Mets Acquire Lo Duca

by FLATigersFan on Dec 4, 2005 8:54 PM EST in Detroit Tigers News

So much for the Pudge to New York rumors:

The wheeling-and-dealing New York Mets crossed another need off their 2006 wish list, acquiring All-Star catcher Paul Lo Duca from the Florida Marlins in exchange for two minor league pitchers, the New York Daily News reported on its Web site.

It would be the second deal between the Mets and Marlins this offseason, with Florida sending slugging first baseman Carlos Delgado to New York last month. The Mets also signed free-agent closer Billy Wagner, giving Mets general manager Omar Minaya a player at every postition he said was a priority.

Lo Duca, 33, was an All-Star in each of the past three seasons. He will be taking the place of Mike Piazza, a sure Hall of Fame player and, like Lo Duca, a former Dodger. Lo Duca hit .283 with six homers and 57 RBI for the Marlins in 2005.

The Mets will send 19-year-old right-hander Gabriel Hernandez and another minor leaguer pitcher to be named, the Daily News reported.

I believe it was a longshot...but it was still fun to speculate the Tigers sending their outspoken (allegedly) catcher to New York in return for some pitching talent. It looks like Pudge will be back in the catchers gear next year in Detroit, that is unless another rumors comes up anytime soon.

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