So Long Ryan Church, Hello Jeff Francoeur

I always thought Ryan Church would break out into a solid, reliable player. If he didn't have those concussions last year, I think he would have been a different player. I think he got a raw deal in New York and I hate to think of any Mets player going to the Braves and haunting us for years to come.

Here's the word from Buster Olney at ESPN:

Mets Trade Rumors; Jarrod Washburn

Now the rumor mill is really churning. Buster Olney of ESPN.com just posted the idea that the Mets might be interested in Mariners' pitcher, Jarrod Washburn, and how it might be the right fit for the Mets.

Washburn has been linked in trade rumors to the Yankees and other teams, but this is the first I've heard of him being linked to the Mets. To me, this doesn't make much sense. Now Washburn is a solid 4 or 5 starter, but his stat line is unimpressive (+4 ERA, 67 K's in 110+ innings, etc.).

I guess the idea would be that Washburn could add some depth to the rotation with John Maine's current status up in the air and the fact that you don't know how long Pedro Martinez can stay healthy. I wouldn't want to give up any major prospects for Washburn, but I'd throw Marlon Anderson at the M's if they'd take him.

Right now I'm hoping the Mets are focused on the bullpen. You can't have too much pitching, but I'm not crazy about Jarrod Washburn.

To read Buster Olney's commentary, click here.