Mets Trade Rumors: A's Closer Grant Balfour A Good Fit?

The New York Mets seem to match up well with the Oakland Athletics for a possible trade that would send A’s closer Grant Balfour to the Big Apple, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.com:

The Athletics and Mets would seem to be a good match for a possible trade for Grant Balfour. The Mets are actively looking for relief help and Balfour has been throwing well of late. Plus, he has a contractual option for 2013, and Oakland is open to making deals now.

Ken Davidoff of The New York Post reported earlier this week that the Mets are looking outside the organization for bullpen help. Balfour was one of several pitchers Davidoff speculated New York would target, along with Brett Myers of the Houston Astros and Huston Street of the San Diego Padres.

Balfour, a 34 year-old righty, has nine seasons of professional experience across four clubs, including four seasons with the Rays, three with the Twins, two with the Athletics, and one with the Brewers. He has a career ERA of 3.47, but the past three seasons he's had ERAs of 2.28, 2.47, and 2.61. Balfour is mostly a strikeout pitcher, averaging 9.6 whiffs while allowing 4.0 walks every nine innings.

Balfour is making $4 million this season and his contract includes a $4.5 million team option for 2013 or a $350,000 buyout.