Gary Matthews Juicer

Omar Minaya is one of the worst talent evaluators in MLB. The Gary Matthews Jr. trade doesn't get enough attention because of the dollars at stake, but I think it is just as inexcusable as the Oliver Perez signing. The Mets placed Matthews on release waivers as of Friday. If another team claims him within 72 hours he will play for that team; otherwise, the Mets will cut him today. I think we can all easily predict the outcome for a 35-year-old batting .190 in his part time role.

Matthews was named in the Mitchell Report for allegedly receiving shipments of human growth hormone in 2004, but he denied he used HGH. His best season came for the Rangers in 2006 when he hit .313 with 19 homers and 79 RBIs, leading to his big free agency contract. Matthews signed a 5-year $50 million deal in 2007 with the Angels. Isn't it convenient that his breakout season coincided with free agency? The Angels are one of the best franchises in MLB, but this deal will live on as a bruise to their reputation as Matthews never had a productive season before 2006.

After finding out about Carlos Beltran's knee surgery this January, the Mets traded RHP Brian Stokes for Matthews. The Angels are on the hook for $21.5 million of the $23.5 million owed to Matthews. The Angels received Stokes, who was a perfectly serviceable and cheap reliever in the NL last year.

The other SAFO writers can attest to our readers that I threw up all over this trade in January. I know we're only talking about $2 million (plus the cost of replacing Stokes), but if you run a sports franchise, how can you justify giving away something (i.e. Stokes and $2 million) for nothing (i.e. Matthews and his .257 career avg)? I always thought Pagan would be Beltran's replacement, and he has proven his ability to start CF for just about any MLB team.

Farewell Gary Matthews Juicer...don't let the door hit you on the way out. Hopefully another NL East team will be just as unfortunate to sign you.