(The Spread) – The New York Mets traded closer Francisco Rodriguez to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night, in what could be the first of many moves for the potential deadline sellers.
As part of the deal, the Brewers acquired cash from the Mets in exchange for two players to be named later. The Brewers were expected to move K-Rod into a setup role, because John Axford is their closer. But manager Ron Roenicke came out and said that Rodriguez and Axford will share the closer’s role.
Axford is 2-2 on the year with a 2.83 ERA and has converted 23 of his 25 save opportunities. Rodriguez has posted similar numbers, converting 23 of his 26 save opportunities while posting a 2-2 record and a 3.16 ERA.
Meanwhile, many people expect the Mets to eventually deal outfielder Carlos Beltran. In fact, Giants closer Brian Wilson even hinted after Tuesday night’s All-Star Game that his club is in talks with the Mets regarding Beltran.
“I guess we’re in talks with them about Beltran,” Wilson said following the game. “Just another perennial hitter. Could only help out a squad. I think we’ve got a pretty good team already. We are in first place.”
When Wilson was asked to clarify his statements, the closer smiled and said, “I didn’t say that. I said I heard a rumor that someone’s interested.” But his comments are interesting given that Bruce Bochy chose Beltran to start in Tuesday night’s game and generally seems to like the right fielder.
According to online sports book Bodog, the Mets are 125/1 long shots to win the 2011 World Series, while the Giants are 16/1. New York is also 60/1 to win the 2011 NL Pennant, while San Francisco is 7/1.
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