***Official NY Mets 2009 Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Deranged Hermit]

Well, FA starts shortly, and the Mets seem in the thick of every discussion when it comes to relief pitchers. My gut tells me that the Fuentes flirting is a smoke screen and they will end up with K-Rod, but not at the rediculous numbers he's looking for. Maybe 4 years, 55 million or something like that.

I'm also interested in seeing what to do to plug up Perez's spot in the pitching rotation as well as what they do to plug the corner OF hole.

 

[RBM]

Seems to me like Lowe is a strong possibility.

How much better would Texiera look in the middle of that lineup than Delgado?

 

[RBM]

Francesa talking about his morning with Omah right now.

-Will make contract offers to Pedro and Perez

- Interested in Jenks and Putz via trade, or signing Fuentes, KRod or Wood

- Interested in Lowe and Burnett. No interest in Sheets

- Castillo will probably play 2nd (ughh)

- Fine with Schneider/Castro behind the plate

- Beltran in center, Church in right and Murphy/Tatis in left

Offseason focus will be pitching, pitching and more pitching

 

[=Smackdown=]

Give K-rod whatever he wants. It's their biggest need and he's the best guy out there. Mets are in a good position to get a closer this year. There are 4 FA closers and another 4 available via trade. All this Omar talk about Fuentes and trading for Jenks is just to get K-rod's price down. Hopefully they will not have to give him 5 years.

Sign Lowe.

Heilman really needs to go. If they can get Street for Heilman + whatever get rid of him.

They need a big righty bat - they currently have to many lefties in the lineup. Dye would make a lot of sense. I'd be OK with Ibanez. Manny wants too many years.

Let Pedro & Ollie walk.

If at all possible get rid of Castillo and sign Hudson.

Other than Joe Smith and maybe Sanchez the bullpen needs a total overhaul.

 

[dparker713]

Give K-rod whatever he wants. It's their biggest need and he's the best guy out there. Mets are in a good position to get a closer this year. There are 4 FA closers and another 4 available via trade. All this Omar talk about Fuentes and trading for Jenks is just to get K-rod's price down. Hopefully they will not have to give him 5 years.Sign Lowe.Heilman really needs to go. If they can get Street for Heilman + whatever get rid of him. They need a big righty bat - they currently have to many lefties in the lineup. Dye would make a lot of sense. I'd be OK with Ibanez. Manny wants too many years.Let Pedro & Ollie walk.If at all possible get rid of Castillo and sign Hudson.Other than Joe Smith and maybe Sanchez the bullpen needs a total overhaul.

Closers are entirely overrated, and any contract KRod signs will be for way too much. There are plenty of options on the market, and the Mets shouldn't be going after the most expensive one. Frankly, the Mets need an influx of above average players, not 1 or 2 super expensive players.

 

[RBM]

Give K-rod whatever he wants. It's their biggest need and he's the best guy out there. Mets are in a good position to get a closer this year. There are 4 FA closers and another 4 available via trade. All this Omar talk about Fuentes and trading for Jenks is just to get K-rod's price down. Hopefully they will not have to give him 5 years.Sign Lowe.Heilman really needs to go. If they can get Street for Heilman + whatever get rid of him. They need a big righty bat - they currently have to many lefties in the lineup. Dye would make a lot of sense. I'd be OK with Ibanez. Manny wants too many years.Let Pedro & Ollie walk.If at all possible get rid of Castillo and sign Hudson.Other than Joe Smith and maybe Sanchez the bullpen needs a total overhaul.

Closers are entirely overrated

Completely disagree. Closers make the world go round so to speak.Look at the Phils this year.

 

[dparker713]

Give K-rod whatever he wants. It's their biggest need and he's the best guy out there. Mets are in a good position to get a closer this year. There are 4 FA closers and another 4 available via trade. All this Omar talk about Fuentes and trading for Jenks is just to get K-rod's price down. Hopefully they will not have to give him 5 years.

Sign Lowe.

Heilman really needs to go. If they can get Street for Heilman + whatever get rid of him.

They need a big righty bat - they currently have to many lefties in the lineup. Dye would make a lot of sense. I'd be OK with Ibanez. Manny wants too many years.

Let Pedro & Ollie walk.

If at all possible get rid of Castillo and sign Hudson.

Other than Joe Smith and maybe Sanchez the bullpen needs a total overhaul.

Closers are entirely overrated

Completely disagree. Closers make the world go round so to speak.Look at the Phils this year.

Win sharesTake a look at the win shares this past year between starters and relievers. The difference between Lidge (who had one of the most remarkable seasons a closer has ever had) and the bulk of relivers/closers is just a couple of win shares. Thats because the save is a stupid statistic. Is it really more important to get 3 outs up by 3 in the ninth with the 7, 8, 9 hitters up than it is to get the 3, 4, 5 hitters out in a one run game in the 7th or 8th? Of course it isnt. Its the only position in sports I can think of that was created because of a statistic.

At the end of the day, the Mets would be much better off spending the KRod type money on a better starting pitcher.

 

[RBM]

Give K-rod whatever he wants. It's their biggest need and he's the best guy out there. Mets are in a good position to get a closer this year. There are 4 FA closers and another 4 available via trade. All this Omar talk about Fuentes and trading for Jenks is just to get K-rod's price down. Hopefully they will not have to give him 5 years.

Sign Lowe.

Heilman really needs to go. If they can get Street for Heilman + whatever get rid of him.

They need a big righty bat - they currently have to many lefties in the lineup. Dye would make a lot of sense. I'd be OK with Ibanez. Manny wants too many years.

Let Pedro & Ollie walk.

If at all possible get rid of Castillo and sign Hudson.

Other than Joe Smith and maybe Sanchez the bullpen needs a total overhaul.

Closers are entirely overrated

Completely disagree. Closers make the world go round so to speak.Look at the Phils this year.

Win sharesTake a look at the win shares this past year between starters and relievers. The difference between Lidge (who had one of the most remarkable seasons a closer has ever had) and the bulk of relivers/closers is just a couple of win shares. Thats because the save is a stupid statistic. Is it really more important to get 3 outs up by 3 in the ninth with the 7, 8, 9 hitters up than it is to get the 3, 4, 5 hitters out in a one run game in the 7th or 8th? Of course it isnt. Its the only position in sports I can think of that was created because of a statistic.

At the end of the day, the Mets would be much better off spending the KRod type money on a better starting pitcher.

Did you watch this team the last 2 yrs?

 

[dparker713]

Give K-rod whatever he wants. It's their biggest need and he's the best guy out there. Mets are in a good position to get a closer this year. There are 4 FA closers and another 4 available via trade. All this Omar talk about Fuentes and trading for Jenks is just to get K-rod's price down. Hopefully they will not have to give him 5 years.

Sign Lowe.

Heilman really needs to go. If they can get Street for Heilman + whatever get rid of him.

They need a big righty bat - they currently have to many lefties in the lineup. Dye would make a lot of sense. I'd be OK with Ibanez. Manny wants too many years.

Let Pedro & Ollie walk.

If at all possible get rid of Castillo and sign Hudson.

Other than Joe Smith and maybe Sanchez the bullpen needs a total overhaul.

Closers are entirely overrated

Completely disagree. Closers make the world go round so to speak.Look at the Phils this year.

Win sharesTake a look at the win shares this past year between starters and relievers. The difference between Lidge (who had one of the most remarkable seasons a closer has ever had) and the bulk of relivers/closers is just a couple of win shares. Thats because the save is a stupid statistic. Is it really more important to get 3 outs up by 3 in the ninth with the 7, 8, 9 hitters up than it is to get the 3, 4, 5 hitters out in a one run game in the 7th or 8th? Of course it isnt. Its the only position in sports I can think of that was created because of a statistic.

At the end of the day, the Mets would be much better off spending the KRod type money on a better starting pitcher.

Did you watch this team the last 2 yrs?

The problem the last two years hasnt been the closer, the problem has been the entire bullpen and the lack of starting pitchers going deep into games. Get a decent pitcher that gives you 7+ innings each time out instead of 5+ innings per start and I'll take that everytime over a dominant closer. Now, if you used a closer how you should, when the game is actually on the line and not because some statistic says you should, then maybe it would be different. But the prima donnas that occupy those roles now would blow a gasket if you tried that. Did KRod even pitch 2 innings once this year? He, like all closers, are over rated and over paid.

 

[RBM]

Give K-rod whatever he wants. It's their biggest need and he's the best guy out there. Mets are in a good position to get a closer this year. There are 4 FA closers and another 4 available via trade. All this Omar talk about Fuentes and trading for Jenks is just to get K-rod's price down. Hopefully they will not have to give him 5 years.

Sign Lowe.

Heilman really needs to go. If they can get Street for Heilman + whatever get rid of him.

They need a big righty bat - they currently have to many lefties in the lineup. Dye would make a lot of sense. I'd be OK with Ibanez. Manny wants too many years.

Let Pedro & Ollie walk.

If at all possible get rid of Castillo and sign Hudson.

Other than Joe Smith and maybe Sanchez the bullpen needs a total overhaul.

Closers are entirely overrated

Completely disagree. Closers make the world go round so to speak.Look at the Phils this year.

Win sharesTake a look at the win shares this past year between starters and relievers. The difference between Lidge (who had one of the most remarkable seasons a closer has ever had) and the bulk of relivers/closers is just a couple of win shares. Thats because the save is a stupid statistic. Is it really more important to get 3 outs up by 3 in the ninth with the 7, 8, 9 hitters up than it is to get the 3, 4, 5 hitters out in a one run game in the 7th or 8th? Of course it isnt. Its the only position in sports I can think of that was created because of a statistic.

At the end of the day, the Mets would be much better off spending the KRod type money on a better starting pitcher.

Did you watch this team the last 2 yrs?

The problem the last two years hasnt been the closer, the problem has been the entire bullpen and the lack of starting pitchers going deep into games. Get a decent pitcher that gives you 7+ innings each time out instead of 5+ innings per start and I'll take that everytime over a dominant closer. Now, if you used a closer how you should, when the game is actually on the line and not because some statistic says you should, then maybe it would be different. But the prima donnas that occupy those roles now would blow a gasket if you tried that. Did KRod even pitch 2 innings once this year? He, like all closers, are over rated and over paid.

I just couldnt disagree more. And its no coincidence that every year we see a World Series winner being the team whose closer in on his game.Try telling Yankee fans closers are overrated. They know Rivera was the key to those 4 titles.

Paplebon in Boston. Jenks with the White Sox that year. Wainwright was great for the Cards.

How many blown saves has Wagner had the last 2 yrs? How do you say that hasnt been a problem? When you need 3 outs to win a game and the guy you put in cant get them, thats a freakin major problem.

 

[dparker713]

Give K-rod whatever he wants. It's their biggest need and he's the best guy out there. Mets are in a good position to get a closer this year. There are 4 FA closers and another 4 available via trade. All this Omar talk about Fuentes and trading for Jenks is just to get K-rod's price down. Hopefully they will not have to give him 5 years.

Sign Lowe.

Heilman really needs to go. If they can get Street for Heilman + whatever get rid of him.

They need a big righty bat - they currently have to many lefties in the lineup. Dye would make a lot of sense. I'd be OK with Ibanez. Manny wants too many years.

Let Pedro & Ollie walk.

If at all possible get rid of Castillo and sign Hudson.

Other than Joe Smith and maybe Sanchez the bullpen needs a total overhaul.

Closers are entirely overrated

Completely disagree. Closers make the world go round so to speak.Look at the Phils this year.

Win sharesTake a look at the win shares this past year between starters and relievers. The difference between Lidge (who had one of the most remarkable seasons a closer has ever had) and the bulk of relivers/closers is just a couple of win shares. Thats because the save is a stupid statistic. Is it really more important to get 3 outs up by 3 in the ninth with the 7, 8, 9 hitters up than it is to get the 3, 4, 5 hitters out in a one run game in the 7th or 8th? Of course it isnt. Its the only position in sports I can think of that was created because of a statistic.

At the end of the day, the Mets would be much better off spending the KRod type money on a better starting pitcher.

Did you watch this team the last 2 yrs?

The problem the last two years hasnt been the closer, the problem has been the entire bullpen and the lack of starting pitchers going deep into games. Get a decent pitcher that gives you 7+ innings each time out instead of 5+ innings per start and I'll take that everytime over a dominant closer. Now, if you used a closer how you should, when the game is actually on the line and not because some statistic says you should, then maybe it would be different. But the prima donnas that occupy those roles now would blow a gasket if you tried that. Did KRod even pitch 2 innings once this year? He, like all closers, are over rated and over paid.

I just couldnt disagree more. And its no coincidence that every year we see a World Series winner being the team whose closer in on his game.Try telling Yankee fans closers are overrated. They know Rivera was the key to those 4 titles.

Paplebon in Boston. Jenks with the White Sox that year. Wainwright was great for the Cards.

How many blown saves has Wagner had the last 2 yrs? How do you say that hasnt been a problem? When you need 3 outs to win a game and the guy you put in cant get them, thats a freakin major problem.

Its not like Rivera has been dogmeat since those titles. In fact last year he had 17 winshares, Lidge had 13. But the Yankees championship teams had better pitching in both the starters and bullpen. The starters actually went deep into games which left the pen rested and they therefore pitched better as well. Fact of the matter is, in the last several years of the Torre era he overworked the 3 or 4 relievers he trusted in the regular season just to get to the post season and they ran out of gas. You also realize that Rivera let the winning run across against the DBacks and he was on the mound for much of the implosion against the Red Sox that led to their first title in a billion years. He, like all closers, blows a save every so often. He provides you with 70 innings with a low ERA - thats his primary value, not that he does it in save situations.

As for Wagner's blown saves, sure less is better. But you've got to expect some blown saves every year. Its a statistical anomoly to have zero. Would you seriously prefer a great closer and a crappy pen, or an above average closer and a top notch pen? I'd much rather get the ERA of the entire pen down 1.5-2.0. That will result in more wins over the course of the season.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

The more I read about K-Rod, the more red flags I'm starting to see. I'm starting to think Fuentes would be the better, and cheaper, option.

IMO, they probably should go after Fuentes, save some cash, and use that saved cash for Lowe or Burnett.

 

[RBM]

In his latest rumor-mill round up, citing ‘whispers, at Baseball Prospectus, John Perrotto suggests the Mets and White Sox could be discussing a deal that could send OF Jermaine Dye and RHP Bobby Jenks to the Mets for OF Fernando Martinez and others.…a deal between the Mets and Sox involving dye and jenks may have been true once before…however, from what i can gather, the Mets are more focused on Huston Street, since they match up better with the Rockies…plus, i believe he will cost less……as for dye, i have no idea if he’s a realistic option, but, as i have said before, he’d be a pretty good fit…however, trading martinez to get him would cancel out one of the reasons, i.e., a short-term solution, which makes dye appealing…Last week, at FoxSports.com, Ken Rosenthal wrote that the Mets have been looking for a right-handed bat.“On Tuesday, Nov. 11, several White Sox officials watched Mets pitching prospects Bobby Parnell and Eddie Kunz pitch in the Arizona Fall League,’ reported the Chicago Tribune.According to Gonzales, citing two NL scouts, the Sox were scouting players for deals that include Dye, who hit .292 with 34 HR, 96 RBI and a .344 OBP in 154 games last season.Dye will earn $11.5 million in 2009, after which he has a mutual option in 2010 for $12 million, or a $1 million buyout that could make him a free agent.On Nov. 18, I wrote, “From what I can gather, the Mets are likely to make a trade for a relief pitcher, who has experience as a closer,” in addition to signing either Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes or Kerry Wood.”

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Well, looks like they're getting K-Rod. 3 years/36 mil ain't bad.....

 

[RBM]

Well, looks like they're getting K-Rod. 3 years/36 mil ain't bad.....

Thats good but its not enough. Lets go get another closer for the 7th-8th inning

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Well, looks like they're getting K-Rod. 3 years/36 mil ain't bad.....

Thats good but its not enough. Lets go get another closer for the 7th-8th inning

I keep hearing Street's name getting thrown around. I'lll take that 1-2 punch any day......

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Mets land the first big name of the off-season:

According to Ted Berg at SNY, “The Mets have agreed to terms with reliever Francisco Rodriguez on a three-year contract worth $37 million, pending a physical.”

Good job by the Mets here. I like him at 3 years, not so much at 5 years.....

 

[dparker713]

The fact they could get him for 3 years shocks me. The market must be really down.

 

[Koya]

Nice signing considering it's only 3 years. I dont care about the $ per year, although even that is not an especially high figure.

That said, how are we going to revamp one of the all time most chokingest lineups in the history of ever? Bad as our pen was last year, the reason we have been losers is because Mr. Excitement and Mr. Pretty Boy disappear when it counts.

 

[RBM]

That said, how are we going to revamp one of the all time most chokingest lineups in the history of ever? Bad as our pen was last year, the reason we have been losers is because Mr. Excitement and Mr. Pretty Boy disappear when it counts.

 

[RBM]

NOW we're talkin...

Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com explains: The Mets will get J.J. Putz, OF Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green; The Mariners will get Aaron Heilman, OF Endy Chavez, 1B Mike Carp and OF Franklin Gutierrez, plus minor leaguers from the Indians; The Indians will get RHP Joe Smith and infielder Luis Valbuena.Mets reporter David Lennon of Newsday writes, ‘The three teams are currently going over the medical records and a deal could be announced shortly.’Putz will earn $5.5 million next season, after which the team can exercise a $8.6 million option for 2010, or make him a free agent.In 72 relief appearances for the M’s last season, the 29–year-old Green was 4–5 with a 4.67 ERA.

 

[Koya]

NOW we're talkin...

Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com explains: The Mets will get J.J. Putz, OF Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green; The Mariners will get Aaron Heilman, OF Endy Chavez, 1B Mike Carp and OF Franklin Gutierrez, plus minor leaguers from the Indians; The Indians will get RHP Joe Smith and infielder Luis Valbuena.Mets reporter David Lennon of Newsday writes, ‘The three teams are currently going over the medical records and a deal could be announced shortly.’Putz will earn $5.5 million next season, after which the team can exercise a $8.6 million option for 2010, or make him a free agent.In 72 relief appearances for the M’s last season, the 29–year-old Green was 4–5 with a 4.67 ERA.

Wow. Now we ARE talking.Ok, back to that gutless puke of a lineup... other than Beltran that is.

 

[Giant Wooden Badger]

Done deal. Announced in press conference at the Bellagio at 12:30. Tons of players involved. Good grief.

 

[jamny]

Good deal for the Mets. Heilman gets a chance to possibly start, I could see him being one of those players that flourishes with a change of scenery. Sad to see Endy go, but he really was just a 4th OF, but a very solid one.

At least with KRod here there is no "closer controversy" with Putz as there might have been had they signed Fuentes. But Putz can fill right in if, God forbid, something happens to Fransisco. I was actually thinking Putz would have made a good closer to acquire as a rebound player like Lidge.

Very happy.

Will they sign Ollie?

 

[=Smackdown=]

Good deal for the Mets. Heilman gets a chance to possibly start, I could see him being one of those players that flourishes with a change of scenery. Sad to see Endy go, but he really was just a 4th OF, but a very solid one.At least with KRod here there is no "closer controversy" with Putz as there might have been had they signed Fuentes. But Putz can fill right in if, God forbid, something happens to Fransisco. I was actually thinking Putz would have made a good closer to acquire as a rebound player like Lidge. Very happy.Will they sign Ollie?

My wish list . . .1. Either resign Ollie or pay Lowe2. Get a right handed bat to take Alou's spot - batting 6th. The Mets offense was so much better with right handed Alou batting 6th.3. Try to get rid of Castillo.

 

[RBM]

Good deal for the Mets. Heilman gets a chance to possibly start, I could see him being one of those players that flourishes with a change of scenery. Sad to see Endy go, but he really was just a 4th OF, but a very solid one.At least with KRod here there is no "closer controversy" with Putz as there might have been had they signed Fuentes. But Putz can fill right in if, God forbid, something happens to Fransisco. I was actually thinking Putz would have made a good closer to acquire as a rebound player like Lidge. Very happy.Will they sign Ollie?

My wish list . . .1. Either resign Ollie or pay Lowe2. Get a right handed bat to take Alou's spot - batting 6th. The Mets offense was so much better with right handed Alou batting 6th.3. Try to get rid of Castillo.

Especially agree with 2 and 3. 1, ehh. Rather not see Ollie back. Would love Lowe but it sounds like he is going to get too much $. Maybe a Randy Wolf or John Garland. I have a feeling Maine will have a nice bounce-back year.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

What's the next step for Omar here? I gotta believe that SP should be the next order of business. I keep hearing Lowe, Garland, Ollie, but what about Sheets? You may be able to get him at a relative bargin soon.

 

[RBM]

Sounds like Jason Marquis might be the next piece of the puzzle.

Earlier today, Jon Heyman of SI.com said the Cubs and Omar Minaya are discussing a trade that would send starting pitcher Jason Marquis to the Mets.Tonight, on SNY’s Mets Hot Stove, Heyman added: “Marquis is a good number five starter, he’ll throw innings, he wins in double digits – you know, it makes sense and I think it’ll will get done. I know Omar is saying it will be later and a long shot… I think the later part is right, but this makes too much sense. The Cubs are pushing on the Mets right now, but eventually I think the they will do this deal.”Heyman also said he believes the Mets are considering Raul Ibanez, though they’re not alone, adding, ‘the Mets love him, and they will consider him if the price is right.’Lastly, Heyman flatly said, ‘No,’ when asked if the Mets will go after free-agent OF Manny Ramirez, adding, ‘I just don’t think they want him on their team.”

 

[INRIhab]

In my opinion, replacing Castillo has to be the Mets' lowest priority. They definitely need to grab a pitcher and a LF first. After watching Castillo all of last season, I understand the hate that the fans have towards him...that being said, I still think he's a good fit to bat after Reyes. He maintained a .350+ OBP despite looking like absolute crap.

If they can, I'd love for the Mets to grab DeRosa (whose name came up in the Peavy deal) in a deal with Jason Marquis, but that (in all likelihood) won't happen

 

[Koya]

Well, Ibanez signed with... Philly.

So much for that idea. This is what kills me about Omar. Great at getting the big fish, the key building block. And TERRIBLE at building out the depth of a team to sustain a real chance to win it all.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Well, Ibanez signed with... Philly. <_< So much for that idea. This is what kills me about Omar. Great at getting the big fish, the key building block. And TERRIBLE at building out the depth of a team to sustain a real chance to win it all.

That's not fair at all. The Mets are off to a great start this offseason but missed out on a nice player at the end of the meetings. That being said, I'd rather he concentrate on getting Lowe, Ollie or Sheets locked up rather than pick up yet another lefty bat who also is only passable in the OF (and will be 39 at contract's end).

 

[Koya]

Well, Ibanez signed with... Philly. So much for that idea. This is what kills me about Omar. Great at getting the big fish, the key building block. And TERRIBLE at building out the depth of a team to sustain a real chance to win it all.

That's not fair at all. The Mets are off to a great start this offseason but missed out on a nice player at the end of the meetings. That being said, I'd rather he concentrate on getting Lowe, Ollie or Sheets locked up rather than pick up yet another lefty bat who also is only passable in the OF (and will be 39 at contract's end).

What is not fair? We have a few years of this under our belts - the bullpen was clearly missing elements last year, Omar did not address the issue. Our lineup has significant issues and our OF spots are in dire need up upgrade, but Omar has not addressed them - last year for example he somehow expect a 74 year old Alou to actually make it through the season. Once again, he does a great job of getting the blockbuster done, but it is 100% fair to point out that his lack of follow through re: rounding out the team and providing depth as that is perhaps the biggest reason we have come up short over the past two years.

 

[RBM]

Its annoying that Danny Murphy came up as supposedly an infielder but apparently he is incapable of playing 2b

They desperately need a righty bat in LF. Jose Guillen maybe? Pat the bat?

 

[INRIhab]

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/...ez-sweepstakes/

Great article on Ollie.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Diamondbacks acquired LHP Scott Schoeneweis from the Mets for RHP Connor Robertson.

The Diamondbacks can't pay Randy Johnson $6.25 million, but they're able to spend $3.6 million on a lefty specialist? In what world does that make sense? When limited to facing strictly lefties, Schoeneweis is just fine. However, righties had averages of .316 and .333 against him in his two years in New York. Misused and overpaid, it's no surprise that he was unpopular.

The Mets received right-hander Connor Robertson in Friday's deal and agreed to pay $1.6 million of Schoeneweis' $3.6 million salary for 2009.

Good riddance.

The Mets bullpen reconstruction continues.

Salary dump

Got younger

Free up some cash for either Lowe or Cruz?

 

[Giant Wooden Badger]

Well, Ibanez signed with... Philly. So much for that idea. This is what kills me about Omar. Great at getting the big fish, the key building block. And TERRIBLE at building out the depth of a team to sustain a real chance to win it all.

Ibanez is a terrible signing at that price. He's old and a terrible fielder. Never mind that we don't need another LH bat in the lineup.Seriously, awful move by the Phils. Why not just offer arby to Burrell who's younger and basically the same hitter (only RH) and if he declines and someone else signs him you get a couple of draft picks? If he accepts you pay him about the same money but only for one year.

 

[RBM]

Have never heard Sheets mentioned for the Mets. If he would take like a juicy one year deal with incentives, I would rather take a shot on him than guys like Perez, Wolf or Garland.

Still need a meaty righty bat for LF also.

 

[Koya]

Well, Ibanez signed with... Philly. So much for that idea. This is what kills me about Omar. Great at getting the big fish, the key building block. And TERRIBLE at building out the depth of a team to sustain a real chance to win it all.

Ibanez is a terrible signing at that price. He's old and a terrible fielder. Never mind that we don't need another LH bat in the lineup.Seriously, awful move by the Phils. Why not just offer arby to Burrell who's younger and basically the same hitter (only RH) and if he declines and someone else signs him you get a couple of draft picks? If he accepts you pay him about the same money but only for one year.

Really? The guy is a true professional hitter and still seems to be doing well. Age is a big concern, but his ability to get solid numbers every year, in that ballpark, would seem to be a good solid signing.Whether or not he would have been the answer, we need to make a couple more deals or expect the same bull#### this coming year.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

In an interview with Central Maine Sports Blog, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com said the Yankees and Braves are no longer interested in free-agent RHP Derek Lowe.

Additionally, Crasnick says, “The Red Sox would only be interested if he comes cheap, the Phillies just spent $30 million on Raul Ibanez, and the Dodgers don’t expect to bring him back.”

As such, Crasnick sees the Mets as the front-runners.

 

[RBM]

Serisouly, lets wrap up this offseason with Lowe and Milton Bradley.

 

[Giant Wooden Badger]

Well, Ibanez signed with... Philly. So much for that idea. This is what kills me about Omar. Great at getting the big fish, the key building block. And TERRIBLE at building out the depth of a team to sustain a real chance to win it all.

Ibanez is a terrible signing at that price. He's old and a terrible fielder. Never mind that we don't need another LH bat in the lineup.Seriously, awful move by the Phils. Why not just offer arby to Burrell who's younger and basically the same hitter (only RH) and if he declines and someone else signs him you get a couple of draft picks? If he accepts you pay him about the same money but only for one year.

Really? The guy is a true professional hitter and still seems to be doing well. Age is a big concern, but his ability to get solid numbers every year, in that ballpark, would seem to be a good solid signing.Whether or not he would have been the answer, we need to make a couple more deals or expect the same bull#### this coming year.

Ibane can hit. I'm not disputing that. But he's reall no different than Burrell and he's A) LH which they don't need, B) just as bad defensively, and C) they could have had 2 draft picks had they offered arby to Burrell who would likely have declined anyway. Nevermind the fact that had he accepted they would have spent less for one year of a younger, similar offensive player.It was just a bad move given their situation. Phillies specific, if you will. You follow?

 

[RBM]

We tried to lowball Lowe. He turned down 3yrs/36 mill. He wants more like 15-16 mill a year.

Dont get me wrong, Id love to have him in the rotation, but he nothing more than a good #3, ehh #2 starter. Dont break the bank for him. For less money Id be fine taking Perez back

 

[dparker713]

We tried to lowball Lowe. He turned down 3yrs/36 mill. He wants more like 15-16 mill a year.Dont get me wrong, Id love to have him in the rotation, but he nothing more than a good #3, ehh #2 starter. Dont break the bank for him. For less money Id be fine taking Perez back

If Lowe wants big money, he's either going to need to take a 1 year deal or pull a rabbit out of his ***. I'd actually rather the Mets take a flier on Sheets and resign Perez - atleast he's younger.

 

[RBM]

Update, 3:47 pm:According to the Denver Post, Redding and the Mets have agreed in principle to a one-year, $2.2 million deal.Update, 2:05 pm:According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Mets are on the verge of signing free-agent RHP Tim Redding to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with incentives.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Update, 3:47 pm:According to the Denver Post, Redding and the Mets have agreed in principle to a one-year, $2.2 million deal.Update, 2:05 pm:According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Mets are on the verge of signing free-agent RHP Tim Redding to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with incentives.

Not a bad price to pay for a 5th starter. They could certainly do worse.Now sign Lowe or Ollie......

 

[=Smackdown=]

Update, 3:47 pm:According to the Denver Post, Redding and the Mets have agreed in principle to a one-year, $2.2 million deal.Update, 2:05 pm:According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Mets are on the verge of signing free-agent RHP Tim Redding to a one-year, $2.25 million contract with incentives.

Not a bad price to pay for a 5th starter. They could certainly do worse.Now sign Lowe or Ollie......

Much prefer Lowe over Ollie.

 

[RBM]

Fine with the Redding signing.

Would be fine with either Lowe or Ollie. To be honest I would take a shot on Sheets over Ollie but Im just not hearing his name mentioned at all.

Definitely a little disappointed that the offense hasnt been addressed at all, and may not be.

 

[Koya]

Things have been AWFUL quiet since we got our bullpen in shape. I think Madoff has hurt the organization far more than they are letting on. Living on Long Island, and having connections with the Jewish Philanthropic World, I have heard enough to suggest that between Wilpon / Katz and Equities, it may be closer to 500 Mill lost, not 300 - and either way, it's a good pound of flesh that was lost.

Unfortunately, Fred does not view the Mets as an entity to be self sustaining and invested within as the Steinbrenners view the yanks, or they may actually spend the money to make the money. As it stands, I believe they are hurting and this long quiet lull is an example of that.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

"In a post to his blog for WFAN.com, Mets reporter Ed Coleman says Billy Wagner is ahead of schedule and aiming to return in August".

Wow, that'd be a pretty awesome bullpen if Wagner is able to return by than.

 

[Giant Wooden Badger]

Lowe signed with the Braves: 4 years, $60MM