MetsFail

Now that we’ve had a couple of days to digest the news of the Gary Matthews Jr. trade that sent Milton Bradley Lite to the Mets in exchange for Brian Stokes, we’re still not exactly sure on what to make of it. Most fan and media reactions have fallen long these lines:

A) Could be worse. Practically paying him nothing, practically gave up nothing, and at least we now have someone on the bench resembling a big league outfielder during Angel Pagan’s inevitible trip to the disabled list. Jose Valentin and Fernando Tatis were a couple of under-the-radar moves that prompted similar eye-rolling, but they worked out somewhat – what’s the worst that can happen?

B) Why’s this sound familiar… a washed up player tied to PEDs who complains about playing time despite raking in an eight-figure salary… oh, right. Omar apparently ignored GMJ’s steeply declining offensive production and defense and instead fondly remembered his juice-fueled career year of 2006 which, by the way, was a contract year. Thirty-five years old and a poor clubhouse fit. Omar should stick to signing Latino players like Jason Bay.

C) …..okay.

"Easy with the teeth!!"

So, is this a MetsFAIL? We feel that as of right now it’s impossible to tell. There’s no denying that GMJ is no longer a passable everyday option for the outfield in Beltran’s absence, and that his All-Star 2006 season was a complete aberration. On the other hand, Sarge Jr. might add a veteran presence for whom a change of scenery might be beneficial. GMJ might continue to harp publically about his lack of playing time, or he might feel rejuvenated at the prospect of auditioning as trade bait now that the albatross that is his contract is no longer a factor.

Personally, we hope that the head-scratching nature of this deal eventually just leads to shrugs. Unless Gary Matthews Jr. strings together a week of 4-for-5 games or commits two errors in a game against the Phils, the trade might be end up being inconsequential this season. And let’s face it, while Stokes had his moments his departure isn’t leaving an unfillable hole left in the bullpen.

When all’s said and done, we give this trade a MetsFAIL Projection Factor (MFPF) of 59%.