Mets Looking at Matt Capps....

[BuccoJoe]

so says Jon Heyman but I wouldn't expect any deal here as Mets GM Omar Minaya won't part with any of his top prospects ....here's the link:

http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stove/posts/30961-mets-eye-capps-street-for-set-up-role

Here's one fan's look at the Mets top 2009 prospects :

http://www.baseballhandyman.com/2008/11/new-york-mets-top-15-prospects-for-2009.html

[BuccoFan21]

i honestly doubt that is true considering they just agreed to a 3 year deal with k-rod

[sgrx]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Mets were looking at Capps, despite the K-Rod signing.  I would imagine most quality teams view Capps as a good set-up guy rather than a closer.  He closes in Pittsburgh because he is the best they have, not because he is a great closer.

[wvbucco]

Welcome on board our Pirate ship, sgrx!

[BadAndy]

Looks like its JJ Putz that's going to the Big Apple instead of Capps with the Indians as a 3rd team and involving Heilman, Chavez, Carp, and Gutierrez.  That should be us!

[Pizza Man]

I for one am more than happy with Matt Capps as our closer. It would be nice if he learned to throw a decent second pitch but in my estimation he has been more than adequate for us.

[GoBucs21]

I'm more happy that Putz attracted some much in return.  He's a typical relief pitcher story.  Came up late, struggled in the minors, found his niche and had brief, about two years of success, and is now a "star" reliever at the age of 32.  The M's got a good bit for a part time pitcher.

I have a concern about Putz.  How did he become such a strikeout pitcher?  Throughout his minor league career, he never came close to striking out a hitter per inning.  But over the past three seasons, starting at age 29, he's been striking out well over a hitter per inning.  Did he develop a new pitch?  Change his mechanics?  Or somehow manage to "find" a few more MPHs on his fast ball?

This is good news for the Pirates in relation to Capps, maybe not in the near term but the longer term.  If Capps can post a good season, given what was traded for Putz, Capps with his ability and low salary should bring back even more.

[Pizza Man]

How many saves are looking for with Capps this year? If healthy, Im hoping 33-37.

[WTM]

How many saves are looking for with Capps this year? If healthy, Im hoping 33-37.

Seems like a lot.  We'll probably have some wins that don't involve save situations.

[Dogknot3]

I'm more happy that Putz attracted some much in return.  He's a typical relief pitcher story.  Came up late, struggled in the minors, found his niche and had brief, about two years of success, and is now a "star" reliever at the age of 32.  The M's got a good bit for a part time pitcher.

I have a concern about Putz.  How did he become such a strikeout pitcher?  Throughout his minor league career, he never came close to striking out a hitter per inning.  But over the past three seasons, starting at age 29, he's been striking out well over a hitter per inning.  Did he develop a new pitch?  Change his mechanics?  Or somehow manage to "find" a few more MPHs on his fast ball?

This is good news for the Pirates in relation to Capps, maybe not in the near term but the longer term.  If Capps can post a good season, given what was traded for Putz, Capps with his ability and low salary should bring back even more.

I agree.

Also, Capps is very young and can be a fixture for a long time in that role.  I am not sure, but how many players have become Closers at the age of 23?  Capps will be 25 late this year and will have a season and a half as a Closer already in the majors.

[wvbucco]

How many saves are looking for with Capps this year? If healthy, Im hoping 33-37.

Seems like a lot.  We'll probably have some wins that don't involve save situations.