For better or worse, Aaron Heilman is no longer a New York Met.

And, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, all we have to show for it is J.J. Putz:



Putz is a big addition and fresh face for the Mets bullpen. He gives the Mets a strong reliever and backup plan for the closer's role. And the pressure of a comeback from an injury-ridden 2008 is less since Putz will initially serve as a set-up man, not a closer.

BUT... did the Mets pay too much?

Heilman's value was pennies on the dollar and his former #1 draft pick potential has long since been exhausted. Joe Smith was a right-handed specialist reliever and, although effective, is replaceable. Mike Carp wasn't exactly making Carlos Delgado quiver in fear for his job security. No huge losses there.

Endy... don't let anyone tell you that Jeremy Reed is a replacement for Chavez in the outfield. He's not. His defense doesn't come anywhere close. The bats are a push (they both won't blow you away with their offense), but that's a downgrade on the Mets part.

At the end of Wednesday, the Mets have a closer and a reliever who can get batters on both sides of the plate out. It's felt like forever since I've been able to say that.

Win, win. Keep it up, Minaya.