The Mets Like Tom Gorzelanny

The signing of Kerry Wood figures to create a domino theory for the Chicago Cubs. The first domino to fall is that Andrew Cashner in all likelihood will move into the starting rotation, as Wood replaces Cashner as the eighth inning set up man. With Andrew Cashner going into the rotation, it is beginning to look as if Tom Gorzelanny will not be with the Chicago Cubs when the season starts on April 1st.

The Cubs were believed to be aggressively shopping Gorzelanny at the Winter Meetings last week, and they had conversations with the Detroit Tigers about a possible trade that would net the Cubs Armando Galarraga in exchange for Gorzelanny. Thankfully, the Cubs did not pull the trigger on that deal, as Gorzelanny figures to have much more value than a mediocre fifth starter at best. The fact that Gorzelanny is under team control for the next two years, and is a cheap option for teams looking for an effective starter figures to increase his trade value. Which brings us to the New York Mets, who have targeted Tom Gorzelanny through trade.

Mike Puma, of the New York Post, reports that Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson has inquired on Gorzelanny, who would be an ideal fit in the Mets tight budget. Gorzelanny’s ability to strikeout batters is the reason why the Mets have targeted him to be in rotation that depends on batted balls for outs. Last season, Gorzelanny had a record of 7-9 with an ERA of 4.09 with a K/9 ratio of 7.86.

No names have been discussed as far as who would come to the Chicago Cubs. One option, albeit unlikely, could be Luis Castillo. The Mets have essentially been trying to trade Castillo for the past two seasons. Castillo is set to make $6MM in the final year of his contract. At 35, Castillo struggled with injuries and poor production as he only appeared in 86 games with the Mets last season. Castillo struggled mightily as he hit .235/.337/.267 in 247 at bats. Those numbers are well off his career averages which are .290/.368/.351.  If the Cubs were to acquire Castillo, he would only be a short term answer for the Cubs. As top infielder prospect Hak-Ju Lee could very well be ready in 2012, which would then force either Starlin Castro or Lee to move over to second base.

In the past, the Cubs have been interested in Mets’ pitching prospects Robert Carson, Kyle Allen, and Jeurys Familia .

The Chicago Cubs would be better off trading Tom Gorzelanny, as he really is not a fit for them in the 2011 season. You also have figure into the equation that the Cubs will likely add another starting pitcher this winter, possibly Brandon Webb or Matt Garza. So, trading Gorzelanny now when his value is relatively high seems like a good idea for the Chicago Cubs.