Mets Get Putz in Blockbuster Deal

Occasionally trade rumors do come to fruition and late Wednesday night was one of those times. The Mets acquired Mariners closer J.J. Putz in a huge 3 team, 12 player deal. In addition to the Mets and Mariners, the Indians jumped into the fray, getting reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.

In addition to Putz, who will now set up for Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets also picked up M's center fielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green. Reed will serve as a reserve outfielder, while Green will pitch out of the pen and can be used for spot starts.

The Mariners received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who will most likely be their new center fielder, from the Indians, and Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Mike Carp, Maikel Cleto, Ezequiel Carrera, and Jason Vargas from the Mets.

Heilman wore out his welcome in New York with his performances the last 2 seasons as well as constant whining about wanting to start. He'll probably finally get the chance in Seattle, with Brandon Morrow now the heir-apparent for the closer's role.