"All Systems Go" For Putz

The Mets officially introduced J.J. Putz to the media today. Putz, the former Mariners closer, was acquired from Seattle on December 10th. For details of the trade click here.

Putz was presented with a number 40 jersey. He wore number 20 with the Mariners, I'm not sure why he changed, but it's not a big deal.

Putz made two trips to the disabled list last season. One with a hyperextended pitching elbow, and another with right torso inflammation. When asked about the status of his injuries, he said he has been throwing and working out on his off-season program for a few weeks and that everything felt just fine. Putz added, "it's all systems go."

The Mets new setup man seemed excited to pitch in the spotlight in the big city. He displayed a cool, calm, and collected demeanor.

One thing I'm excited about is that Putz is somewhat of a prankster. Putz mentioned that he was a fan of shaving cream pies and that plenty of those will be handed out this season. He even commented that he would get SNY's Kevin Burkhardt with a pie.

This is exactly the type of thing the Mets need, some fun to lighten things up during a long season. I look forward to seeing Putz sneak up on an unsuspecting teammate with a towel full of shaving cream after a big win.

To see videos from the press conference and Putz's interview with Kevin Burkhardt click here.

Mets Acquire Putz, Solidify Bullpen

Late Wednesday night the Mets picked up another piece for their bullpen puzzle. Former Mariners closer J.J. Putz is a now a member of the New York Mets.

The trade, which suddenly emerged on the forefront of rumors at about 9 P.M. eastern time Wednesday, also involved the Cleveland Indians.

The Mets have already signed free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez, so Putz will serve as the 8th inning setup man. This now turns the Mets bullpen from the worst in the majors to one of the best.

Putz struggled with injuries last season but previously was dominate for Seattle. In 2007, Putz posted a 1.38 ERA with a 0.70 WHIP and 82 strikeouts against just 13 walks (10.30 K/9, 6.30 K/BB).

The 6-foot-5, 250 pound Putz is under contract for 2009 and has an option for 2010.

Here are the details of the three team, twelve player trade:

Mets Receive:

RHP J.J. Putz

RHP Sean Green

OF Jeremy Reed (all from Seattle)

Mariners Receive:

OF Franklin Gutierrez (from Cleveland)

RHP Aaron Heilman (from New York)

OF Endy Chavez (from NYM)

1B Mike Carp (from NYM/Class AA)

LHP Jason Vargas (from NYM/AAA)

RHP Maikel Cleto (from NYM/A)

OF Ezequiel Carrera (from NYM/A)

Indians Receive:

RHP Joe Smith (from NYM)

INF Luis Valbuena (from Seattle/AAA)

Mets fans will be sorry to see Endy Chavez leave, meanwhile I'm sure many of those same fans are at Aaron Heilman's house now ready to take him to the airport. More on this and analysis of the trade will come later.