Bengie Molina Signs with Giants
It turns out that Bengie Molina was not prepared to leave his heart in San Francisco. Further, it turns out that the ship that sailed from the bay could in fact return to shore.
This is a good thing, from the perspective that — for once — the Mets did not grossly overpay a free agent. On the other hand, it’s a little sad knowing that the Mets outbid the Giants, yet still lost out on him.
In other words, at least one thing has not changed since Omar Minaya took over as Mets GM: free agents still have little desire to play in Flushing unless they are over-compensated.
Mo’ money is the only reason Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran signed with the Mets in the 2004-2005 offseason — just like it was the only reason Tom Glavine signed two years prior. Just like it was the only reason Billy Wagner, Francisco Rodriguez, and most recently, Jason Bay, chose the “other” team in NYC.
But still, it is a good thing. The only way Bengie Molina was signing with the Mets was if they gave him at least two, possibly three, guaranteed years. The Mets held firm, believing he had no other options (I believed the same). Molina called their bluff. That’s OK — sometimes the best moves you make are the ones you don’t.
Molina counted on getting a contract similar to, or better than, the one Pudge Rodriguez received from the Nationals. What he didn’t count on was the fact that few teams other than the Nats and Mets were desperately seeking a backstop. The Mets counted on Molina caving in to their one-year offer, because they also counted on Brian Sabean sticking to his sailed-ship quote. I have to admit, it seemed to me to be an inevitable conclusion that Molina would wind up a Met this winter — color me pleasantly surprised.
Carlos Beltran’s Mysterious Knee Surgery
In case you missed it, Carlos Beltran had knee surgery in Colorado on Wednesday. That’s about all we know for sure. He might have had “microfracture surgery”, which is pretty darn serious, or he may have had “arthroscopic surgery”, which is relatively routine. We’ve also been told by the Mets that he will be out for “12 weeks”, which makes sense for neither possibility.
Here is the exact quote from the official Mets press release:
He elected to undergo arthroscopic clean out of the arthritic area of his knee by Beltran’s personal physician Dr. Richard Steadman today in Colorado. He is anticipated to return to baseball activities in 12 weeks.
Considering the recent history of medical reports from Mets officials, it is hard to know what to believe.
If indeed it was microfracture surgery, the recovery time is at least 4 months, but could be as long as 8 — or a year, or a year and a half. There’s really no way to know for sure, as everyone is different.
On the other hand, athletes usually resume activities from a simple ’scope of the knee in 6-8 weeks — sometimes sooner.
So now you can understand why the 12-week number stated by the Mets’ press release is mysterious.
As if that weren’t enough to confuse things, microfracture surgery is something that is performed via arthroscopy. Get it? So in other words, you can have arthroscopic surgery without having microfracture surgery, but you can’t have microfracture surgery without having a ’scope. Clear as mud?
That said, if it is reported that Beltran had a ’scope, it would be correct regardless of whether the surgery was a simple cleaning or if it included the microfracture procedure. And therein lies the mystery.
Oh, and if you re-read the above quote from the Mets’ press release, you’ll see it was Dr. Richard Steadman who performed the surgery. Steadman is the man who pioneered microfracture surgery.
The 12 weeks spit out by the Mets’ crack PR team is what makes things suspicious, because it takes the blood clot formed by microfracture surgery at least 8-15 weeks to heal — and the number 12 is right in the middle of that range. Mind you, the healing of the clot is only step one of the recovery process. From the research available on the information superhighway, if indeed he had microfracture surgery, Beltran would GET OFF CRUTCHES after 8-15 weeks — I’m not sure what kind of “baseball activities” are possible immediately thereafter. Maybe it means he can start autographing baseballs or break in a new glove.
Here is a quote from Wikipedia in regard to the sensitive nature of the recovery period:
Microfracture surgery itself is relatively minor. It is an outpatient procedure and causes only small discomfort. The harder part is the restrictions that are placed on the patient during the post-operative recovery period. This can be a major challenge for many patients. For optimal re-growth of joint surface, the patients need to be very patient and also extremely cooperative. They usually need to be on crutches for four to six weeks (sometimes longer). Sometimes a brace is needed. This all depends on the size and/or location of the joint surface defect that is being repaired or regenerated. The patients are encouraged to spend approximately 6-8 hours a day on a CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machine that helps with optimal re-growth of joint surface. Patients usually feel pretty good and think they can avoid these critically important steps, and even start running and jumping (or playing sports) before the internal aspects of the knee, and the joint surface, are ready.
Sounds pretty dangerous, no? If a determined athlete — such as Beltran — decides to push himself to recover quickly, it could have devastating consequences. Considering that Beltran is going to make $37M over the next two years regardless of whether he sets foot on the field, and that he probably has a shot at one more big payday before he retires, you’d think that agent Scott Boras will recommend insist that Beltran go the cautious route, taking all the time he needs.
Quite a conundrum.
There are already rumors flying that the Mets were not on board with Beltran’s decision to have the surgery, and that they may sue Beltran for his salary. Per Joel Sherman:
A person familiar with the situation told the Post that the Commissioners Office and the Players Association have been alerted that “the Mets are claiming this was done without clearance and that the Mets are threatening to take some form of action. There is a potential issue out there.”
That’s a whole ‘nuther can of worms.
Here’s the bottom line: if indeed Beltran had microfracture surgery — and all signs seem to be pointing that way — there’s no way he’ll be playing before June. In fact there is a very real possibility he misses the entire 2010 campaign. This isn’t panic, it’s a statement of reality — not unlike the statement I posted here last May in regard to Jose Reyes.
Mind you, I don’t point out these possibilities because I want to be right, or so I can say “I told you so” later on. Rather, I’m evaluating the situation realistically, and understanding that the Mets will need to have a solid plan in place in preparation for the worst scenario NOW, rather than scrambling later (see: Angel Berroa, Wilson Valdez, Anderson Hernandez, et al). Maybe the Mets can survive the year and compete for a postseason spot with Angel Pagan in centerfield all year. Or, maybe they need to look for an alternative, in case Pagan doesn’t work out (Rick Ankiel? Jeremy Reed? would they be crazy enough to trade for Gary Matthews, Jr. ?).
No matter which way you scope out this situation, it is not good news for the Mets.
Jason Bay To Sign with Mets
It’s not official, but according to Mike Francesa, Jason Bay will sign with the Mets.
Was it just a coincidence that Francesa’s announcement came a day after MetsToday pulled the Mets offer off the table?
Perhaps Omar Minaya will send a thank-you note for saving him a year and another $16M or so.
Comment away …
Winter Plan Complete as Mets Sign Weijgertse and Hato
The Mets continued their aggressive international scavenger hunt, signing Kevin Weijgertse and Bjorn Hato of Holland.
The 18-year-old phenoms first attracted attention at a European showcase in North Carolina held during November. Weijgertse is a third baseman / first baseman and Hato is primarily an outfielder with good speed.
And with that, it appears the Mets have finished their work for the offseason. Enjoy the rest of the winter!
Alex Cora Injures Back
According to Beisbol Invernal:
Los Criollos, asimismo, vieron salir del terreno de juego con supuestas molestias en la espalda en el segundo episodio a su valioso ‘infielder’, Alex Cora, quien anoche comenzó en la defensa de la antesala. Fue reemplazado por Danny González.
I *think* that means Alex Cora left the ballgame in the second inning with back pain. This is not good news for the Mets’ top free agent signing of the winter. Generally, back problems don’t go away — they become more chronic and debilitating over time. Ask Joe Crede, Eric Chavez, or your old man. Though, it’s quite possible that this back issue is a minor one — or that my translation skills are inadequate.
Bostick, Wilson Sign with Royals
Former Mets Adam Bostick, Vance Wilson, and Bruce Chen have signed minor league deals with the Kansas City Royals, with all receiving invitations to spring training.
Both Wilson and Chen made comebacks after Tommy John surgery in 2009, with Chen pitching in 17 games for the Royals and Wilson catching in 59 games for KC’s AA affiliate.
The 26-year-old Bostick was a disappointment for most of his professional career before moving to the bullpen last year. In 39 games split between the B-Mets and Buffalo, he posted a 3.05 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and struck out 63 in 56 innings.
Unfortunately for Bostick, it was a case of “too little, too late”, as the New York Mets were stockpiled with pitching in 2009 — particularly with effective lefthanders coming out of the bullpen — and he was more or less forgotten by the powers-that-be. It would be difficult for even Sandy Koufax to make an impression in an organization that boasts names like Fossum, Takahashi, Switzer, and Misch. And with seasoned veterans such as Elmer Dessens already locked up in Buffalo’s 2010 bullpen, there simply wasn’t any room for a young, inexperienced lefty such as Bostick. Hopefully he will get an opportunity with Kansas City.
Elmer Dessens Signed
After a month of holding our collective breath, it’s finally official: Elmer Dessens has re-signed with the Mets.
The lights-out mopup man returns to the organization for one year, minor league contract that could be worth as much as $700,000 if he makes the 40-man roster.
We can all rest easy knowing Dessens will be among the spring training invites in February.
Mike Jacobs Released by Royals
Just before the Rule 5 draft, the Kansas City Royals released former Met Mike Jacobs.
Jacobs was a disappointment in KC after being acquired for middle reliever Leo Nunez. He hit only .228 with a .297 OBP, slugging 19 HR and 16 doubles in 434 ABs.
Doubtful the Mets will even blink at this, though if he’s willing to put the catcher’s gear on again he’d multiply his value tenfold.
Millwood Traded and Other News
More news in what’s becoming a somewhat busy day in Indianapolis … Read more
Wolf, Gload, Penny, and Other Updates
A quick update on the goings-on in Indianapolis today … Read more
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