Updated: Ramon Hernandez is Sandy's top target at C

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, “The Mets have Ramon Hernandez atop their wish list to upgrade at catcher, but team officials insist they see it as a salary dump by the Rockies and therefore will not offer up much of a prospect in return.”

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July 8, 9:30 am: Sherman lists Hernandez, Red Sox C Kelly Shoppach, and Mariners C Miguel Olivo as possible targets for the Mets as the trade deadline approaches.

Sherman says, “Mets officials are concerned about disrupting the positive eco-system around the team by adding the wrong personalities or unsettling the pitching by bringing in a catcher in midstream.”

Meanwhile, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York says the Rockies have always liked Justin Turner, who, along with minor leaguers like Wilfredo Tovar, Domingo Tapia, Matt Den Dekker, or Josh Edgin, could get a deal done.

In addition, Rubin said on Twitter, the Mets are trying to expand the deal to include LHP Matt Reynolds, who was also mentioned to Sherman by Rockies officials.

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Brian Erni: I like the idea of upgrading the right handed offense, but I’m not sure trading for Hernandez is the proper way to do it. If the Mets are going to trade for a bat, I’d rather add one rather than replace one. Meaning, it would be nice if the Mets had another right handed option late in the game. If the bat they trade for is Hernandez, then all they do is upgrade the offense when Josh Thole is out of the lineup. It doesn’t help them in the late innings, unless they carry three catchers. And I don’t think that’s something they’re likely to do.

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Michael Baron: Disrupting the rhythm of the pitching staff is a very valid concern. From what I’ve seen and heard, Mike Nickeas is a well liked and highly respected member of this roster. In addition, as I said yesterday, I think chemistry has been a critical component for this team, and the pitching staff in particular. In addition, as much as they might need a right-handed bat and as poor as the production has been at the catcher position this season, their bullpen needs to be the priority right now.

In regards to Reynolds, he has been a very solid component out of the Rockies bullpen over the last three seasons, although the home run seems to be a troubling point for him. That could be a product of pitching in Coors Field – of the seven home runs he’s allowed this season, four have come at home. He doesn’t handle left-handed hitters well statistically – they’re hitting .288 against him this season – but he’s been used almost as frequently against righties, and so I wonder if a role exclusively against lefties might enhance his abilities to handle them better.

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