The Trolley Dodger

Inevitably, the New York rags began their critiques this morning of Mets GM Omar Minaya’s failure at grabbing Barry Zito. Pitcher names are randomly sprinkled across all of these columns, but they all mention Dodger Brad Penny.

Newsday has two articles on the topic, both of which are trying to out-do each other for most tortuously artificial headline.

“SF rolls 7; Mets say: No dice” by Anthony Rieber.

Minaya will explore trade possibilities, and pitchers such as Brad Penny of the Dodgers, Joe Blanton and Rich Harden of the A’s and Javier Vazquez and Jon Garland of the White Sox might be available. So far, the price has been too steep, and the Mets might not want to part with Pelfrey, Humber or outfielder Lastings Milledge for any pitcher they’re not in love with.

“No joy in Metville; Omar has struck out” by Ken Davidoff

As for trade options, to get a Brad Penny, Jon Garland or Dan Haren, the Mets would have to take away from the very stash of young pitchers to which they now point as an asset. And it’s not certain the price will drop.

Dan Granziano over at the Star-Ledger has the relatively modestly punned “Minaya needs to find ace in empty deck” headline and a small mention of Penny on the second page.

The Old Gray Lady, concealing her story behind a useless registration system, has the straightforward “After Again Not Landing Pitcher, Mets May Test the Trade Market” from Ben Shpigel (who seems to missing a vowel):

Minaya repeated yesterday that he would be fine beginning the season with the rotation as currently constituted. But to keep up with teams like the Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minaya figures to redouble his efforts at trading for an impact pitcher.

Of pitchers who fit that bill, the Dodgers’ Brad Penny may be available, but he has had injury problems. The San Diego Padres are not inclined to trade Jake Peavy. If the Florida Marlins’ Dontrelle Willis is made available, it would be a safe bet that Minaya would pursue him.

“I don’t believe championships are put together and won in December,” Minaya said as he geared up for more work on the phones.

They can be lost any month, however.

The Daily News has the lame “Pursuing Zito, Mets net zero”.

The Post subtly screams “GIANTS LAND ZITO / CAN’T RIP METS FOR SAYING NO TO BARRY”.

That rounds out the Penny mentions, but neither sounds particularly sold on the idea.

I’ve got to guess that unless the Mets have a tradable 3B or corner outfielder power bat stashed in a freezer somewhere, it ain’t gonna happen.