The Mets are in fourth place in the NL East, but they might be in the cellar had they not traded for Johan Santana. Icon SMI
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The Mets, Tigers and Mariners all missed out on the postseason in 2007. With dreams of a World Series, they made big off-season moves to get to the next level in 2008. A month into the season it's time to see how these moves are working out.

Trade #1:

The New York Mets sent outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey, and Delois Guerra to the Minnesota Twins for pitcher Johan Santana.

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

I say thumbs up. With pitchers Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez on the disabled list, the Mets were wise to bring in Santana and his experienced arm. At 16-15 they're in fourth place in a tight NL East. Not that great, but far better then they would be without him. John Maine (3-2, 3.48) has been sharp, but Oliver Perez ( 2-3, 4.63) has been his old self. He has lost his last three starts, including one on April 30 in which he did not even pitch two full innings. With Santana (3-2, 2.91) on the mound, the Mets are 5-2 and his ability as a hitter (4 for 16, two 2B) also comes in handy in the National League. With their aging lineup and all their pitching problems, the Mets probably wish they had a larger stock of youngsters to bring up. But without Santana, they'd be wishing for a lot more.

Trade #2:

The Detroit Tigers sent outfielder Cameron Maybin, pitcher Andrew Miller, catcher Mike Rabelo and pitching prospects Burke Badenhop, Eulogio De La Cruz, and Dallas Trahern to the Florida Marlins for third baseman Miguel Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis.

Thumbs Up or Thumbs down?

Thumbs down. The Tigers (14-19) are reeling for more reasons than this trade, but the deal hasn't helped. Their rotation is not nearly as effective as it has been the past two seasons (8-16) and their bullpen (4.39 ERA) has logged the third-most innings in the American League. Their lineup filled with sluggers is very streaky. When they win, they score in double digits. When they lose, they can hardly bring anyone home. Cabrera is only hitting .258 and his poor defense has already seen him move from third base to first. Meanwhile, Willis is rehabbing his way back from a knee injury. The Tigers gave up a ton for those two. Cabrera is young and talented, but they may have needed their young pitchers more than they needed another hitter. The American League Central is full of mediocre teams, and the Tigers still have a chance. The question isn't so much how they can salvage this season, but who will be around to play for them in seasons to come.

Trade #3:

The Seattle Mariners sent centerfielder Adam Jones, pitcher George Sherrill, and pitching prospects Chris Tillman, Tony Butler and Kam Mickolio to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Erik Bedard.

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

Thumbs down. I know you're going to say it's early, and that Bedard (2-1, 1.82) is off to a good start since coming off the DL, and I would agree. My problem with this trade is that it isn't accomplishing its sole purpose, which was to allow the Mariners to compete with the Angels in the American League West. Even if closer J.J. Putz pitches like an All-Star, and the Mariners' struggling hitters raise their averages, I can't see this team contending. The M's may want Bedard for many more years, but this kind of trade is designed to change things right away. The only reason a team would risk so much of their future for one player is if they think that one player is the missing piece. Bedard may still be great, but overall I think Seattle will end up missing the pieces they let go a little more.

What do you think about these off-season trades? The best answers will appear in next week's column.

YOUR TURN

Readers respond to last week's column about baseball curses:

"Yes, the Giants, Cubs, and Indians, but not the YANKEES! Just give them some time."
- Jack, Manhasset

"I think the Pirates are cursed. They had a bad GM that only cared about his own stinking money."
-John, Pittsburgh

"I think the Giants are cursed because of Barry Bonds. He cheated to beat Hank Aaron's record so it will always curse the Giants."
-Alex, Sarasota

"Actually, I think that it should be the Curse of Bob Feller, because during the 1948 World Series Bob Feller and Bob Lemon used a telescope (borrowed from the Navy) to steal the opposing teams signs from the outfield. The Tribe hasn't won a ring since."
- Will, Ohio

"I don't believe in curses. I just think it is a lame excuse for teams not winning. A curse has nothing to do with that. Not winning is just due to a lack of chemistry."
- Chaz, Springfield