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Justin Smoak

July 10, 2010 by · Comments Off on Justin Smoak 

Cubs Pirates BaseballJustin Smoak — [NY Daily News] – The central question of the Mets’ pursuit of Cliff Lee – they had enough chances to get it? – War are finally answered when Seattle 2008 AL Cy Young winner sent elsewhere. But the Mets want to add, keep pitching, and several tasty options, including Cubs left-handers Ted Lilly.

When Lee first appeared Friday, the Yankees opened prospects for catching Montero Jesus and others, then it was traded for first baseman Justin Smoak Texas and others, what has long been clear, was finally official: The Mets – because Ike Davis and Jon Niese are no more chances, but key employees could not – match other clubs’ minor leaguers.

Had the Mets move decided to be one of those rookies, or maybe even Angel Pagan, they would have more serious contender for the Lee can. But because they decided not wise subtract from the active roster, and because Carlos Beltran to the slow healing process made it difficult for Pagan trade, was the best the Mets could do, a group of solid offer leaguers, but not overwhelming minor.

As talks between Seattle and other teams about Lee made progress in recent weeks, said the deal the Mets willingness to each perspective. Jenrry Mejia, Wilmer Flores, Josh Thole, Fernando Martinez – Seattle was not one of them had in return for letting Lee. But none of these players soon projects to a star. Mejia and Flores have the highest ceiling, but neither order a drink without a fake ID.

Thole is a talented hitter and improve the defense, but not the hype around Montero and Smoak. And it did not help when Mejia suffered rotator cuff injury late last month. Despite the Mets let ‘request, Lee, talks with Seattle never simmer add an increased because the two teams not to make more of an ideal trading tandem. So, where a team is still determined to add pitching is doing from here?

Club officials believe that Roy Oswalt Astros ace is available soon, but the Houston righty remains a longshot to join the Mets. Astros owner Drayton McLane still want top prospects and significant salary relief, and the Mets do not agree to these terms. If the conditions change, Oswalt will not pitch for the team in Queens.

The team is also excited by the idea of the addition of mid-rotation help as Cleveland’s Jake Westbrook, Houston’s Brett Myers or other back-end starter. They could revise the outlook, the market if required to do it, but now the Mets would rather focus on the front of the rotation.

could be Chicago‘s Lilly and Dan Haren Arizona’s fit the description – loose, in Lilly’s case – but there are no signs that this their pitchers shopping in earnest or groups.

The Mets were, from left to become an ace, which could have made them instant favorites in the National League East to go somewhere else to see. Johan Santana, who remarked a few weeks ago that he would like to see the team add a top pitcher like Lee, was asked Friday if he were disappointed.

“Absolutely not,” said Santana. “This is baseball. We just continue to play. It would have been nice to improve our team with him have, but at the same time, we have what we have and that is what we go with. We trust to each other. ”

Alex Cora agreed. “There are other people out there who feels the organization can help,” said Cora. “The process is only just beginning. Obviously, the big chip went down, so now everyone is focusing on someone else.

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