The Mets made a deal this morning with a very unlikely trade partner.They got in contact with their crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees and traded L.J Mazzilli for outfielder Kendall Coleman.
Mazzilli, who is 27 years old is the son of former major league player and manager Lee Mazzilli. What makes this news today interesting is that Lee Mazzilli spent time with both the Mets and Yankees, actually earning World Series rings with both organizations.
LJ Mazzilli who was a former baseball star at UCONN, has been a longtime farmhand in the Mets organization.
Both Mazzilli and Coleman have had disappointing minor league careers with their respective teams. Maybe a change in scenery is just what the doctor ordered.
A few hours later, the Mets announced that they were calling up one of their top pitching prospects, Corey Oswalt.
As I type this, speculations abound on who will be sent down to make room for Oswalt. Noah Syndergaard did develop a blister last night so maybe there is a 10 day DL stint in his future.
What seems more likely is Paul Sewald being sent down. Ever since Wally Backman Mickey Callaway had Sewald throw 55 pitches in an outing he hasn’t appeared in a game.
The Mets may just be utilizing the ten-day DL to their benefit in an attempt to keep their pitchers fresh.
Whatever the case, I’ll update the post as soon as I learn what the corresponding move to Oswalt’s promotion is.
**UPDATE**
The corresponding move is Brandon Nimmo being sent down to Triple A. Well, I wasn’t expecting that. Nimmo has played well in limited time this season. I guess they feel Lagares’ defense is more valuable.
As a parting gift, here are all the trades the Mets and Yankees have made over the years.
History of Yankees-Mets trades
Dec. 19, 2014: Yankees purchase Gonzalez Germen from Mets
Dec. 3, 2004: Mets trade Mike Stanton to Yankees for Felix Heredia
July 16, 2003: Yankees trade Ryan Bicondoa, Jason Anderson and Anderson Garcia to Mets for Armando Benitez
Dec. 7, 2001: Yankees trade David Justice to Mets for Robin Ventura
Sept. 17, 1993: Yankees trade Kenny Greer to Mets for Frank Tanana
June 9, 1992: Mets trade Tim Burke to Yankees for Lee Guetterman
July 10, 1989: Mets trade Marcus Lawton to Yankees for Scott Nielsen
Dec. 11, 1987: Yankees trade Steve Frey, Phil Lombardi and Darren Reed to Mets for Victor Garcia and Rafael Santana
April 18, 1983: Yankees trade Tucker Ashford to Mets for a player to be named later and Steve Ray. Mets sent Felix Perdomo to Yankees to complete trade
April 1, 1980: Yankees purchase Marshall Brant from Mets
Dec. 9, 1977: Yankees trade Sergio Ferrer to Mets for Roy Staiger
July, 1972: As part of a 3-team trade, Yankees send Tommie Sheppard to Expos. Expos send Dave McDonald to Mets
June 28, 1967: Mets purchase Hal Reniff from Yankees
June 15, 1966: Mets purchase Bob Friend from Yankees