[EmpireWF]

Earlier today, Mets GM Omar Minaya traded relievers RHP Heath Bell and LHP Royce Ring to the San Diego Padres for OF Ben Johnson and RHP Jon Adkins.

Bell was never more than a AAAA player who has trouble as far as confidence goes in anything other than his fastball. Royce Ring was acquired for Robby Alomar and never turned into the future closer some projected him to be.

Ben Johnson is 25-years old and this is what Baseball America said about him recently..."“Johnson has all the tools to be an everyday outfielder in the big leagues. He has shortened his swing and developed above-average power while improving his grasp of the strike zone. Once a plus-plus runner, he’s now just a tick above-average. He’s a good right fielder with a solid arm.”

Jon Adkins is 29-years old and pitched two seasons in the majors. Last year, he went 2–1 with a 3.98 ERA in 55 appearances.

Overall, looks like a good deal. Ring and Bell were never going to be contributing members to the big league club. It looks like Minaya acquired two guys who could.