Oswalt, Barajas, Murphy: Do the Mets Have Options?

Let's tackle this one at a time...

First, Roy Oswalt has formally requested a trade from the Houston Astros, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.  Once this was reported I think every Met fan had the same reaction...go get him.  The problem with this is that the Mets would have to overcome a bunch of road blocks to get this done.  The first roadblock is Oswalt's full no-trade clause, and his preference to be dealt to the Braves, Cardinals or Rangers, according to mlbtraderumors.  The second roadblock would be getting a package together that the Astros would find acceptable for Oswalt, and that won't be easy.  And the third potential roadblock is Oswalt's contract.  If the Mets have been so hesistant to drop Cashstealo, GMJ, and Perez...what would let anyone believe they would be willing (or even able) to pick up a contract that would include $16 million next season.  From a talent standpoint, and a need standpoint, this is a no-brainer for the Mets.  If Oswalt is willing to come to NY, and the Mets can make the deal without giving up Davis or Mejia, and the team is able to pick up the contract then there is no reason they shouldn't jump on this opportunity.  But that is a whole lot of if's...

In an article by T.J. Sullivan and Chris Cox for MLB.com, the Rangers are looking at Rod Barajas as a possible deadline addition.  The big issue with that is that the Mets would have to be sellers, which I don't think would happen until the possible moment, if it happens at all.  Although, I do like the idea of getting something at the deadline for Barajas, should they fall completely out of it...

And now on the Daniel Murphy front, Metsblog reported here, that he went 2-3 with a homer in his rehab start for St. Lucie.  Murphy was playing first base.  I don't know if this is because the Mets are going to try to use him as trade bait or if it's because they don't want to try him out at second base just yet...but I hope they consider using him at second, or find a place where he can play because I think Murphy has more value than people think.

Interesting stuff...