Could Josh Thole Be Included in a Deal For Fausto Carmona Or Jake Westbrook?

With the Mets having lost the Cliff Lee sweepstakes, they are still in need of another starting pitcher. Losing the last two games to the Braves and falling to five games out of first place and two back in the wild card race have made this need even more obvious.

Names that have recently come up in connection to the Mets include Ted Lilly , Fausto Carmona , Jake Westbrook, and Dan Haren . However, all of these players come at a price.

A popular name that is being thrown around as a player the Mets would need to include in a deal is Josh Thole. At just age 22, Thole had success during his short stint in the major leagues last season.

After starting the season in the minors, Thole has worked his way back up to the big league club. He struggled in the minors this year posting just a .267 batting average and a .353 on-base percentage. Many wondered if Thole had truly merited his promotion. Others wondered if it was in an attempt to showcase him for a trade. It appears to be the latter.

Thole would be a key piece in a deal for any of the aforementioned pitchers. He would have different value to each team.

The Cubs appear to have no need for Thole, yet they have requested that he be included in a deal for Ted Lilly. This speaks volumes about the confidence the Cubs have in Geovany Soto. (to read the rest of the article click on the link below)

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