1. We probably need to stop talking about that cab accident that cost Duaner Sanchez the past 1 1-2 seasons as completely unfortunate for the Mets. Of course, no one wants to see Sanchez be part of a crash, and no one wants to see his career both interrupted and in jeopardy. But that accident forced the Mets to quickly act to get another reliever, and they did that by dealing Xavier Nady to the Pirates for Roberto Hernandez. It was the throw-in to that deal that has provided the positive out of the horrible negative. Because here is a question to ponder: What would the Met rotation look like had Oliver Perez not been foolishly put into that deal by the Pirates? Sure Perez is an incredibly frustrating pitcher, especially for Pittsburgh. However, he also is abundantly talented. And how a rebuilding organization such as Pittsburghâs could surrender a lefty with that much talent who was still a month shy of his 25th birthday as a throw-in explains why Pittsburgh is on the brink of a record 15th straight losing season. Then a year later the Pirates obtained the pretty much washed-up Matt Morris at the trade deadline with about $15 million still owed him.
2. To me Oaklandâs Rich Harden and A.J. Burnett are very similar. Harden dominated the Red Sox for a second time on a second continent this season already on Wednesday. Burnett overwhelmed the Yankees with a superb fastball/curveball mix. Both righties have elite stuff. But both have trouble staying healthy. If Oakland can keep Harden healthy, the Aâs might actually become an annoyance in the AL West or provide GM Billy Beane an incredible piece to deal in July. Meanwhile, Burnett joins Roy Halladay to give â when Burnett remains healthy â the best 1-2 in the AL East. If Burnett is sound for 30 starts, the Blue Jays contend this season.
3. The Yankees have been pursuing Pittsburgh lefty reliever Damaso Marte for the past two years, including right through spring training. They love how dominating he has been against lefty hitters. Maybe they will wipe their brow that they never did get him. You donât want to overreact to this small a sample, but in his two appearances of 2008, Marte has permitted six earned runs in two outings and has an 81.00 ERA. Opposing hitters are 4-fot-6 with a homer and two walks against Marte managing just two outs.
