Wise Decision?
Earlier during this hot stove season, the Mets did not want to take a Riske to bolster their bullpen. However, there is still a Wise choice available.
With the relief market drying up — only Octavio Dotel and Luis Vizcaino remain standing — the buzz that Milwaukee may non-tender Matt Wise suddenly becomes something to think about.
Wise has had some decent seasons as a middle man, occasionally being used for setup duty. He has excellent control, rarely walking anyone. Last year was something of a down year for him, but he was still miles better than Guillermo Mota. Maybe he’s due for an up year.
By the way, I also think Kiko Calero — who should be non-tendered by the A’s — would be a great low-risk, high-reward gamble as an ST invite / minor-league contract. Lefty Neal Cotts may also be let go by the Cubs, and I’d rather have him in the ‘pen than trade Aaron Heilman for Brian Fuentes.
Thoughts? Anyone still out there for the bullpen that I’m missing?
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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Omar needs to be creative and pull someone from the scrap heap and find a diamond just like Roberto Hernandez back in 2005. Or Dotel might not be a bad idea. Figure him along with Sanchez, Schoeneweis, Heilman, Wagner, and one or two of Joe Smith, Carlos Muniz, Willie Collazo and maybe that’ll work.
I like the idea of Riske or Calero, they’re both good. If Vizcaino goes to the Mets, I wouldn’t have a problem with that, either.
Rockstar78- Don’t forget that the Mets also have Padilla coming back, and Sosa in the bullpen. Schoeneweis will probably be moved (salary dump) unless they want him for mop up duty. And El Duque may well move to the Mets bullpen, as well. That leaves the Mets pen with Wagner, Heilman, Duaner, Sosa, Padilla, Schoeneweis, and El Duque. Personally, the Mets could do without Schoeneweis in the pen, and I’m not sure that Padilla or Duaner will start the season on the team (or even make it).
I saw something on MetsBlog which said that Juan Padilla won’t be ready for Opening Day. I hope he is ready.
All:
There really is not alot to write about and we really have re-hashed extensively: But here are some blogable/ writeable items.
a. Rowand goes to Giants 5/yrs 60M
Mic: This is a big one in that Aaron can pick em. but this contract goes thru his 36th yr at 12M per?
I didnt think much of Andruw getting 18M per either. Thats more than Beltran who is good for .280/35HR and a GG.
b. LoDuca transcript on Metsblog: Now THAT is worthy of a post.
Mic: I can see Paulie blocking the play waiting on Millz’s throws from CF.
c. Matt Wise, Kiko Calero et al: Lets see who is out there after midnight. I am glad Omar has not panic signed a reliver yet. But is adding Ron Mahay, Kiko Calero, Luis Vizcaino, Seth Mclung that far fetched?
d. Schoenweis: is a LOOGY. Willie blew too many games trying to make Scho into Turk Wendell2. The biggest off season bullpen addition maybe Duaner.
I’m sure there will be future posts focusing on this subject matter, but two issues are garnering quite a bit of attention these days.
1. The Mitchell Report. Numerous sources are saying there will be some big time names revealed. The Bergen Record is also reporting there won’t be many Mets but there will be quite a few prominent Yankees. I’m pulling for Clemens, Jeter, and Mariano…but even if I get just 1 out of the 3 I’ll be happy. I hope Mota is the only name connected to the Mets. We’ll find out by 2pm today.
2. Non-tenders. Mets severed ties with Estrada (no surprise), Padilla and Johnson. Sources say the latter two were recovering too slowly from injuries which led to their release. Understandable, but this certainly makes the Heath Bell trade look even worse (even though we know the context of that trade). I wouldn’t be shocked if both were resigned on minor league contracts. It’s always good to have bullpen depth, and Johnson at least gives us a right-handed bat in the OF when Alou goes on the DL again.
The non tender list:
*two names not previously discussed are Josh Towers and Otsuka. Omar tried to get Otsuka before. Towers would be a cheap option to eat innings ala Liv hernandez. Note, Omar has used this oppurtunity 2 yrs in a row to get a pitcher. My guess is Otsuka and Calero get calls.
* I’d like to see some dialog on the comments from LoDuca about the mets and also Willie talking about Millz.
Hokay, Mic . . .
I think that Paulie will be ramped-up as all getout to play the Mets this year. Do I think he might beat them once, maybe twice? Yes. Do I think that it’s a net plus for the Mets to have Brian Schneider behind the plate instead of Paulie? Also, yes. Schneider’s arm, and his rep for throwing out basestealers, will save maybe 15 to 20 runs from being scored on the Mets this year. That, right there, will equal 3-4 wins. Baserunners won’t steal second, so they won’t score later on in said innings on singles. So, based on those thoughts, I say that the Mets made out in the deal.
As for LMillz, I really don’t know what Willie said about him, but he’ll hit 25 HRs for the Nats this year. From what I’ve heard, sliders low and outside is (are) the way to get Milledge.
get both otsuka and calero. That would be HUGE. We can always slide Sosa to AAA if needed. Might as well have insurance for the bullpen too.
If we could get towers on a AAA deal, i would let him compete with Pelfrey, just in case
Sorry to have been away guys … I’m actually away on vacation but still trying to keep up to date with everything going on.
Sheesh … Mitchell Report, Paulie and LMillz comments, non-tenders … where to begin?
Amazing how much you can miss in a day or two!