Cubs turn down Mets’ offer for Carlos Zambrano, Mets turn down Astros’ offer for Brett Myers

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com the Mets turned down an offer from the Astros for Brett Myers and then had the Cubs turn down their offer for Carlos Zambrano. New York balked at parting with Bobby Parnell and Josh Thole for Myers, which Heyman suggests shows he’s only available “a steep price.” I don’t really see it that way, because Parnell is a good but not great 25-year-old relief prospect and Thole likely projects as a backup-caliber catcher. As noted by D.J. earlier this morning Houston may indeed be asking a lot for Myers, but requesting a Parnell/Thole package doesn’t necessarily show that. The Mets also reportedly offered to swap bad contracts with the Cubs, taking on Zambrano in exchange for sending Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo to Chicago. Heyman says the Cubs balked because they “didn’t want Castillo, too.” As if they could have possibly wanted Perez. Most likely the Cubs think owing another $36 million to Zambrano is better than owing $12 million to Perez and $6 million to Castillo. Or something.