In his first major move as the man in charge in Seattle, Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik has dealt closer J.J. Putz to the New York Mets in a three-team, 12 player deal that also includes the Cleveland Indians.
In exchange for Putz, reliever Sean Green, and outfielder Jeremy Reed, the Mariners will receive relief pitcher Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez, first baseman Mike Carp, left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas, right-handed pitcher Maikel Cleto, and minor league outfielder Ezequiel Carrera from the Mets.
To Continue...
The Cleveland Indians also sent outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to the Mariners. In the blockbuster deal, the Indians get reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and promising second-base prospect Luis Valbuena from the Mariners. In the deal, the Mariners receive seven players, the Mets three and the Indians just two. Perhaps the gem of the trade for the Mariners is outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, 25, who many consider to be a top-notch defensive outfielder with a high ceiling.
The dealing of Putz creates new questions about the role of flame-thrower Brandon Morrow, who ended last season as a starter, but may now be forced back into a relief role with the 2009 Mariners.
