Proposed Deal by Radio Caller Leads to Trade

As soon as the San Francisco Giants defeated the Texas Rangers on Monday night to win the World Series, attention turned to Major League Baseball's Hot Stove League. And the first big move of the offseason came thanks to Dominic in Staten Island, who called WFAN's Mike'd Up host Mike Francesa on Tuesday to propose a theoretical trade that would later turn into a done deal.

Dominic suggested that the New York Mets trade second baseman Luis Castillo and pitcher Oliver Perez to the New York Yankees for pitcher A.J. Burnett. "Listen Mike, don't cut me off. I got a deal that sounds crazy but makes sense," Dominic told Francesa over the air. "These guys all need a change of scenery. The Mets get rid of their two biggest problems and the Yankees unload a long-term contract. If Burnett ever gets his head on straight, he can be a force in Citi Field." Francesa replied, "You gotta be kidding me," and cut Dominic off. Little did the radio personality know that new Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson was listening.

"As soon as I heard Dominic in Staten Island's proposal, I got [Yankees GM] Brian Cashman on the phone," reveals Alderson. "Within an hour the deal was done. We are happy to have A.J. Burnett on the Mets and look forward to him making a big contribution to our 2011 team and beyond."

Cashman concurred that the deal made good sense for both teams. "Dominic in Staten Island hit the nail right on the head. We hope Castillo and Perez can contribute, but we also get two expiring contracts that free us up for a big free agent signing for 2012. It's a win-win for us."