When I first saw Jon Harper's article in today's Daily News, I wasn't really sure what to think, but now reflecting on it, in a certain situation, I may agree with him. The gist of Harper's article is that a move that could save both the Mets and the Yankees is the Mets trading K-Rod to the Yankees. The Yankees will get their set-up man, something they need since Jobba is out, thus not activating K-Rod's money clause and the Mets will get rid of the 17.5 million vesting option, thus giving the organization no excuse for signing Reyes.
Here's the problem though, K-Rod has been the only stable point in the Mets pen this season. The Mets are only two games under .500 and it seems like if something breaks in our direction, we could go on a streak, thus we would need a closer to help try to make the playoffs. Trading K-Rod right now would essentially be throwing in the towel for the playoffs. If we trade him, then we might as well trade Beltran as well.
The second problem stems from the first problem, K-Rod has been quite good this season, and maybe he could be this good next season. He isn't worth 17.5 million, but a solid closer is something that is hard to part with. I am in the camp that believes with Castillo and Perez's contracts coming off of the books, this year, that the Mets should have enough money to extend Reyes (think about it, he is getting paid 11 million already this season, it isn't like he is going from a 2 million to 15 million pay increase, he is probably, realistically, looking at a 4 to 6 million dollar increase). This season 6 million is being paid to Castillo, I think that is a reasonable to transfer most of that to Reyes for next season. Trading K-Rod would also mean the Mets would have to go find a closer for next season, unless the Mets try to move someone internally to that position, and I don't think anyone is ready yet.
The only situation I agree with him, is if it becomes completely obvious that the Mets have no chance, at all, of making the playoffs. Going into this weekend, I say it is difficult to have that feeling.
So K-Rod to the Yankees would solve the money problems for the Mets, but would be throwing in the towel for this season, and could damage us next season. I think because it is uncertain right now if the Mets could make a run this season, I'm having a difficult time committing to the idea of trading or keeping K-Rod. I think we should have this conversation again a month from now, and see where we stand.
