The Mets season may be ending sooner than we anticipated, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make deals that help them in the short and long term at the deadline. Back on June 17th, I mentioned Myers as a possibility for the Mets. It made sense since he is inexpensive both in terms of dollars and prospects and there is a mutual option for $8 million dollars in 2011. There continues to be reports the Mets are less inclined to give away prospects for a short term solution this year. Even though Roy Oswalt and Dan Haren are signed past 2010 they would cost a great deal in terms of talent. The one name that may be most affordable is Brett Myers.

Before we get into the off the field antics let’s look at it from a pitching standpoint. This season has been one of best of his career pitching to an ERA+ of 123 (6-6 record, 3.35 ERA). Even more impressive is the stingy 2.48 ERA in that ridiculous ballpark down in Houston. Myers has pitched in bandboxes his entire career and would certainly benefit from innings at Citi Field. Of course there is the intangible of Myers desire to show the Phillies they made a mistake in letting him go. How ironic the Phils are searching for a starting pitcher when one of their own is excelling somewhere else. For his career Myers record as a starter is 75-63 with a 4.34 ERA.

How does this fit into next year? The Mets will be searching for a starting pitching this offseason. Forget Cliff Lee since it’s not going to happen. You are probably looking at one of Ted Lilly, Bronson Arroyo, Javier Vazquez, and Jon Garland. The market is so difficult to predict during these economic times that I can’t say for sure which pitcher will be a bargain. Myers at one year/$8 million in 2011 gives you a solid veteran starter for a reasonable price. I am not sure any of those pitchers will sign for less than three years.

Off the field Myers is a conundrum. He has a checkered past with an incident with his wife in Boston. There was also the time his son wore a confederate flag to the Phillies spring training facility. With that said there is still a lot to like about Myers- as Bill Baer of Crashburn Alley points out - regarding his work ethic and team first mentality. Sometimes a player with a little edge can be a good thing if properly channeled. The bottom line is about winning.

I am not sure what the cost of Brett Myers turns out to be. If it’s anything higher than a couple of lower level prospects I would be inclined to pass, especially since I am unsure the Mets will be in contention for anything much longer. If the two teams can come together for a match I think it makes a ton of sense for the Mets to acquire Myers for both this year and next.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Brett Myers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies