Deadline rumblings

As Monday's 4 PM trade deadline fast approaches, here's a couple of points that Fred really wants Omar to keep track of:

1) Trading Milledge or Pelfrey for Zito is definitely a no-go. The guy's a nine week rental. I'd love to sign him in the offseason, but to give up someone who can be an immediate impact player at $400K for the next 3 years is madness. Not to mention both of these guys have the talent to turn this trade into a Kazmir-redux.

2) Trading Heilman (and, if necessary, B-level prospects) for a Zito rental makes a lot of sense. Heilman's not excelling in his assigned role, 7th or 8th inning set-up man. He's clearly unhappy with being passed over 99-or-so times for a spot in the starting rotation. He requested a trade last winter if the Mets wouldn't start him. His unhappiness is clearly affecting his performance. His low salary, relative youth, good overall track record, and long-term potential make him attractive to other teams. Most importantly, the Mets will lose him as soon as he's able to test free agency. As Heilman said, "It's one of those things that, until you get to 10-and-5 [veto power over trades], I don't think you're ever fully comfortable with where you're at." Dave Lennon translates that statement nicely for us in Newsday: "it's not as if Heilman is feeling any special attachment to the Mets these days." Get something for him while you can.

3) Get Willis for Milledge. I still refuse to believe the Marlins would be dumb enough to trade him, given his relatively attractive contract, his age, and his already proven major-league track record. But if they want to offload his $4Million salary for Milledge, Humber and, say, Bannister, we'd be happy to accomodate them. I'll trade youth for youth when the incoming player is locked up for 3 years and already has the track-record of being a top-tier major league power pitcher.

4) If we make the trades that are being rumored, like Heilman-Milledge-Maine for Zito, you will all be fired post haste. Going after Maddux would also be not helpful. What's the guy's ERA since his magnificent April ended? I'll answer that: 6.03. He's done. Sure, you wouldn't have to give up much for him, but there's probably a really good reason for that. Besides, let's give Maine and Pelfrey the innings and save the pen another 5-inning starter.