Something tells me years from now, Matt Harvey being traded to the Cincinnati Reds won’t be lamented by Met fans like Tom Seaver being traded, almost 41 years ago.
No this isn’t an ace going to the Big Red Machine, instead it’s a fallen star being shipped to baseball Siberia, as Harvey tries to resurrect his career in the true basement of the National League and in a ballpark that’s conducive to the home run.
And if you are thinking like me, that the Mets wanted to stick it to Harvey, Cincinnati isn’t exactly known as the city that doesn’t sleep. It’s more like the one with a midnight curfew.
But trading Harvey for catcher Devin Mesoraco makes it even a better for the Amazin’s. Since Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki went down in the span of 24 hours, the catching position has been an offensive black hole, manned by barely a major leaguer, Jose Lobaton and not ready for primetime prospect Tomas Nido.
Sure, Mesoraco isn’t Mike Piazza coming to New York in 1998 or even Gary Carter in 1985. In fact, the guy they are getting is basically another d’Arnaud, who had a lot of promise early – including an All-Star appearance in 2014 – and injuries the last three years.
Even this year, in 18 games, Mesoraco is only hitting .220 with a homer and three RBI in 45 at-bats. But remember the Mets are paying him the same $4.6 million they would have eaten if they didn’t trade Harvey by Saturday.
So, this is a low risk and high reward move. Maybe Mesoraco can re-find his old form playing for a new team with some of his old friends like Jay Bruce and Todd Frazier. Maybe, the Mets can catch lightning in a bottle until Plawecki comes back. It’s certainly possible.
And it’s possible, Harvey finds himself as a Red. He learns how to pitch with the stuff he has left and being in the small ballpark helps him throw more grounders. And maybe, the lack of a nightlife helps him stay at home and concentrate on his profession.
It could work out for all. Or it could blow up in everyone’s face. That’s the risk of these change of scenery trades. They might work out, but probably won’t.
The best news for both sides is that both Harvey and Mesoraco are free agents at the end of the year. Now both players have a chance to show they aren’t washed up.
For Mesoraco, he needs to show that he can fill the Mets black hole behind the plate and that position is no longer an automatic out.
But for Harvey, he needs to become a pitcher again. His ERA needs to be under 5 and he needs to show he just isn’t a batting practice pitcher anymore.
One thing’s for certain though, he won’t be missed in New York. No matter how he does, 41 years from now, Met fans won’t lament the date May 8, 2018.
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