Monday, December 17, 2001
Mets get Estes from Giants
Shinjo, Relaford go to San Francisco
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — The busy New York Mets made another deal Sunday, trading outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo and infielder Desi Relaford to the San Francisco Giants for pitcher Shawn Estes.
Shinjo and Relaford both were nice surprises for the Mets in 2001, but the opportunity to trade them for a proven starting pitcher was too good to pass up.
“This is just the next step, not the final step,” Mets general manager Steve Phillips said.
Estes was 9-8 with a 4.02 ERA in 27 starts for the Giants. The 28-year-old lefty was an All-Star in 1997 when he won 19 games, and has averaged 29 starts the last five seasons.
Estes was 64-50 with a 4.25 ERA in 160 career starts. He missed a month late this year because of a sprained left ankle, and had surgery after the season to remove a bone chip.
“It looks like the Mets are making a pretty good pitch to get in the World Series,” Estes said.
After a World Series appearance in 2000, the Mets finished third in the NL East with an 82-80 record. Phillips promised offseason changes and has made good on his word.
On Friday, the Mets traded outfielder David Justice to Oakland for reliever Mark Guthrie and a minor leaguer. Justice was acquired only a week earlier from the New York Yankees for third baseman Robin Ventura.
At the recent winter meetings, the Mets obtained All-Star second baseman Roberto Alomar in a major trade with Cleveland. They also signed a pair of free agents, getting outfielder Roger Cedeno to become their leadoff hitter and adding David Weathers for the bullpen.
The Mets are still looking to add a power hitter, with free agent Juan Gonzalez among the possible candidates.
Shinjo, a star in Japan, hit .267 with 10 home runs and 56 RBI in 123 games with the Mets in his first year in the majors. He led all major league rookies with 12 outfield assists.
Relaford hit .302 with eight home runs and 36 RBI in 301 at-bats over 120 games.
“Both players have become an offensive presence and will bring more speed to the club,” Giants general manager Brian Sabean said.
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Mets get Estes from Giants
