate to relieve payroll eventually.
But why would this trade even be considered?
Perhaps, the Red Sox feel Alomar's past ability will be rediscovered in a return to the American League (and out of the Mets organization)? Would the Mets be willing to pay a decent amount of his salary? Is Theo worried about Walker's defense as the season continues? And would it include a player like Benitez?
Additionally, while the Red Sox would certainly be adding salary in such a deal, both Alomar and Benitez will be free agents next season, thus the increase in payroll would not extend past this year (ie the World Series run).
But would a trade like this (or similar) improve the team? I'm not so sure. Would adding improved middle defense and a top reliever for some offensive pop be in Boston's best interest? It's possible.
I can only provide a Red Sox perspective.
Any comments?