Report: Mets, Brewers discuss swap of Maine, Hart

The New York Post’s Joel Sherman reports that the Mets and Brewers have discussed swapping right-hander John Maine and outfielder Corey Hart. That’d be quite a course change for the Brewers, who wouldn’t put Hart on the table when engaged with more interesting proposals last year. As it turned out, though, 2008 wasn’t just an off season for Hart. He’s posted OPSs in the 750s the last two years after coming in at 892 in 2007. Maine likewise has seen his stock drop sharply over the last year, though in his case it’s due to injury. Maine missed four months last season with a shoulder problem related to his offseason surgery in 2008. He did return in a bit role in September to finish 7-6 with a 4.43 ERA in 15 starts. Both players are eligible for arbitation and have two years left for free agency, so money wouldn’t be a factor. The Brewers should be treading carefully, though. The Mets may come off as rather inept when it comes to medical issues, but they still know more about his arm than anyone else, and if they’re willing to trade Maine for Hart when they could just buy an outfielder in free agency, it’s a strong indication that they don’t think his shoulder will hold up going forward.