The Mets Get Shawn Green

Necro

NEW YORK -- The Mets believe they have addressed their offensive shortfall that has developed since the trade of Xavier Nady 22 days ago. They have acquired left-handed-hitting veteran right fielder Shawn Green and cash from the Diamondbacks for Minor League pitcher Evan MacLane.
The acquisition of Green came Tuesday night, with the Mets' regular left fielder Cliff Floyd assigned to the disabled list, rookie outfielder Lastings Milledge distinguishing himself neither at bat nor in the field, and the Mets outfield not producing as they had before Nady was traded to the Pirates on July 31.

"I'm definitely excited for the opportunity," said Green. "I really like the Mets' chances to get into the postseason and get to the World Series, and at this stage of my career that was a big factor why I waived the no-trade. Because there's not many more chances for me left to have an opportunity like this."

To make room for Green on the roster, the Mets designated Victor Diaz for assignment.

Green's presence almost certainly will reduce Milledge's playing time and allow Willie Randolph to use Endy Chavez as he prefers to use him -- as a fourth outfielder, pinch-hitter and pinch-runnner. Green should provide increased extra-base production. He was batting batting .283 with 22 doubles, three triples and 11 home runs and 51 RBIs in 471 at-bats with the D-Backs this season.

Green is no longer a semblance of the player who averaged 38 home runs and 112 RBIs from 1998 through 2002. He had averaged 23 home runs and 81 RBIs from 2003 through last season.

Nady, who had 14 home runs and 40 RBIs in 265 at-bats with the Mets, was dealt in an exchange for Roberto Hernandez, who had pitched merely 5 2/3 innings in 23 games for the Mets through Monday, and left-handed pitcher Oliver Perez, who has pitched in the Minor Leagues exclusively since the deal. The bottom half of the Mets' order has been less productive without Nady and Floyd.

Green, 33, was in San Francisco with the D-Backs when he apparently learned of the trade. He was seen on the field hugging teammate Craig Counsell and a Diamondbacks coach at AT&T Park. He had been made aware of the possibility of a trade to the Mets because the D-Backs needed his approval to deal him because of a limited no-trade provision in his contract.

"There weren't any negotiations on my part [in waiving the no-trade clause]," Green said. "The factors were, one, I was happy in Arizona, but I understand the direction of the club is a little different. They've got some really talented young players. I understand on that situation."

The trade talks between the Mets and D-Backs began in earnest, a person familiar with them said, on Aug. 9 when the Mets assigned Floyd to the disabled list. The D-Backs contacted the Mets, having been made aware of the Mets' simmering interest in Green weeks earlier.

Green, a close friend of Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado -- they were Blue Jays teammates from 1993 through 1999 -- has one year and an option remaining on his contract. The Mets have assumed an $11.5 million obligation. Green is to earn $9.5 million next season. If the club doesn't exercise the $10 million option for the 2009 season, Green receives $2 million.

Blitzkrieg

Nice addition. He's not what he once was, but that spot was hurting them all year. He should stabelize it.

Necro

yah he's a boost, he's a decent player. Especially to get after the trade deadline

Danny Diamond

Founder/Admin

Do they get a bag of steriods with him, because he is fucking useless without them.

Necro

He's doing pretty decen this year. He's down in homeruns obviously but his average is the same as the last 4 or 5 years. His OBP is the same as the last 4 years. His double's are decent, RBI's on pace of last year. If you look at his stats he only had a stretch of about 4 years were he was really dominate. Otherwise he's not that great...

Dr. Giganto

He's actually doing better than i thought he was. I thought he was TOTALLY washed up. Turns out he's just a little bit washed up