Now Catching, Johnny Estrada

Torrealba is out and Johnny Estrada is in. I think this is an excellent move.

Let me, however, start off by saying, I have not changed my mind about LoDuca. Given the way he plays the game, his heart, drive and determination, the fire he has when he plays, I would have stayed with Paulie. Obviously that was not the Mets thinking. They wanted to get younger at that position and clearly felt LoDuca’s best days were behind him.

Given that attitude, I still was not big on Torrealba. Now, Estrada on the other hand is someone I can accept playing behind the plate. His best days may be behind him but certainly he has had some good offensive numbers. Also, given the fact that Castillo is signed and the ideal number two hiter, that spot would not be available for LoDuca and Estrada is probably a better number 6 hitter.

The best part of the deal, of course, is both what the Mets did not have to give up and perhaps even better, what they did have to give up. None of the young prospects were traded away. They kept those bargaining chips available for pitching (and once again, I do hope they truly address that need). The Mets did have to trade Guermillo Mota.

Two years ago, when Mota came to New York, he looked like he had resurrected his career. Aside from post season, when he came in, he would get the job done. Then came the steroids issue and a very professional response from Mota that endeared him more to me. Unfortunately, ultimately he came back.

I do not know if it was the steroids that made him so effective when he came over and without them he was not longer the pitcher he had been the year before, or if it was something else, but Mota clearly was not the same. Maybe he just never got in shape. Maybe he just lost his step. Whatever it was, Mota was terrible last year. Fans hated seeing him come in and Willie, apparently loved bringing him in (that one is still a mystery). Yes, towards the end of the season, no one from the pen got the job done, but even before that, Willie kept bringing Mota in, when other relievers were much more effective.

Now, not only do the Mets have a catcher (and some rumors that Estrada may actually be used in a bigger move), they also got rid of a liability. All around, I would say this is a good move.

PS A happy Thanksgiving to all and now with the Holiday season officially upon us, I wish you all the happiest, healthiest and most joyous of Holidays.