Ishii to Mets for Philips: possibly

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03/18/2005 10:43 PM ET
Mets, Dodgers talking Ishii deal
By Marty Noble / MLB.com 

Kaz Ishii went 13-8 for the Dodgers in 2004. (Toru Takahashi/AP)
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PORT ST. LUCIE -- Less than two days after they learned Steve Trachsel had opted for back surgery and definitely would miss the first half of the season, the Mets are on the verge of filling the void caused by Trachsel's herniated disc. The club was close to obtaining Japanese pitcher Kaz Ishii from the Dodgers and making its rotation whole again.
A person familiar with the talks between the two clubs confirmed Friday night the Mets would move reserve catcher Jason Phillips for the 31-year-old left-handed pitcher who has won 36 games in his three-year tour in the Major Leagues.

Despite control problems -- 98 walks in 172 innings -- and an ERA significantly higher than the league norm and team average, Ishii last year produced a 13-8 record, winning one more game than Trachsel. He made 31 starts, two fewer than Trachsel and pitched nearly 31 fewer innings.

The Mets had become concerned that the loss of Trachsel would not only leave them with a less formidable rotation but also increase the strain on their thin bullpen. None of the three in-house candidates -- Matt Ginter, Jae Seo and Aaron Heilman -- was nearly so accomplished as Ishii nor as likely as Ishii to reach sixth inning.

Indeed, Willie Randolph said Friday that the loss of Trachsel might force him to carry 12 pitchers -- seven relievers -- instead of the 11 he prefers. Ishii's presence probably would allow the Mets carry a reserve position player.

Phillips, who started 72 games as the Mets catcher (and 29 games at first base) conceivably could be the Dodgers regular catcher. He would have to beat out veteran reserve Paul Bako and David Ross, who caught 67 games -- 51 as a starter -- last season. He would also have to hold off rookie Dioner Navarro.

Phillips had become the player with the third longest Mets tenure Thursday when Joe McEwing was released. He and Grant Roberts, now in the minor league camp, are the only players other than Mike Piazza to appear in at least one Mets game each of the last four seasons.

Phillips was unaware of the deal until after the Mets' 2-2 tie against the Nationals on Friday night.

"No one said a thing to me," said Phillips. "But if it's true, I have mixed emotions. I don't know anything except the New York Mets. It will be like the first day of college. 'Where do I stand?' ... At least someone wants me."

The Dodgers' willingness to trade a starting pitcher -- Ishii was tentatively scheduled to start their second game -- is surprising because neither Brad Penny nor Odalis Perez, each considered a member of the projected rotation, has pitched in an exhibition game this spring. The decision to move Ishii appears to be based on finances. Ishii comes with a $5.4 million obligation, including a 2005 salary of $3.2 million. The club has an option for 2006, with a buyout provision.

Ishii has produced records of 14-10, 9-7 and 13-8 in his career, starting 28, 27 and 31 games. He has averaged 157 2/3 innings and more than 100 walks per season. His strikeouts last season outnumbered his walks by one. Ishii will constitute as much of a challenge for pitching coach Rick Peterson as Victor Zambrano.


Marty Noble is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.