Former Met Prospect Update: Jason Isringhausen

Patrick Andriola at Gotham Baseball, writes about Jason Isringhausen and how the Mets had no idea what they had:

The Mets thought that Jason Isringhausen was a busted prospect, so thought nothing of it when they dealt him for the legendary Billy Taylor. There was no reason then to complain when Armando Benitez was blowing saved, because Isringhausen was busy becoming a two-time All-Star closer. Ever since he’s left the Mets, David Weathers has become a solid middle reliever and now a good closer. There are other notable names that the Mets gave up on during the past decade or two: Paul Byrd, Carl Everett, Jeff Kent, Jay Payton, Pete Walker, and others that escaped he grasps of the Mets minors to join the farm of another organization.

I forgot all about this one. Isringhausen has a 1.80 ERA, 11 strike outs and 10 saves for the cardinals this year. Definitely a cheaper closer than Wagner (not that I'm complaining). Looking at all these passed by Prospects, makes me a little depressed.

Former Met Prospect Update: Jason Bay

Patrick Andriola at Gotham Baseball, writes about Jason Bay an dhow the Mets just let him go:

When the Mets were making a late playoff run in the summer of 2002, most fans were happy with the acquisition of Steve Reed. Reed threw sidearm and baffled hitters with New York, tallying a 2.08 ERA in 26 innings. But for those 26 innings during a playoff run that never amounted to anything, the Mets gave up a minor league outfielder they thought was extra baggage. That outfielder has become All-Star slugger Jason Bay, who hit 35 homers last season.

Bay is currently with the Pirates (if you didn't know) and hitting .289, with 5 home runs and 24 runs batted in. This trade has got to be filed under the "If I knew then, what I know now" section of the Mets front office. It wasn't a bad trade at the time, but man, it almost seems like the Kazmir trade now. To only get 26 innings out of a reliever, before he left for greener pasture and give up a prospect like Bay just seems ridiculous. But what are you going to do?

Two Former Mets compete for closer

Yahoo Sports (writer not sited) is reporting in an article titled, Marlins:'Closer in Camp' on the competition for the clubs closer role. Two of the candidates are former Mets prospects Henry Owens and Matt Lindstrom. Both pitchers were traded on 11/20/06 to the Marlins for Jason Vargas and Adam Bostick.

Marlins: 'Closer is in camp'Wednesday, Feb 7, 2007 2:45 pm EST

Florida Marlins general manager Larry Beinfest has admitted the club failed in its quest to fill needs at closer and center field during the offseason.

But he also feels the team does have a closer in camp. The candidates – TaylorTankersley, Ricky Nolasco, Henry Owens and Matt Lindstrom – have a combinedthree major league saves.There's still a chance Florida might try to deal for San Francisco Giants closer Armando Benitez.