It's highly doubtful Ramirez would bring back the type of prospect that projects beyond a fringe major league career so getting a veteran back with some usefulness isn't going to mess up any rebuilding. I'm not sold that Gee has any value, but Niese certainly does and as for blocking younger guys, well Niese would allow them to deal Fiers or Garza, and if Garza got dealt, Niese at $9 million would be their most expensive starter going into 2016, hardly a sign they are "all in" for 2016. In fact in the long run, a guy like Niese would net a much more viable prospect than a 3 month rental of Ramirez would. You're probably right that we could trade Niese down the road. I'd rather take him than Gee. Even getting a fringe prospect back would be fine with me just to save the salary money, but that's just my thoughts I guess. But as far as needing to take a pitcher back to trade Garza or Fiers - I tend to disagree. Between Jungmann, Cravy, Wagner and Thornburg, I think we have plenty of young guys that could fill the rotation spots the rest of the season. I'd rather see them get some experience and see what they have the rest of this season. Just my opinion I guess. Gotta remember the team plays 162 games and includes games in September. Thornburg, Jungmann, Wagner may be able to pitch in to and through Sept, but they'll be doing so on fumes pitching all their innings as Career firsts beyond 150. Cravy doesn't have over 100IP in his professional profile, he's likely going to be put in the Bullpen in due time to keep his innings down. If indeed there were talks to trade Garza or Fiers or even Peralta, taking on Gee would provide the depth to make it through the season. Lohse stands to be a waiver candidate if he's not traded, immediately after the deadline just to attempt to save some money if picked up. Niese to me is worth more than Ramirez in value. I don't like his contract under the Brewers pitching situation or as a where they stand in competing situation for its duration. Too much money committed for a #4 at best SP. He's going to be shellacked pitching in Miller Park and the NL Central vs pitching at Citi Field and the NLeast's hitting talents. Take on his contract, and that performance, you're waiving him and paying for him to sit at home. At least with Gee you can just non-tender him after the season. You save money getting rid of Ramirez and that's all there is to the deal. The Mets seem set at using Syndergaard and Matz in their plans this year. After them, I don't like a trade of Segura barring they give up some quantity of B type prospects since we can't get any B+toA- grades without including those two. Gomez to the Mets...They're paying too much money to Granderson/Cuddyer to make that trade happen. One would immediately go to the bench. Looks bad to me if it's Cuddyer after signing him losing the draft pick this year doing so. And Granderson's making too much. Just no Blockbuster to get done under the circumstances. Gee for Ramirez and saving 3-6million is a plus at this point. Ramirez is at .648OPS being paid 14million on the season and retiring. It's not a good trade chip for anybody.