Bad News, Good News
The bad news is that every media outlet will be spouting about some philthy team down I-95 today. The good news is that the Hot Stove Season has officially begun!
That means we’ll begin discussing:
1. Free agents to bring back, or unleash
2. Free agents to pursue
3. Trades to conjure and debate
4. Rumors to discuss, and dispel
5. Scrap-heap pickups to analyze
6. Prospects to postulate for positions
7. My Bullpen Blueprint, if it’s ever finished
8. and so much more ……
First on the slate, this week’s scrap heap, which includes:
Jose Castillo (FA)
Dave Borkowski (FA)
Chip Ambres (FA)
Jolbert Cabrera (FA)
Tyler Walker (FA)
Francisco Rosario (FA)
Kip Wells (FA)
Kevin Mench (DFA)
And for those who missed it, LHP Adam Loewen was released by the Orioles, only to be picked up by the Blue Jays as an outfielder / first baseman!
About the Author
Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers.
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Chad Cordero was just removed from the nationals 40 man roster and refused the minor league assignmant, making him a free agent. Anyone doubt we’ll be hearing about the mets signing him soon? Anyone? Thoughts?
I doubt tomorrow’s sunrise will beat the Mets signing Cordero.
I’d take a chance on Ryan Wagner as well.
Not only that, but it appears as though the Mets got a jump on shoring up LF by re-signing Tatis. 1 year, $1.17-mil. Tough to see him duplicating his 2008 campaign, but for that kind of bargain it’s worth it just to keep him around as a right-hand bat off the bench, let alone the starting left fielder. I wonder how the signing will influence how gung-ho Omar will be in finding a LF upgrade, either thru trade or free agency.
Definately a bargain. but I think Tatis could be used more as a utility player next yr than just a LF. BUT as Isuzu alludes, it helps greatly that it makes the need to fill LF less of a priority. Injuries aside, tatis could have seen more time at SS and 3B.
Agreed on Cordero: given the blatant non-production from the BP you almost have to try him. It also helps that he knows he has a shot to be closer even if he does not start there.
For the Mets, Tatis made 35 starts in rightfield, 28 in leftfield, two at third base and one at first base.
“Fernando got so many key hits for us last year,” said Mets’ General Manager Omar Minaya. “Not having him the last few weeks of the season certainly hurt. His versatility certainly makes us a better team.”
In 2008, Fernando hit .392 (29-74) with men in scoring position. He also compiled a .311 mark (33-106) against lefthanded pitching.
Tatis’s Sporting News Comeback Player-of-the-Year Award was voted on by 314 current major league players, 18 managers and 41 General Managers and Assistant General Managers.