Mets May Spin Off Jordany, and Other News
A few bits of news to report before the big news coming later today …
Jordany Valdespin, he of the dramatic homerun, lack of position, and superstar in his own mind, has just finished serving a two-week suspension from his winter league team. According to ESPN, Valdespin was disciplined for insubordination. Some people never change — just ask Carl Everett. Adam Rubin suggests that the Mets could consider spinning off ‘spin to San Diego, where Omar Minaya is now working.
Rubin also reports that Kelly Shoppach, Rod Barajas, Jesus Flores, and Henry Blanco are all unlikely to return to the Mets. Well, that covers nearly every backstop on the free-agent market, so if the Mets do acquire a catcher, it’s likely to be via trade. Though, Chris Snyder, Miguel Olivo, and Misty May’s husband are all looking for work.
On the same subject, the Mets are reportedly not impressed with Ryan Lavarnway nor Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Yet, according to Mike Puma,
“Near the top of general manager Sandy Alderson’s list as he arrived last night for the meetings is finding a catcher who, at the very least, can share time with the incumbent Thole next season, if not take the starting job outright.”
Um, am I missing something? Any of the above-mentioned catchers — save for perhaps Henry Blanco — would overtake Thole for the starting job in about eight seconds. I guess that’s just Alderson blowing smoke / showing poker face so as not to lose leverage in negotiations with agents and other GMs.
In other news, Adam Rubin also reports that Bobby Parnell is “virtually untouchable.” Again, I’m guessing (hoping?) that’s Alderson playing poker.
Rubin has this great news: the Mets are optimistic that Scott Hairston will return. Well thank goodness for that. I was afraid they might try to find someone younger with more upside.
Other little tidbits from Rubin — via Terry Collins — that should help you sleep at night:
– Frank Francisco is the 2013 closer — “no debate.”
– Brandon Hicks is the new Ronny Cedeno.
– Scott Rice and Darin Gorski will provide LOOGY competition for Josh Edgin and Robert Carson
– Justin Turner will learn to play the outfield (does that make him the new Keith Miller?)
Now go take a nap — we’ll wake you up when the R.A. Dickey trade is done.
I still think that they can get more by packaging Niese.
im waiting to wake up and see a trade that has niese and or dickey involved. i think mets will make a deal.
we should try and get best avail young talent, regardless of postion. not corner ourselves to specifically find a player that fits the catcher position. we are in no position to play it that way, we need multiple players. i would rather get the best young P, IF, OF not the 4th best catcher just cause we are looking for a catcher.
Can you throw a knuckleball? I need someone to throw them to me. My plan is to become a knuckleball-catching specialist. If a knuckleball pitcher can pitch into his 40s, then a knuckleball catcher can catch into his 40s — right?
Considering that the Mets are looking for pitchers, a catcher, a second baseman, a left fielder, a center fielder, and a right fielder, yeah, I guess they shouldn’t be too picky about who they can acquire. But I’d much rather see all these young phenoms pitch to a real catcher — ideally one who can impart some wisdom and help build confidence.