Mets take first steps in moving Bartolo Colon
Mets starting pitcher Bartolo Colon throws against the Seattle Mariners in the fifth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, July 23, 2014 in Seattle. Credit: AP
The Mets have reportedly taken the first step in a potential trade of Bartolo Colon.
The veteran righthander, according to a FoxSports.com report, has been placed on revocable waivers. If the 41-year-old goes unclaimed, the Mets would be free to trade him to any club looking for pitching.
Such a scenario is possible, according to rival executives.
However, there are factors also working against a deal.
The pitching-starved Angels appear to be the best fit for Colon, but under waiver rules, they would have the lowest priority in event of multiple claims.
A rival team such as the A's could easily make a claim simply to block a deal.
In event of a claim, the Mets could let another team absorb the remainder of Colon's two-year, $20-million contract. The Mets also could work out a trade with the claiming team or simply pull Colon off waivers, thus keeping him under team control.
However, the Mets appear unlikely to let Colon walk. According to people with knowledge of the team's thinking, the Mets perhaps would be comfortable trading Colon in the winter, especially because his $11-million price tag is an attractive number for a mid-rotation starter.
While rival executives believe a claim is unlikely, others place the odds closer to 50-50.
Colon is scheduled to start Sunday against the Dodgers after missing the last week on the bereavement list following the death of his mother. Colon is 11-10 with a 3.85 ERA.
Extra bases
Shortstop Wilmer Flores was back in the starting lineup Saturday night, one day after he committed two errors and was spiked on his right throwing hand . . . Lefthander Scott Rice will begin throwing in November after having a bone spur removed and a nerve relocated in his elbow.
