1.   Acquiring minor leaguers who are close to the majors would make it easier for the Mets to trade a starter.

2.   Count Cleveland out of the market if Toronto decides to trade starter David Wells.

3.   Dealing for minor leaguers who are close to being major league-ready would ease the burden on the Mets if they trade an established starter.

4.   Denver cut its potential losses by trading Antonio McDyess earlier this month, just two years after trading two starters to acquire his draft rights.

5.   Dealing for minor leaguers who are close to being major league ready would ease the burden on the Mets if they trade an established starter.

6.   However, he is wary of trading a starter for a reliever when he does not know how many healthy starters the Mets will have in a month.

7.   If Jones re-signs, the Galaxy will have to trade a starter since it would be over the salary cap.

8.   Obviously, trading a starter will help answer some of these questions.

9.   The deal is being criticized throughout the industry because the Dodgers traded two starters for a relief pitcher and two minor-leaguers.

10.   The depth he would provide also would allow Evans to trade another starter for a closer.