Mets Could Land Brett Myers If They Can't Trade For Other Names

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the New York Mets may have interest in Houston Astros starter Brett Myers :

"

The New York Mets would like a starting pitcher, as we've known. They've talked about the usual suspects, Jake Westbrook and Ted Lilly , and they've also talked about a pitcher who knows a lot about having success in the National League East: Brett Myers . The veteran right-hander has posted a 3.41 ERA for the Astros this year, and held opposing hitters to a .315 on-base percentage."

"

This breaking news, much like that of Roy Oswalt , has caused quite a buzz around the Blogosphere. Here at Metszilla.com we have taken a look ‘Around the Web’ to see what others are saying about the possible acquisition of Myers and offered our take on such a scenario.

Mike Silva  looks at "More Pitching Options For The Mets" in another insightful post for NYbaseballdigest.com (click HERE for full post):

"

One name not mentioned that could become available is Brett Myers . Yes, I know that name makes some Mets fans cringe (his off the field behavior has been despicable at times), but he was solid for the Phillies and costs half of what Sheets would in terms of dollars (1 year $5.1 million). There is a mutual option for 2011, but with a buyout of $2 million on his deal. This essentially makes him the same cost as Sheets. To date he is having a bounce back year for Houston going 4-4 with a 3.18 ERA, 1.3 WHIP.

If Oswalt, Lee, or Haren are too expensive in terms of prospects then perhaps Brett Myers is better than any of the other options I have heard to date, including Ben Sheets ."

"

In a post to 7TraintoShea.com , "Mets Considering Brett Myers For Rotation" (click HERE for full post), Matt Pignataro offers his view on Myers when he states:

"

I could see why the Mets are one of several teams considering Myers. He is putting up solid numbers, has a reasonable contract for teams to take on and has experience pitching in the NL East.

However, Myers isn’t a guy that is totally going to make an impact. The Mets are better off with what they have, then going out and acquiring a player such as Myers with a history of extra baggage.

"

Over at Metsblog.com , Michael Baron shares his take on the possibility of acquiring Myers (click HERE for full post):

"

...he has had a rough history both on and off the field, but he is having a good bounce back season on a bad Astros team…he doesn’t excite me as much as Ted Lilly or Fausto Carmona do, and i’m not sure what Houston might ask for Myers, but i’d be hesitant to part with any top prospects for him…"

"

The Zilla's Take- I think it's interesting how everyone is so quick to bring up Myers off-field issues.  Not because I don't think such issues should be a factor, in fact it's just the opposite, but I think the discussion itself speaks volumes about this team.  In the recent past it's hard to remember when 'team chemistry' seemed so central to the Mets success.  Now you have a pitcher who, on performance alone, looks like he would be an upgrade for the rotation and yet the red flags are waiving high.  Over his last three starts Myers is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA and is coming off a terrific performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates last night:

Still, those covering the team refuse to overlook the fact that he may do more damage in the clubhouse than repairs on the field and fans seemingly agree.  This line of thinking is 100% in line with The Zilla's opinion and despite the team's recent struggles and the over-tinkering of Jerry Manuel, there is a strong base and presence of unity that cannot be denied.   Simply put, Myers isn't good enough to run the risk of disrupting the one thing that has remained consistent with this team all season, a strong clubhouse.

I still agree with Baron that someone like Ted Lilly is a better option for the Mets.  I really felt the team should have tried to buy low after a few bad starts by the lefty but that may be too late.  In his first start since the All-Star break Lilly worked 7 innings and struck out 10 while giving up 4 hits and 3 runs against the Phillies.  Something about a fly ball pitcher coming to Citi Field that just has a nice ring to it.

*Notes- The incidents surrounding Brett Myers off-field behavior are, in some part, speculative.  They're too long to get into but Bob Nightengale of USA Today did a great job chronicling the pitcher's past in his post "Phillies' Myers puts past behind him, on and off the field. "  We certainly recommend reading Nightengale's 2008 piece on Myers as it offers a bit of insight into what the team may getting itself into if they bring Brett aboard.

To read more of this article and others like it, visit http://www.metszilla.com/?p=5296