Wolf, Gload, Penny, and Other Updates
A quick update on the goings-on in Indianapolis today … Read more
Mets NOT Interested in Catcher
Remarkably, there is a catcher on the market that does not draw the interest of the New York Mets.
According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates are shopping catcher Ryan Doumit, and fielding offers from several teams, most notably the Blue Jays.
To Kovacevic’s knowledge, however, the Mets are NOT one of those teams.
Doumit battled wrist and back injuries in 2009, appearing in only 75 games. He is a switch-hitting, offensive-minded catcher with some pop and a hard-nosed approach to the game but below-average skills behind the plate. He can play 1B and the outfield, but at those positions his offensive prowess is not as impressive — in that way he reminds me a bit of Robert Fick: not enough bat to play a corner, not enough glove to be a regular backstop. Still, he’s a nice guy to have on the bench and mix in at all three positions — but the Mets are already set with a backup catcher, and that’s where he adds the most value.
In related news, Troy Renck believes the Mets may be pursuing Yorvit Torrealba, who reportedly has moved beyond the grievance filed against the team in 2007.
Winter Meetings: Day One Review
The first day of the annual winter meetings is complete. Here’s what happened:
- a bogus rumor circulated sending Mets fans in horror, reporting that Pat Burrell was on his way to Flushing.
- another bogus rumor had the Mets trading for Edwin Jackson. I feel bad for MetsToday reader Micalpalyn, who has been pining for this acquisition for two years.
- the Nationals acquired Brian Bruney. If they acquire a halfway decent closer, they’ll have a better bullpen (on paper) than the Mets. The trade also rekindles a fairly lame “feud” between Bruney and K-Rod.
- the Cardinals signed Brad Penny to a one-year deal. Penny + Dave Duncan = 15+ wins
- the Giants, Mariners, and Rockies are interested in the most athletic free-agent catcher. The Mets remain interested in Bengie Molina
- the Mets might be on the verge of offering Bengie Molina a one-year deal worth $6M plus a vesting option for 2011
- no one other than the Mets have displayed interest in Bengie Molina
- one source reported that the Mets were talking to JOSE Molina. Apparently they haven’t completely cornered the market on backup catchers who can’t hit a lick. Or maybe Omar Minaya thought he was talking to Bengie. They DO look similar, after all.
- Rafael Soriano accepted arbitration. The Braves now have the NL East’s best bullpen — to match the division’s best starting rotation one through five. How does that old philosophy go? You win with pitching, pitching and more what?
- the Brewers are on the verge of signing Randy Wolf to a three-year deal. If that’s what it takes, I’m glad the Mets are out of the bidding.
- Roy Halladay was rumored to be going to the Dodgers or the Rays, of all places
- the Rays are shopp(ach)ing Dioner Navarro
- the Mets are talking to Adam Kennedy. Now THAT’s a guy I’d pay $2M to be the infield utilityman.
- the Mets will meet with the agents for Randy Wolf, Joel Pineiro, Jason Marquis, and John Lackey during the meetings. Pineiro wants (giggle) a four-year deal.
- Matt Murton has been sold to the Hanshin Tigers of Japan
- the Mets inquired on Kelvim Escobar
- at least one source reports that the Mets are willing to trade Luis Castillo for Juan Pierre. Why not just put Castillo in left field?
- Elmer Dessens is weighing offers from the Mets, Dodgers, and Padres. Really?
- Pudge Rodriguez signed with the Nationals. You know what? I’m starting to worry about the Nats.
Would You Want Pat Burrell?
There have been a few rumors floating that the Mets could obtain Pat Burrell from the Rays — possibly as part of a three-team deal that would send Luis Castillo to the Cubs and Milton Bradley to Tampa Bay.
Such a trade may not come to fruition, but “Pat the Bat” is definitely on the trading block, and he fits the description of “power hitting left fielder” that the Mets are so desperate to acquire.
But would you, as a Mets fan, want him?
Forget that his name is Pat Burrell for a moment, and consider whether you would want a left fielder who averaged 31 HRs, 99 RBI, and an .890 OPS in the last four seasons he played in the NL East. Would you take on his one year and $9M in return for a marginal player, in a salary dump deal (from the Rays’ perspective)? Be sure to factor in the player’s motivation — in that he’ll be playing for a 2011 contract.
Granted, Burrell had a poor year in 2009, but it was his first time in the American League, his first time as a DH, and he spent the entire season fighting a neck injury. If the neck is fully healed — and yes it’s a big “if” — and he returns to the comfort and knowledge of NL opponents, there’s a decent possibility he returns to the 30-HR threat he was from 2005-2008.
Before you say “whoa, a lot of his homers came from playing in that bandbox known as Citizens Bank Park”, go check the stats — he hit 21 of his 2008 HRs away from CBP. In 2007 the split was about even (14 away, 16 in CBP) and in 2006 it was 17 away, 12 at home. There is no question he has the strength to hit the ball out of any park (18 in 334 career ABs in pitcher-friendly Shea Stadium helps support that argument).
In addition to his homerun power, Burrell hits the ball into gaps, takes a ton of pitches, and usually walks close to 100 times a year. When he’s on a hot streak, he can put a team on his back and carry it.
On the negative side, his fielding has gotten worse as he’s aged, he is a poor baserunner, and when he slumps, he slumps like no one else — they are massive, horrendous slumps that make him look like he’d be better off serving hot dogs for a living. I doubt the average Mets fan would be able to handle a lengthy Pat Burrell slump without sending a blunt object through the TV set.
Additionally, Burrell has proven to be less than savvy with the media, and often comes off as condescending or bitter when he’s quoted. Combine a bad slump with NYC reporters, and Pat Burrell could quickly become the target of angry Mets fans. Oh, and then there’s that whole history with him mashing homeruns in Shea while wearing a Phillies uniform — he’d be coming in with a reputation not unlike when Tom Glavine first arrived in Flushing.
How do you feel about the possibility of Pat Burrell joining the Mets?
*** UPDATE 11:30am ***
Andrew Vazzano of TheRopolitans has posted a rumor that Burrell has been traded to the Mets.
Marco Scutaro Off the Table?
According to Venezuelan news source Lider, the Red Sox have signed Marco Scutaro. Terms are unknown at this time, and the deal is yet to be official.
So scratch him off the list of available second basemen / utility infielders, and stop voting for him when you Rate the Mets Free Agent Targets.
Paul LoDuca Wants To Come Back
This afternoon in an appearance on XM 175 MLB Home Plate (SIRIUS 210), former Mets catcher Paul LoDuca expressed a desire to return to the big leagues in 2010.
LoDuca missed all of 2009 due to injuries, but claims he is now 100 percent healthy, and ready to make a comeback.
The feisty catcher hit .318 in 2006 with the Mets, but dropped to .272 in 2007 before leaving the team as a free agent.
Here is what LoDuca had to say on XM: Read more
A Short Hot Stove Season?
The World Series has been over for exactly a week, but already there has been a flurry of activity regarding player personnel around MLB — including four trades, a few minor signings, and options exercises or declined. This is in start contrast to last offseason, when the first trade didn’t occur until November 24th — when the Royals traded Tyler Lumsden to the Astros for a PTBNL — and the more significant moves happened from December through February.
The questionable economy had something to do with teams sitting on their hands last year, and there was plenty of posturing on all sides of the free agent market (players, agents, GMs). Many realized they were in the midst of a market correction, and chose to wait it out as long as possible.
But this year the hot stove heated up quickly, and I get the feeling it’s going to be a “short” offseason. Meaning, we won’t be seeing many bargain free agents (i.e., Bobby Abreu types) signed within days of the start of spring training, and teams will be finishing — rather than starting — their roster makeovers during the annual winter meetings.
The Mets likely will be among those who move quickly this winter, mainly because they can’t afford not to. As mentioned on MetsBlog, current season-ticket holders are being asked to re-up by December 4th with a 20% deposit. When the Mets asked for a similarly early deposit last year, they had two major selling points — the opening of Citi Field and a team that missed the postseason by one game. In contrast, this winter the allure of a “new” stadium no longer applies, and the team is coming off its worst season since Art Howe lit up a room with his smile. So the Mets need to give their current customers good reason to come back — and they need to do it right away, before those dollars go toward holiday gifts.
My guess is we’ll see a splash of some sort in the next two weeks — or at least, a series of little splashes that add up to optimism for 2010. And by little splash, I don’t mean the hiring of a third base coach. Though, I won’t be surprised to see more of Mookie Wilson’s and Tim Teufel’s teammates join the organization — the Mets know that a good part of their fan base holds emotional ties to the 1986 team. Of course, there will need to be new players come in as well. Whether they’re better than the current personnel doesn’t matter as much as being different, which is why the recent rumors surrounding Orlando Hudson and Lyle Overbay make sense. I bet we’ll see Luis Castillo moved quickly — even if a replacement isn’t announced right away, it may be enough to give fans hope prior to the deposit deadline.
Of course, season tickets will be sold all winter, so the Mets don’t need to make all their moves prior to December 4th. But it’s funny how people run out of money after the New Year, and the Mets want to make sure some of that money goes toward 2010 season tickets.
What do you think? Will the Mets make some moves early, and if so, what do you envision?
The Big Fix and the General Consensus
After an encouraging, 83-79 season and third-place finish in 2005, the Mets appeared to be just one or two pieces away from a playoff run. The general consensus was that the Mets might have won more games had someone other than Braden Looper been the closer. Thus, “the fix for 2006″ would be Billy Wagner.
As you remember, the Mets came within one game from making it to the World Series in 2006. With Cliff Floyd aging and injury prone, the general consensus was that they needed just one clutch bat — a “professional hitter” — to take over in left field. Thus, the “fix for 2007″ would be Moises Alou.
The greatest collapse in the history of baseball kept the Mets out of the 2007 postseason. When the dust settled, it was determined (by the general consensu) that the Mets needed an “ace” pitcher, or “stopper” — one who would prevent losing streaks. Thus, “the fix for 2008″ would be Johan Santana.
Yet another collapse kept the Mets from making the 2008 playoffs. All fingers pointed to the personnel in the bullpen — the general consensus was that the Mets needed a bullpen makeover. Thus, “the fix for 2009″ would be Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz.
So here we are at the end of the 2009 season and again the Mets are not playing meaningful games in October. The general consensus is that injuries were the reason. Thus, “the fix for 2010″ is …. to be healthy?
Yes … and no. While in the past there was “only one piece missing”, or “one issue to address” (according to the general consensus), today there are several:
- a #2 starter
- a power-hitting left fielder
- a Major League caliber catcher
- a power-hitting first baseman
- a return to health for Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Johan Santana, and the rest of the cavalry
Yes, some will argue that Omir Santos can be the #1 catcher and Daniel Murphy the first baseman. But I’m going with the low-level general consensus — the one that has driven the Mets’ offseason strategy for the past several years. And the “general consensus” believes the Mets need to fill those positions with new personnel.
Going from “one” issue to three or five is a big difference. And as we’ve seen in the past, addressing that “one” issue wasn’t enough to propel the Mets to the postseason — mainly because it was MORE than the “one” problem that the general consensus identified.
Which makes one wonder — is it really only these three, four, or five issues that need to be addressed? Of course not. Beyond the above generalities suggested by the mainstream, the Mets also still have a big problem with their bullpen (both the personnel and the management of it); there’s the issue of David Wright’s power shortage; many question the team’s overall mental approach / intestinal fortitude; the team needs to improve its fundamentals and execution; and the starting rotation is riddled with question marks –including Johan Santana, who is coming off elbow surgery and therefore no sure thing.
In the past, the Mets failed to build a championship team despite needing “only one or two pieces to complete the puzzle”. But this time around we should expect them to fill multiple holes and deliver a postseason appearance? That might be somewhere between wishful thinking and fantasy land.
Mets Shopping for Halladay?
The New York Times is reporting that the Mets may go after Roy Halladay, if in fact the Toronto Blue Jays make him available this winter.
As MetsBlog notes, the fact the Mets have little in the way of near-ready prospects in their farm system may not matter, since few teams will be able to handle the financial commitment that is required to keep Halladay away from free agency. In other words, it could be another Johan Santana situation — whereby the Mets acquired the star lefthander more because the deep-pocketed Yankees and Red Sox walked away from the table rather than because the Mets had the best package of players.
If indeed the Mets make a pitch for Halladay, and pull of a Santana-like trade-and-sign deal that totals over a hundred million dollars, it will be another case of the Mets using their same old shortsighted, knee-jerk strategy of “building a winner”.
Getting Halladay would be great, no question (as Jerry Manuel likes to say). But it’s just another band-aid that will send the Mets backward over the long term.
The Mets had the opportunity to obtain one of the top three pitchers in MLB last winter — and would not have had to give up a single player. We discussed right here on MetsToday last November that the Mets should go after C.C. Sabathia. Sabathia wound up signing a 7-year, $161M contract — about the same deal that Halladay is likely to get. The big difference, however, is that Sabathia was only 27 when he began that contract, and Halladay will be 33.
Maybe they would have not have been able to top the Yankees (even though Sabathia preferred the NL), but that’s not the point — the point is that the Mets never even sniffed Sabathia’s way. They were completely satisfied to bring back another young lefthander at a much cheaper cost, and to rest on the laurels of the “big splash” they made in the bullpen (signing K-Rod, trading for Putz).
Last winter the general consensus was that the Mets needed to fix the bullpen. The PR message built was, “address the bullpen problem, and the Mets will go to the World Series”. So once they signed Frankie Fantastik and obtained J.J. Putz, there was every reason to buy season tickets.
In the end, they overspent on K-Rod, overspent on Oliver Perez, and both overspent and over-traded for J.J. Putz — a total expenditure of $96M and 7 players for band-aids to stop the bleeding. By spending all that dough and emptying their farm system, you couldn’t say they weren’t trying — and it’s now easy for them to look back and say “hey, we did what we had to do, we fixed the bullpen”.
Fast-forward one year and the Mets have new wounds opening … with more band-aids on the way.
Duque the Closer
When Omar Minaya was talking about finding a “closer from within”, did he think the Mets still had Orlando Hernandez under contract?
From El Duque’s agent Greg Genske, as reported in Ken Davidoff’s excellent Baseball Insider:
Meanwhile, Genske said that another client of his, Orlando Hernandez, wants to keep pitching, after missing the entire season with the Mets. El Duque underwent surgery on his right foot in September and is rehabilitating.
Said Genske: “He wants to be a closer. He’s ready to go.”
Well that’s an out-of-the-box idea for a ninth-inning fireman: a 78-year-old soft-tosser who can’t stay healthy, with no closing experience, and coming off a season in which he didn’t throw a pitch. Sounds like a recipe for success to me.
That said, offer him a minor-league contract with hefty incentives. What have the Mets to lose? He may need to replace “Hernandez” with “Fragile” on the back of his jersey, but he’s a nice guy to have around — and the Mets have sunk millions in his rehab. Crazier things have happened. At worst you have an extra arm in AAA. I like the idea of keeping his brains in the organization and teaching things to the young guns. While his injuries have made his New York experience a disappointment, you can’t take away the fact that El Duque knows how to pitch — his problem is that his body won’t let him do it. And those who can’t, teach.
Mets Gifts
MetsBlog FeedMore Sponsors
fix bad credit
repairmycreditnow.com - repairmycreditnow has a v phase process that will successfully fix bad credit legally
