FanPost

Mets to Get Ishii?

Sorry for three diaries in a row, but this seems like important news, given the flurry of discussion around here lately about the Mets' rotation. Looks like help might be on the way for Los Mets:

The Mets, in need of a fifth starter after losing Steve Trachsel to a back injury for at least three months, are in serious negotiations with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii, according to a person close to the talks.

The Mets would trade the backup catcher Jason Phillips for Ishii, the person said. Phillips is hitting a team-leading .550 this spring (11 for 20), with a home run, four doubles and nine runs batted in. He slumped badly last season, after a solid first season with the Mets.

The Dodgers are badly in need of a starting catcher after trading Paul Lo Duca last season.

Ishii, 13-8 with a 4.71 earned run average last season, pitched 172 innings and started 31 games. But he has averaged nearly 102 walks in his three seasons with the Dodgers.

So, two questions: First, who would the Mets' backup catcher be if they trade Phillips? And second, can one of you stat-heads do one of those neat workups on Ishii's past numbers & current projections?

This FanPost was contributed by a member of the community and was not subject to any vetting or approval process.