PIAZZA TRADE DEMAND


"Piazza, Baltimore Catcher" doesn't have the same ring to it

Newsday's Ken Davidoff is reporting that Mike Piazza will request the Mets trade him to an American League club . Less than enthused about a move to first base, weary of losing and probably tired of shots at his defense (like Al Leiter's recent comments about the team needing to improve "up the middle"), Davidoff speculates that Piazza would prefer splitting his time between catcher and DH in the AL.


(pray that Jim Duquette doesn't swap Piazza for Zakk Wylde)

Of course, this is all easier written than done. Piazza is coming off two consecutive years of reduced production, and missed nearly two thirds of 2003 with a groin injury. He's also owed more than $30 million over the next two seaons, making it tough for the Mets to move him without eating some of that amount. I'm not saying it couldn't happen --- especially if the Mets take another huge salary in return, but if there were interested takers for Piazza and/or anything approaching a decent offer in exchange for the banged up backstop, we might've heard about it by now. (Davidoff dismisses rumors that Baltimore would seek to acquire Piazza, prefering to go after free agents I-Rod and Javy Lopez).

The Post's Mark Hale writes that the Mets' pool of available second basemen is getting smaller . Supposedly, Kat Matsui has already rejected the Mets (in favor of the Dodgers, Mariners or Yankees), Adam Kennedy will stay in Anaheim and Luis Castillo is close to signing a new deal with the Marlins. Leaving New York the somewhat less attractive options of Fernando Vina and Todd Walker. Roberto Alomar and Carlos Baerga are both free agents, though I don't suppose that's helpful for anyone.

Posted: Fri - November 14, 2003 at 03:49 AM      

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