According to Jon Heyman of SI.com the Mets have acquired Gary Matthews Jr from the Angels. Heyman said the Angels might be paying around $20 million of the $24 million due to the 35 year old outfielder during the next two seasons. Unfortunately however, it has been reported that the Mets will not be sending 2B Louis Castillo in the trade, but low level minor leaguers instead.
Matthews hit .250 with 4 HR and 50 RBI last season as a part time player in Anaheim. Presumably if this is the only part of the trade, Matthews will fill in CF while Carlos Beltran rehabs from his knee surgery.
Depending on who the Mets give up for Matthews, I don't really mind this trade. Especially as if Matt Cerrone speculates "it’s part of something else to come." Matthews is a solid OF who by no means will be a starter for very long, and is a solid name to bat in the 7th slot for a little while and when Beltran comes back Matthews can be a 4th outfielder who can play all three spots.
What interests me most is the possibility of this leading to something bigger. With the acquisition of Matthews, this makes Angel Pagan expendable. Earlier in the offseason Pagan was rumored to be liked by the Royals. Maybe the Mets are concocting a deal for someone like Gil Meche? Maybe the Mets are planning to ship him to the Cubs as part of a package for one of their multiple starters? Who knows?
Update: 11:32 AM
On Metsblog.com Cerrone writes:
…there are people in baseball who believe this must be part of a three-team deal, maybe eventually leading to some sort of move with the Reds, and Orlando Hudson, but that is all speculation…If that is the case, this has the potential to be a brilliant move by the Mets. Especially if they acquire a solid starter.
Update: 11:43
Joe Demayo's twitter had something interesting :
@joe_demayo Hearing Brian Stokes is most prominent name talked about with Angels..could be headed that way
That seems like a bit much for an overpriced 4th outfielder...
MORE TO COME
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