Athletics Sign Scott Kazmir
Amidst the whirlwind of moves related to the non-tender deadline, the Oakland A’s swooped in and signed former Met phenom Scott Kazmir to a two-year, $22M deal — while also trading for closer Jim Johnson.
Surely, there were at least a few Mets fans hoping for the return of the lefthanded Kazmir, who had originally been banished from the organization thanks in part to the brilliant advice offered to the Mets front office by two veteran pitchers (who also happened to be lefthanded). But there was more to interest in Kazmir for nostalgia’s sake — it was logical to believe he’d be a good fit in Flushing. As eloquently stated by loyal MetsToday reader and commenter “DaveSchneck”:
How is it that the small market low budget As can afford a $22 million bet on Kazmir and a closer that may cost $10 million in 2014, while the Mets/Alderson hem and haw over the prices and the percentage of payroll committed to one player?
Good point, no?
Another loyal MT reader/commenter, NormE, responded with this:
DaveS,
To answer your question, take your choice:
a) Beane and Rizzo are better than Alderson as a GM.
b) Alderson’s value approach (dumpster diving) is at odds with the market.
c) The Wilpons have tied Alderson’s hands due to budgetary reasons.
d) all of the above.
Hmmm … what do you think? Do any/all of NormE’s suggestions apply? Is there another reason? Do you think it would have made sense for the Mets to make a pitch for Kazmir (pardon the pun)? Why or why not? Answer in the comments.
But maybe the A’s see something mechanical that actually explains Kazmir’s last 5 years. If so, kudos to them.