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January 17, 2013 Around the Blogs Paul Festa

Link Roundup: Scraping Together a Roster

This was the Mets' reaction to Brian Wilson.

This was the Mets’ reaction to Brian Wilson.

Pitchers and Catchers report in less than a month, and the Mets still have holes to fill on their roster.

They need a starting pitcher to help replace the 220 innings left behind by R.A. Dickey.  Rumor had it they were interested in Daisuke Matsuzaka, but another rumor had it they weren’t.

They also need a late-inning bullpen arm to either close or set up.  They worked out RHP Brian Wilson, but apparently were not impressed.  Wilson, however is still on the Mets’ radar.  The former Giants closer is coming off his second Tommy John surgery.  He also had a procedure to repair his FHCL (Facial Hair Cruciate Ligament).

The Mets also need a right handed hitting outfielder.  They’ve been looking to bring back Scott Hairston after his career year in Flushing in 2012, but balked at his most recent asking price of 2 years, $8 million.  They countered with a 1 year, $2 million offer.

If Hairston is their biggest offseason free agent target, then they surely are strapped for cash.  The Mets aren’t even shopping in the frozen food section anymore, they’re buying packages of “manager’s special” chicken that expired yesterday.

That’s not a knock against Hairston – he’s a useful, if unspectacular, player – it’s a knock against the Wilpons, who continue to grind their franchise into the ground.

In more positive news, David Wright will represent the Mets on Team USA in this year’s World Baseball Classic.  He’ll be joined by former teammate R.A. Dickey.

 

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Paul is a freelance writer, blogger, and broadcast technology professional residing in Denver. A New Jersey native, he is a long-suffering Mets fan, a recently-happy Giants fan, and bewildered Islanders fan. He's also a fair-weather Avalanche and Rockies supporter. In his spare time, he enjoys the three Gs: Golf, Guitars, and Games.
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  1. Mike B January 17, 2013 at 3:11 pm
    I must have holes in my head for coming on here and reading about the Mets. Its so embarrassing that I follow a team that operates this way.
  2. Dan B January 17, 2013 at 3:47 pm
    When my wife catches me online, I try to hide it by saying I am looking at porn. She just shakes her head in disgust because she knows the reality is sadder.

    Can’t the Mets and Hairston meet halfway? How about $4 million for 1.5 years?

    • DaveSchneck January 17, 2013 at 11:01 pm
      Dan,
      LOL does not do your comment justice, and I know just what you’re saying. Sad but so true.
  3. jerseymet January 17, 2013 at 4:39 pm
    Do more with less. This is always the plan of our business leaders. It sure isn’t pretty.
  4. NormE January 17, 2013 at 5:33 pm
    Paul, I would be very uncomfortable signing any pitcher who has had a FHCL. That’s a very hairy situation.

    P.S.- I’m really ashamed at myself for writing that, but what the heck, it’s about the Mets.

    • Paul Festa January 17, 2013 at 6:10 pm
      LOL.
  5. Dan B January 18, 2013 at 7:38 am
    Parnell just signed for $1.7 million in his first year of arbitration. Do you think he is on the trading block now? I would think so unless the Mets see him as a closer when Franky is traded. Who else do we see traded by July 31st?
    • Joe Janish January 18, 2013 at 9:15 am
      I don’t believe the Mets are actively shopping Parnell, but they will move him in the right deal. $1.7M is pretty cheap for a reliever who will appear near the end of 60+ games — even for the Mets, that’s affordable.

      However, in 2014 Parnell will enter that zone of paying too much for past experience, rather than future performance, so my bet is the Mets move him before this time next year.

  6. Joe January 18, 2013 at 3:42 pm
    Good photo.

    I think they will find some fifth starter and the idea probably is that Wheeler is coming later, though he might be slipping into the Santana slot when he does.

    If they manage to find a decent OF, this off-season was worth it. If they don’t, it probably still was, and you know, the OF last season wasn’t that good, was it, so bad that it might be better now (though w/o Hairston, maybe not).

    I’m not as negative as some, but it would be helpful if they do something else. Feeling they will.

  7. John S. January 19, 2013 at 10:49 am
    The reality is there are no outfielders in free agency that would be a major upgrade. Why box the team in like they did with Bay
    • Hobie January 19, 2013 at 1:59 pm
      No one is an upgrade over Baxter, Kirk, and Duda?

      What games have you been watching?

      Not to mention there were plenty more available 2 months ago. If he waits long enough Sandy can use that excuse for every position.