The facts:
The Mets have placed Hairston and Torres on waivers, which means nothing, so far. However, in the last two days, with Saunders being traded off waivers to the Orioles and the Dodger blockbuster, it is feasible to see a trade since that seems to be in fashion.
What’s Next:
Now teams will have an opportunity to put claims on both players. If claims are made, then the Mets have two options. First, they can pull the claimed player off waivers, thus protecting that player being traded. Second, they have 48 hours to work out a trade with that team. If no trade is made, then the player cannot be traded to anyone. If no claims are placed, then the player is cleared and can be traded to anyone.
Opinion/Speculation
Hairston is the real player here. If Torres is claimed, and possibly traded, he won’t net much. Hairston is a valuable bench player for someone else, so I would be surprised if he isn’t claimed.
Now, it is not unusual for teams to place players on waivers, so either player on waivers here does not tip the Mets hands to regard of what they will be doing in the offseason. However, if the Mets end up trading either player, that will at least remove those players for the 2013 plans.
Personally, with the amount of 4th OF types the Mets have, I would be fine trading either or both of Torres and Hairston, even if it means not much in return. The OF is the area the Mets need the most help with in the offseason since it has become the most volatile and possibly mediocre part of the team.
