The New York Times is reporting that the Mets have had discussions with the Astros about closer Jose Valverde (as well as Huston Street, Bobby Jenks and JJ Putz).
The Mets balked at the idea of sending Pedro Feliciano and Aaron Heilman for Huston Street a few days ago. So you can bet the same offer could be on the table for the Astros. I would imagine the Mets would be more amenable to offering both players for the NL Saves leader. Heilman made $1.2 million last year, Feliciano made $1.025 million.
The Astros are also apparently interested in former Pirates prospect John van Benschoten and converting him from pitcher to hitter (because it seems to be working out pretty well for Brian Bogusevic). JvB doesn't want to do it, but I imagine he wants to play professional baseball more than he wants to not pitch. John van Benschoten (Ben-sko-tin) is 6'4" and 217 lbs and led the NCAA with 31 homers for Kent State, and was the Pirates' 1st round draft choice in 2001.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
