[dsvitak]

Originally Posted by BMW

During my prospect research, I uncovered two additional reasons to hate the end of M. Donald Grant's tenure, just prior to the Seaver trade.

In 1976, the Mets traded Staub for Lolich and Billy Baldwin. Baldwin had (9 games as a Met, never played in majors again) and Lolich, who pitched 1 year with an 8-13 record and a 3.22 ERA. He hated NY so much, he sat out the entire 1977 season and became a free agent. Lolich initially nixed the deal too from his tenure, but the Mets, Tigers and his own agent had to convince him to okay the deal.

The Orioles thought they had a deal done for Staub, that would have sent Doug DeCinces and a minor leaguer for Staub. DeCinces was basically a rookie at that point (72 complete games) and would go on to play 12 seasons and hit 233 home runs from 1976 onward, playing 3B until he retired. BBRef's system ranks him as the 38th best 3B of all time (Wright ranks 26).

In 1977, the Mets traded Kingman to the Padres for Paul Siebert and Bobby Valentine. Siebert had 56 ip for Mets, 4.50 ERA, never pitched in the bigs after age 25. Traded for Bob Coluccio, who never played in pro ball at all after the trade. Valentine had a .222 average for the Mets in 111 games before the Mets released him.

The Mets and Dodgers discussed a deal. The Mets wanted Cey, Russell, Monday or Reggie Smith. Dodgers said no - but we'll give you Dusty Baker. Mets said no way.

Dusty Baker played 10 more seasons, hit .282 with 161 homers and 1272 hits as a left fielder, two time all-star, a gold glove, two time silver slugger and received MVP votes in 1980 and 1981.

Rusty Staub is the only player in MLB history with 500 games with four different teams.