The New York Marlins

Sporting Goods

Well, the Mets have continued their offseason trend of poaching players from division rivals. First it was Delgado from the Marlins. That was followed closely by signing Billy Wagner from the Phillies. And now, it appears, the Mets have taken Paul Lo Duca off the hands of the Marlins. I don't know yet what the Mets gave up, but this looks like a money move.

Here's why. Lo Duca is already a 33 year old catcher. So he's old. Yes, he has been an all-star the last three years but, a quick look at his numbers shows that he is clearly on the decline. Actually, with the exception of 2001, he has never been that good. He is a singles hitter, .380 slugging % last year (career .417), that doesn't get on base too often, career .339 on-base %. On top of that, he can't throw out runners. Last year he threw out 25% of runners, although his career number is much better (33%).

Now, admittedly, Molina and Hernandez aren't much better hitters or better behind the plate. Which means this is all about money. Lo Duca costs about $4.5 million for next season. Rumors have it that the Mets offered Molina and Hernandez about $7 million a season. So the Mets saved $2.5 million but gave up a couple of pitching prospects. So really, the Mets took $2.5 million in exchange for a couple of prospects. It is worth it? Depends on the prospects, I guess.

UPDATE: Thanks to reader O, it look like the Mets traded one of their best pitching prospects 19 year-old Gaby Hernandez. He struck out nearly a batter an inning in A ball last year. This is now a horrible trade. Especially since the Mets could have acquired a better catcher without giving up anything. This is just so short-sighted. See Above.