A little more than a week ago, HSNY took a look at the state of the Mets bullpen, and noted that a crowded field left little room for guys like Joe Smith and Steve Register. Evidently, Mets management has taken note of the same dilemma, as the Daily News is reporting today that GM Omar Minaya is shopping both Scott Schoeneweis and Jorge Sosa around the league. Schoeneweis is owed $7.2 million through 2009 and the Mets would likely have to pick up some of that salary in any transaction. Sosa is making $2 million in the final year on his deal.

Writes Adam Rubin on his blog, Surfing the Mets:

What would opening a bullpen spot or two do? Well, it could make room for Mike Pelfrey, perhaps initially as a long reliever, and then maybe in the rotation after two weeks if El Duque isn’t healthy since the Mets don’t absolutely need a fifth starter until the 13th day of the season.

It also could give a chance for Rule 5 pick Steven Register to make the team. He hits 90 or 91 mph with his fastball, but a scout I dined with last night suggested it looks a lot quicker because Register hides the ball well before it’s released.
Also, how about making room for Joe Smith on the roster? Just because he has options remaining doesn’t mean he ought to be in the minor leagues.

I wonder, too, if the Mets might relent and actually put El Duque in the bullpen. They’ve adamantly said no, and Hernandez has said he doesn’t intend to be there, but maybe his foot will only allow him to pitch shorter spurts.

Ex-Ray Brian Stokes is out of options, too, so he can’t be sent to the minors without clearing waivers.

Rubin notes that there’s no guarantee the team will succeed in moving either, however, I tend to believe that there’s always a market for a lefty reliever like Schoeneweis, even if it’s a small one, and Sosa should attract some limited interest as well, as he proved himself a valuable spot-starter during the first half of ‘07.