MLB Trade Rumors: Brandon Phillips to the Mets?

by Ray Guilfoyle on Nov 13, 2009 9:00 AM EST in Baseball

It appears the recession has really hit MLB more than they have let on over the past year, as one team after another is trying to dump salary to reduce payroll going into the 2010 season. The Reds are the latest team to announce that they will listen to offers for Brandon Phillips, Bronson Arroyo, Francisco Cordero and Aaron Harang.

The most interesting name of the four listed is Brandon Phillips as there are several large market teams looking for a second baseman, namely the Dodgers and Mets. The Diamondbacks may also be looking to fill 2B, but only after making decisions in their bullpen.

Phillips makes alot of sense for both the Dodgers and Mets, as long as the Mets can rid themselves of Luis Castillo's remaining two year $12 million contract. Phillips had another good season going 20-98-25-.276. The Dodgers, according to ESPN's Buster Olney, are aggressively looking for a second baseman. Here is his Tweeter quote:

The Dodgers aggressively seeking a second baseman... We've heard about Uggla out there; Would Brandon Phillips make sense? We'll see.

There was also a rumor out yesterday where the Mets were shopping Luis Castillo and the Dodgers appeared to have interest in him as well. I assume one Juan Pierre could be involved in that deal in a salary for salary deal.

Poll

Where will Brandon Phlllips be playing in 2010?

Mets

262 votes

Dodgers

123 votes

Reds

136 votes

521 votes | Poll has closed

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arroyo and harang

if the reds are willing to more or less give arroyo and/or harang away for taking the contract the mets should definitely take them up on it. Harang is owed 12.5 million for 2010, with a 12.75 club option for next year with a 2m buy-out. Arroyo is owed 11 million with an 11m club option and a 2m buy out for next season. So no big deal. Considering the Mets have Johan Santana and well, nobody reliable, this sounds like a no-brainer to me. Which means they won’t do it.

by DB11 on Nov 13, 2009 9:31 AM EST reply actions

Why not pay less for Rich Harden who has four times the ceiling as Arroyo?

by Ian, yo on Nov 13, 2009 11:40 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Harden

If I am the Mets, I pass on Harden. While true he has a higher ceiling than Arroyo, he also has a lower floor. Harden may pitch 140 IP and that is best case. Arroyo is a near lock for 200 and the Mets need someone to eat up innings even if it is just league average innings.

If the Mets (or anyone else for that matter) are going to take on an injury risk, I think Ben Sheets is the better target. I can see a 2004 Chris Carpenter comp.

by DB11 on Nov 13, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions

Agree

The Mets need reliable league average innings. The danger with shooting so low is they risk running Mike Pelfrey like efforts out there every day Johan doesn’t start.

Whether ridding the Reds of one year financial burdens is enough consideration to land Phillips is another issue. The Reds have enough prospect depth at the higher levels that there doesn’t appear to be a good needs match.

by faketeams on Nov 14, 2009 8:05 AM EST reply actions