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08:14 AM ET 08.02 | For every trade that does happen, there are dozens, some far more compelling, that didn't. Consider this fascinating change-of-scenery exchange that the Miami Marlins and New York Mets kicked around, according to major league sources: Outfielder Jason Bay to the Marlins for reliever Heath Bell and catcher John Buck. The deal never was close, sources said. But it would have enabled both clubs to purge players who are flopping miserably this season. The money almost would have matched up, too -- Bell and Buck are owed a few million more than Bay through the length of their contracts (Bell's deal expires after 2014, Buck's and Bay's after 2013). Bay, who is batting .162 with a .558 OPS, could have become the Marlins' left fielder.

Jason Bay, Getty Images

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August 2, 2012 08:36 AM ET

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This deal would make sense--I wonder what the sticking point was?

Traded to Seattle

Salem , OR

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August 2, 2012 08:41 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:36 AM ET 08.02 by Traded to Seattle

This deal would make sense--I wonder what the sticking point was?

This is what held it up....

" Bell and Buck are owed a few million more than Bay"..

No way the Wilpons are adding any salary......

Sgt. Schultz

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August 2, 2012 09:27 AM ET

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It may be time for the Mets to do the same thing the Cubs are doing -- get rid of the non-performing, highest-priced veterans and let the youngsters learn in the bigs. By all accounts, Bay is a nice guy. A nice guy hitting .167.

RFD

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August 2, 2012 09:29 AM ET

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The Mets have overachieved this year, but probably did the smart thing in avoiding those contracts.

...the best policy

Harrodsburg, KY

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August 2, 2012 09:34 AM ET

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Money is an Issue and Bell had a Tough time in NY last time around! The Mets should Put Bay on the DL List for the rest of the season, he has become an inning ender, and his Karma is so Sad, it's effecting The Younger Guys!! This is not a healthy situation for Bay, eat the Salary!

Not4Nutten

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August 2, 2012 09:45 AM ET

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They need to be talking about why the Mets paid so much for a average ball player in the first place and why the Marlins thought they were buying the division by adding Bell and others.

toad

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August 2, 2012 10:33 AM ET

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Both teams need new stadiums. That will cure all of their ills. At least that's what owners tell the taxpayers who foot the bill.

Mr. Beepo

Ypsilanti , MI

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August 2, 2012 10:45 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:41 AM ET 08.02 by Sgt. Schultz

This is what held it up...." Bell and Buck are owed a few million more than Bay"..No way the Wilpons are adding any salary......

good point. And I suppose Marlins fans might have been upset if they traded away over-paid under-performing HanRam who was hitting 250, and replaced him with a 160 hitter. On second thought, upsetting Marlins fans doesn't seem to be a problem for Loria.

Traded to Seattle

Salem , OR

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August 2, 2012 02:09 PM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 09:45 AM ET 08.02 by toad

They need to be talking about why the Mets paid so much for a average ball player in the first place and why the Marlins thought they were buying the division by adding Bell and others.

The Mets signed Bay just so they could turn to there fans and say see we spend money...so now you better spend yours by coming to the ballpark.....the Wilpons are so dumb...they just don't get it...winning brings in the fans not how much money they spend.....now they're stuck with an albatross.....

Sgt. Schultz

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August 2, 2012 09:13 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:36 AM ET 08.02 by Traded to Seattle

This deal would make sense--I wonder what the sticking point was?

Ya I thought the Mets would take it for sure

fvkasm2x

Edmonton, AB

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August 3, 2012 01:10 AM ET

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When the Mets were negotiating with Bay, one of the baseball analysts took a look at where Bay's home runs landed in Fenway, mapped them against Citi Field and found that most would be fly outs in Citi. He concluded that it would be a big mistake for the Mets to give Bay a huge contract. They had this information in hand before they made their final contract offer.