2008-2009 Hot Stove Report

December 12, 2008: Scott Schoeneweis traded to the Diamondbacks for Connor Robertson.
My take: Probably not a bad idea to get out of New York after taking the loss on the last game played at Shea Stadium. With the additions of K-Rod and Putz, I imagine Schoeneweis won't be the only Mets reliever to find a new home. Hopefully, the hitter-friendly Chase Field won't present too much of a challenge for Scott. If Bob Melvin is indeed Jewish, that makes this trade a little sexier for us. And if Mike Koplove ever returns, we could see some double-barreled action in the pen. Also, Josh Whitesell is a young up-and-comer who should be on your radar.

January 6, 2009: Jason Marquis traded to the Rockies for Luis Vizcaino.
My take: A perplexing trade from the Cubs, but then they're the Cubs. Coors Field is notoriously a hitter's ballpark, but Marquis has pitched surprisingly well there in his career. In 4 starts at Coors, he is 3-0 with a 2.02 ERA in 26 innings. The fact that the ball carries like crazy in Colorado should pay dividends when Marquis is at the plate. Hopefully, it won't adversely affect him on the mound. At any rate, he'll have to rely on his sinker more than ever. On the Cubs, Marquis was the 5th starter. On the Rockies, look for him to be moved up in the rotation. Interesting to note that he could be pitching alongside Jason Hirsh.