MLB Trade Deadline: Why Francisco Rodriguez Trade Is a Benefit for the Mets

After only about 30 minutes following Tuesday's All-Star Game, the Mets traded closer Francisco Rodriguez, or "K-Rod," to the Milwaukee Brewers. In return, the Mets have received two prospects that have yet to be named.

People I've talked to about the trade have different opinions.

Some people believe it was a good trade, and some believe it was a bad trade.

I believe it was a good trade on the Mets' part. Sure, they lost a solid closer in K-Rod, but the trade got them two decent prospects and, more importantly, it saves them a lot of money.

After the Madoff scandal, the Mets organization took a big blow financially. Their lack of money has prevented them from making Blockbuster signings and pursuing free agents.

The Rodriguez trade really helps them fix up their financial problem, which they've been seeking to do for awhile now.

The Mets will look like sellers, not buyers, in this year's trade deadline.

After K-Rod's departure, the Mets are still looking to trade someone. As reported by NBC New York, they're leaning towards trading Carlos Beltran to a contender, which would clear up even more money for them. Who knows, they could even get a decent player in return.

Now that Rodriguez is gone, Mets fans are scratching their heads at who the official closer may turn out to be. I can't say that they'll find an official closer this season, but they have a few options and could finally find a new one.

It could be Bobby Parnell, who is probably the best option. It's been said by USA Today that he's being groomed to be the Mets closer. Parnell is a heat-throwing righty who is normally a set-up or long-relief guy. He had a short stint as a starter for the Mets. I'm personally hoping he becomes the closer.

Another choice is Jason Isringhausen. "Izzy" is having a solid season for the Mets, but has let a few games go by giving up some home runs.

The last good choice is Pedro Beato, who has been a successful mid-late innings guy.

All three of these pitchers have ERAs below 3.40 and WHIPs below 1.35, which is excellent.

Which is another benefit of the K-Rod trade. One of these three has the chance to establish himself on the Mets roster as a great closer. With some luck, they could turn out to be very successful for the team—at a much cheaper price.