New York Mets Talk

Game: Mets vs Diamondbacks (7/31)

2009-07-31T18:42:00.001-04:00

Mets' lineup:
Angel Pagan CF
Luis Castillo 2B
David Wright 3B
Jeff Francoeur RF
Fernando Tatis LF
Daniel Murphy 1B
Omir Santos C
Alex Cora SS
Livan Hernandez RHP (7-5, 4.87)

Opposing pitcher:
Doug Davis (10-6, 3.54 ERA)

Back!

2009-07-31T18:41:00.002-04:00

Well I'm back and hopefully I can keep the blog running.. Enjoy!

Opinion: Top 10 Prospects List

2009-04-11T22:29:00.002-04:00

Nick Migliore's New York Mets Top 10 Prospects List

Rank / Name / Position / Current Level (2009)

1. Fernando Martinez - OF - AAA
2. Brad Holt - RHP - A+
3. Wilmer Flores - SS - A
4. Jon Niese - LHP - AAA
5. Jenry Mejia - RHP - A+
6. Jefry Marte - 3B - A
7. Reese Havens - SS - A+
8. Dillon Gee - RHP - AAA
9. Scott Moviel - RHP - A+
10. Josh Thole - C - AA

* Honorable Mention: Brant Rustich - RHP - A+

(I consider Parnell as graduated since hes in the Mets' bullpen, therefore not on this list)

Opinion: K-Rod in WBC

2009-03-17T18:24:00.005-04:00

According to this article on MLB.com, Luis Sojo will rest his stars when his Venezuelans face the winner of the Puerto Rico-USA game. HOORAY!

Seriously.. I'm very lost on why Frankie Rodriguez is coming in the 8th inning vs the Netherlands to get a 4-out save. I didn't like it when Sojo put him in the 4-out save for the Venezuela-Puerto Rico game either. The only good thing coming out of this is K-Rod was able to keep his pitch count around 20 for both saves. But I'm utterly sick of this crap, and I hope one of those damn Asian teams knocks Venezuela out and so K-Rod can come back to Met camp and get ready to close out games vs the Phillies. Thats more important after all, isn't it?

I like the WBC, dont get me wrong.. but isn't just my (and Met fan readers') luck that OUR Mets have to have the MOST players in the WBC?

News: Tom Martin Breaks Wrist, Johan's Debut

2009-03-12T18:29:00.003-04:00

According to David Lennon of Newsday, Tom Martin broken his wrist falling down the stairs of his home the other day.. (from Nick: yikes talk about bad luck, that certainly kills his hopes of making the bullpen for now)

Well the good news is that Johan Santana will make his Grapefruit League debut tonight vs the pesky Marlins. Hanley Ramirez will not be in the lineup. For the full lineups check out Lennon's blog.. (from Nick: I could care less about the results, as long as he looks comfortable while throwing to his pitch limit)

(Old) News: Duaner Sanchez Released

2009-03-11T16:37:00.004-04:00

Well this is old news and I plan on covering just the bigger spring training headlines until the season starts.. but yeah, Duaner Sanchez has been released..

Can't say Im surprised; Sanchez never regained back velocity and his command has gotten worse.. last season it took about 4 or 5 days off for him to reach just the high 80's. And now he cant even dial it up past 87mph after a 5 month off period, and his command is worse. Pitching on back to back days would have been a bigger disaster. Theres others who have a better chance at making the 'pen, like Villone and Parnell.

Blog News: Will Be Returning for Opening Day

2009-03-11T16:33:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the inactiveness guys .. Kinda in the middle of spring training so I've decided start up the blog once spring training comes to an end, although I will cover the 'major' headlines (ie: player releases, signings, etc.).. Theres quite a few excellent Mets blogs out there so you guys should manage until then ;)

-Nick

Rumor: Mets Dont Want Pudge

2009-02-16T15:45:00.003-05:00

According to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, from a high-ranked source in the organization, the Mets do not have interest in Ivan Rodriguez and that they feel comfortable with Brian Schneider, Ramon Castro, and Robinson Cancel. The source indicated that Pudge is just trying to 'drum up interest.'

From Nick: Well... okay..

Spring Training News: Santana to Start March 3rd?

2009-02-16T10:30:00.002-05:00

According to Adam Rubin of the Daily News, Santana won't make his first spring training start until March 3rd when the Mets face the St. Louis Cardinals in Port St. Lucie. Pitching coach Dan Warthen says it has nothing to do with the surgery recovery, its just that the 37-game schedule is too long for all of his starters. Santana is expected to throw a couple simulated games before facing the Cardinals.

Also from Adam Rubin: Jose Reyes is expected to report to spring training on Tuesday; his wife Katherine gave birth to the couple's 3rd daughter on Saturday.

From Nick: Congrats Jose.. and glad to see Warthen isn't rushing his ace pitcher to go overboard with starts in spring training.

Rumor: 3 Teams on Pudge, Mets One of Them

2009-02-16T09:24:00.003-05:00

Drew Silva of MLBTradeRumors.com writes that free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez is being pursued by the Astros, Marlins, and Mets. About the Mets he writes: "The Mets could be the darkhorse here. They haven't been vocal with their interest in Pudge this offseason, but he would work well in a platoon with Brian Schneider. Of course, the Mets would probably then want to move Ramon Castro."

From Nick: I say he lands with the Marlins but they apparently are only offering the league minimum; perhaps they feel comfortable with Baker.. As for the Mets, I wouldn't mind having Pudge to replace the oft injured Ramon Castro.. But I wouldn't be disappointed if they go with Castro as their backup into Opening Day either. Its almost a wash for me, but again I prefer Pudge slightly more.

News: Mets Sign Livan Hernandez (Minor League Deal)

2009-02-14T10:00:00.005-05:00

According to Christian Red of the New York Daily News, the Mets have signed free agent starting pitcher Livan Hernandez to a minor league deal worth $1 million. Livan will compete with Tim Redding, Freddy Garcia, Jon Niese, and Bobby Parnell for the #5 spot in the Mets' pitching rotation. Hernandez pitched for the Twins and Rockies last year.

Hernandez's 2008 stats: 31 starts, 13-11 record, 6.05 ERA, 180 IP (67 K, 43 BB)

From Nick: Wow, they are really making this a competition.. maybe they should make a reality show called "Who Will Be The #5?".. I still expect Redding to win it. Hernandez got clobbered with hits last year (257 hits allowed in 180 IP, ugh)..

News: Mets Sign Ramon Martinez, Moviel Out Until May

2009-02-13T13:44:00.004-05:00

According to Adam Rubin of The New York Daily News, the Mets have resigned utility infielder Ramon Martinez to a minor league deal. Rubin notes that hes probably 'ticketed' for Triple-A Buffalo. Martinez batted .250 in 7 games for the Mets last season.

Also news on Rubin's blog is Mets' pitching prospect Scott Moviel will be about until May after he recently had surgery on his knee.

Rumor: Mets Did Not Make Offer to Ohman

2009-02-12T13:48:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com reported 4 teams made offers to lefty relief pitcher Will Ohman, 2 of them believed to be from the Mets and Phillies who have interest in Ohman. Today, however, Cameron Smith of the Washington Post says that Ohman received four offers from NL clubs in the past two days, the Phillies and Mets not among them.

Ohman pitched in 83 games last year for the Atlanta Braves. He put up a 3.68 ERA in 58.2 innings (53 Ks/22 BB), while keeping lefty batters to a .200 average.

From Nick: Ohman would be a great addition to this bullpen.. By the way, Joe Beimel is still out there..

News: Mets Sign Jose Valentin (Minor League Deal)

2009-02-11T08:13:00.004-05:00

According to Matt Cerrone of Metsblog.com, the Mets signed free agent utility infielder (and outfielder) Jose Valentin to a minor league deal. If the 40-year old Valentin makes the team he will make $800,000.

From Nick: I always loved Jose.. hopefully he makes the team.. heh what are the odds he wins the second base job if Castillo struggles out of the gate? Can't say the odds would be awful, but its a long shot and Cora would get first dibs for the job most likely.. anyway, as Matt Cerrone said - The 'Stache is back!

Rumor: 5 Teams In On Abreu

2009-02-10T17:31:00.002-05:00

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Angels, Braves, Pirates, Reds and Mets are among teams considering free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu.

Heyman notes that, "The presence of the Mets (and Pirates) in the field is a tad surprising, but the changing market has brought a couple more teams into the picture." At the end of the article he also adds about the Mets, "The Mets have spent their whole winter upgrading their pitching staff, both the bullpen and rotation, but would consider Abreu at the right price. While they'd prefer a right-handed hitter, they do seem to like Abreu's bat. The Mets do want to keep their payroll around $140 million and are not considering Manny."

From Nick: I'm all for adding Abreu, I think moving Murphy and Tatis to our bench just makes our bench game so much stronger.. or maybe have Murphy get some time in AAA and have Tatis bat off the bench.. either way is fine.. but honestly, I highly doubt the Mets sign Abreu. They seem very committed to Tatis/Murphy and I'm almost 100% sure they will go with that into Spring Training..

News: Santana to skip WBC

2009-02-09T17:59:00.002-05:00

According to Matt Cerrone of Metsblog.com, Johan Santana, at the request of Mets' officials, will not participate in the World Baseball Classic in March. Santana underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee October 1 to repair a torn meniscus.

From Nick: Definitely good news.. if there was one guy I could pick on the Mets that I dont want in the WBC this years it would definitely be Johan Santana.. now if only a few more Mets players, specifically pitchers, decided to not pitch in the WBC, that would be terrific..

Off Topic News: Rangers Sign Andruw Jones

2009-02-08T15:50:00.002-05:00

According to a Foxsports.com report, the Texas Rangers will announce [in the next few days] that they have signed center fielder Andruw Jones to a minor league contract. If he makes the majors he will paid a base salary of $500,000.

Jones hit just .158 last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Off Topic News: A-Rod Took 'Roids

2009-02-07T13:10:00.003-05:00

According to an SI.com report, Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003. Rodriguez, who was named the American League's Most Valuable Player as a member of the Texas Rangers that season reportedly tested positive for two anabolic steroids.

News: Mets Sign Heriberto Ruelas (Minor League Deal)

2009-02-07T09:05:00.002-05:00

According to Steve Popper of The Bergen Record, the Mets signed left handed pitcher Heriberto Ruelas to a minor league contract. Ruelas spent last year with Mexico City of the Mexican league, appearing in a career-best 44 games out of the bullpen. A veteran of nine professional seasons, the 26-year-old lefthander is 18-17 lifetime with a 5.95 ERA and one save.

News: Mets Avoid Arbitration with Pedro Feliciano

2009-02-06T13:52:00.002-05:00

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, left-handed reliever Pedro Feliciano signed a one-year contract with the Mets for $1,612,500, avoiding arbitration.

Rumor: Sheets to Have Surgery on Elbow?

2009-02-05T18:42:00.003-05:00

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, free agent starting pitcher Ben Sheets is planning on having elbow surgery and "is hopeful for a return in 2nd half of the 2009 season". Sheets was close to signing a 2-year deal with the Texas Rangers until he failed the physical.

From Nick: Well that explains the neglecting of Ben Sheets.. I guess that makes the Oliver Perez deal a solid one by Omar Minaya..

News: Mets Sign Elmer Dessens (Minor League Deal)

2009-02-05T18:40:00.003-05:00

From Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors: " According Troy Renck to the Denver Post, the Mets signed pitcher Elmer Dessens to a minor league deal potentially worth $600K.

Dessens, 37, pitched four innings for the Braves last year but spent most of the year in the Mexican League."

Rumor: Mets Interested In Will Ohman

2009-02-05T15:08:00.003-05:00

According to Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, Omar Minaya contacted free agent Will Ohman's agent for the first time this winter. "The Mets hope to jump in and get a bargain on the lefty reliever." Ohman pitched for the Atlanta Braves last year.

(The initial report was from Jerry Crasnick of ESPN)

Will Ohman's 2008 quick stats: 3.68 ERA, 23 holds, 53 Ks/22 BBs (in 58.2 IP), opposing LH batter averages (avg/obp/slg/ops) : .200/.254/.314/.569 .

From Nick: the bullpen could use another lefty.. and for those who watched the press conference to re-introduce Oliver Perez, Minaya admitted hes done signing big name players for this year..

Rumor: Heyman on Abreu/Manny and Mets

2009-02-03T13:46:00.005-05:00

Jon Heyman of SI.com (pictured right) says, "According to one person familiar with their thinking, the Mets' chances to acquire those two ultra-accomplished hitters are slim (Abreu) and practically none (Ramirez)."

Heyman also states: the Mets could fit Abreu in the payroll if they can get him on the cheap, the Mets would have a better shot at Abreu if they moved current RF Ryan Church, and the Mets could enter the picture if the other teams pursuing Abreu (Dodgers, Braves, Giants, Mariners and White Sox) don't work out. He believes the some of those teams, like the White Sox, would have to deal a Jermaine Dye first..

From Nick: Well, take note the White Sox offered Abreu a 1 year, 8 million dollar deal.. So, lets see what happens there..

Click here to read the full article.

News: Perez Press Conference

2009-02-03T13:42:00.002-05:00

According to Matt Cerrone of Metsblog.com, the Mets will hold a press conference at 3pm (ET) on SNY to announce the resigning of starting pitcher Oliver Perez.

From Nick: Alrighty.... lets hope Omar can give us Mets fans SOMETHING to chew on regarding the outfield or other position players.. PLEASE OMAR.. please give us something..

News: Mets Sign Perez

2009-02-02T13:37:00.007-05:00

UPDATE 3:19pm : Jon Heyman of SI.com and Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com are both reporting that Perez has agreed in principal to a 3 year deal worth $36 million, no option included.

UPDATE 2:02pm : Jon Heyman of SI.com is reporting the same (Mets on verge of signing Perez).

According to Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com, the Mets and free agent starting pitcher Oliver Perez are getting closer to a deal. The Mets are believed to be "trying to hold the line" for 3 years but its possible a 4th year option will be thrown in.

Matt Cerrone of Metsblog.com believes it will be no higher than 3 years at 12 mil per season.

From Nick: Eh.. All I'm gonna say is, we better get a bat too.. and 3 years is alot of commitment to Ollie..

Rumor: Perez or Abreu?

2009-02-01T21:01:00.004-05:00

According to a hot stove video report from Buster Olney of ESPN, the Mets might go for outfielder Abreu if they fail to sign starting pitcher Oliver Perez (or instead sign a cheaper alternative for the rotation). Olney believes Abreu is likely to get a 1 year deal worth about 7 million or so.

Bobby Abreu's 2008 quick stats: .296 avg/.371 obp/.471 slg/.843 ops, 20 HR, 100 RBI.

From Nick: So my question is to you.. would you sign a cheaper alternative, ie: Randy Wolf, to sign Bobby Abreu? I gotta believe Ben Sheets is a cheaper alternative as well, so I would love for this team to miss out on signing Ollie and sign Sheets instead and then pursue Abreu for a 1 year deal. What disappoints me though is does this mean this the Mets are planning to sign Perez and be done with everything? How can they not even consider adding a bat? Especially when its looking like Dunn and Abreu and even Hudson could land 1 year deals worth less than $8 million.. Okay so maybe they can't move Castillo which negates Hudson, but what about the outfield? How much can we trust a tandem of Tatis/Murphy and how much can we really depend on Ryan Church? The corner outfield production last year was ranked towards the bottom of the majors, and that was with a Tatis and Murphy's unexpected success.. Too many questions about this outfield.. Need to add an outfield bat, especially when they will come this cheap.. man...

Rumor: Pedro Receiving Offers.. None From Mets

2009-01-31T21:19:00.006-05:00

According to MLB.com, Pedro Martinez revealed he has received offers from some MLB teams, none of which he claims are from the Mets. Omar Minaya and Pedro Martinez met with each other on Wednesday (in the Dominican Republic, which Omar is there for a scouting trip) but there was no contract offer made.

From Nick: I'm sorry but Pedro doesn't fit.. He looked shot to me and far too inconsistent to pitch on whats supposed to be a contending team.. I hope this team lands either Perez or Sheets, hopefully Sheets because there is absolutely no reason to bid against themselves for Perez's services.. Especially when its likely Sheets is going to get a 1 year deal.. And if he were to get hurt you always have pitching depth in Tim Redding, Freddy Garcia, or Jon Niese.. Or even Pedro Martinez if hes still out there.

News: Mets Avoid Arbitration with John Maine

2009-01-31T21:14:00.002-05:00

According to MLB.com, the Mets have avoided arbitration with right handed starting pitcher John Maine. The deal is a 1 year deal worth 2.6 million.

John Maine's 2008 quick stats: 10-8, 4.18 ERA, 140 IP, 122 Ks/67 BB.

News: Mets Sign 4 to Minor League Deals

2009-01-31T21:10:00.004-05:00

According to MLB.com, the New York Mets have signed 4 players to minor league contracts. Former Twins and Red Sox outfielder Bobby Kielty, former Yankees and Braves pitcher Matt DeSalvo, former Brewers reliever Valerio De Los Santos, and Tony Armas Jr (who made a spot start or two, as well as an appearance or two out of the 'pen for the Mets last season if some may recall).

From Nick: Apologies for the lateness and inactiveness.. I have been pretty busy.. I will try not to let this happen again..

News: Mets Extend Offer to Perez

2009-01-23T20:25:00.004-05:00

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Mets have presented an offer to Oliver Perez "and are hopeful to have an answer in coming days". The details are unknown but its believed to be better than the original 3 year/$30MM offer.

From Nick: Well, lets see what happens.. Im gonna guess this is a 3 year deal with a 4th option.. I still want Sheets more though..

Rumors: Perez, Garland, Wolf, Sheets

2009-01-23T17:41:00.003-05:00

-According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN 1050 Radio, the Mets would be willing to go to 4 years for Oliver Perez. He also states the negotiations won't end soon and the Mets are gaining more interest in Ben Sheets.

-According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Diamondbacks are "zeroing in" on Jon Garland. He also notes that it appears likely that Randy Wolf will go to the Dodgers.

-According to Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com, the Texas Rangers met with Ben Sheets and his agent yesterday. Rosenthal also notes that he sees the Mets as his only other suitors right now.

News: Mets Sign SP Freddy Garcia

2009-01-22T21:38:00.004-05:00

According to Adam Rubin of The NY Daily News, the Mets have signed free agent starting pitcher Freddy Garcia. The contract is believed to be a minor-league deal with incentives that could reach up to 8 or 9 million dollars.

The 10-year veteran pitched in 3 games for the Tigers last season posting a 1-1 record with a 4.20 ERA. He is a lifetime 118-77 record with a 4.07 ERA.

From Nick: Well again, can't have enough starting pitching.. I'm OK with this move since its better to have a Freddy Garcia around rather than a Brian Stokes or Brandon Knight when you need 'em. Now to a front-end starter please, Omar?..

Rumor: Rosenthal's Take on Perez

2009-01-22T09:30:00.006-05:00

According to Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com, the market for Oliver Perez is difficult to figure out. He lists a bunch of teams that would make sense for Perez to sign with, but thats just pure speculation on his part. Rosenthal also states: Mets want Perez for 3 years (opposed to Boras' wanting of 5 years), Wolf "ranks behind Perez for the Mets" (followed by Ben Sheets as well as Jon Garland and Pedro Martinez), he doesn't see the Mets signing 'Sheets and Wolf' or 'Garcia and Sheets or Wolf' because of the physical risks.

From Nick: Well this is a disappointing post from Rosenthal.. I hope to God he is wrong on Wolf being that backup option to Perez.. I mean really Omar? Randy Wolf? Ahead of BEN SHEETS and JON GARLAND? Come on man.. The only positive is the same old news - Mets don't want to budge on signing Ollie more than 3 years.

Rumor: Garcia Down To Yanks, Mets

2009-01-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

According to Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com, the Mets and Yankees are the leading contenders to sign free agent starting pitcher Freddy Garcia. He would like a Major-league contract but it is unlikely he will get get one from either team.

The 10-year veteran pitched in 3 games for the Tigers last season posting a 1-1 record with a 4.20 ERA. He is a lifetime 118-77 record with a 4.07 ERA.

From Nick: Well, I guess you can't have enough pitching.. If the Mets sign him it will certainly be a minor league deal and he would battle with Tim Redding (and possibly Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell) for the 5th spot in the rotation.. I'm OK with this move because it gives us starting pitching depth if we need it, and we just might if we sign Sheets, which I hope is the way we go.. I really hope Omar gets a deal done with a front-end starter soon and quits focusing on the back of the rotation so much..

Rumor: Mets and Perez 'Not Close'

2009-01-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

From Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors: "According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Mets realize now they won't be locking up Oliver Perez quickly. Their reported three-year, $30MM offer is not on the table and Perez is still seeking about $60MM over five years. It's the same old story regarding their backup plans: Ben Sheets, Randy Wolf, and Jon Garland."

From Nick: This is good in my opinion.. There is absolutely no reason for Omar Minaya to just grant Ollie his albatross deal.. It doesn't appear there are any other Perez suitors yet which works in his favor too.. I'm still all for signing Sheets, and I do hope this team ends up passing on Perez and signing Sheets.. He will be a better short term/win-now fit, I believe that. Though I am scared of Wolf and Garland's names popping up.. Omar cannot be possibly considering one of those two over Sheets, can he?

News: Mets Avoid Arbitration with Ryan Church and Angel Pagan

2009-01-20T15:42:00.000-05:00

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Mets have avoided arbitration with corner outfielder Ryan Church. Ryan will make $2.8MM next season.

UPDATE 7:11pm: According to Marty Noble of MLB.com, the Mets have also avoided arbitration with utility OF Angel Pagan. That leaves starting pitcher John Maine and relief pitcher Pedro Feliciano the only two arbitration-eligible players unsigned.

News: Mets Sign Utility OF Cory Sullivan

2009-01-20T13:54:00.000-05:00

According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Mets have signed outfielder Cory Sullivan to a Major League deal worth $600K (with $300K in incentives). Sullivan played in 18 games for the Colorado Rockies last season.

Cory Sullivan 2008 quick stats: .217 avg, .250 obp, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3 runs, 1 stolen base.

Sullivan played much more in the 2006 and 2007 seasons in which he totaled 44 RBI in 198 games.

News: Mets Re-sign Argenis Reyes and Sign Tom Martin

2009-01-20T13:46:00.000-05:00

According to Matt Cerrone of Metsblog, the Mets have resigned utility infielder Argenis Reyes to a minor league deal.

Argenis Reyes 2008 quick stats: .218 avg, .259 obp, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 13 runs, 2 stolen bases.

The Mets have also signed lefty pitcher Tom Martin to a minor league deal. Martin did not pitch in the Majors in 2008. He did however pitch for the Colorado Rockies in 2007.

Tom Martin 2007 quick stats: 26 games (0 starts) 0-0 record, 4.91 ERA, 20 K's/9 BB in 25.2 IP.

News: Mets Avoid Arbitration with Duaner Sanchez and Jeremy Reed

2009-01-19T14:28:00.001-05:00

According to the Jason Stark of ESPN, the Mets have avoided arbitration with relief pitcher Duaner Sanchez. He will make $1.685MM in 2009.

The article also points out other players avoiding arbitration as well as the Phillies signing setup-man Ryan Madson to a 3 year/$12MM extension.

From Nick: I'm just hoping Duaner can be a more effective reliever this year.. He struggled often last year when pitching on back to back days and his velocity rarely touched past 90 mph. Hopefully this full offseason of rest (no rehab) will get him back on track to the way he pitched before he got injured a couple years ago.

UPDATE 8:38pm: According to Marty Noble of MLB.com, OF Jeremy Reed also avoided arbitration by agreeing to a 1 year contract worth $950,000.

New York Mets Forum Launch

2009-01-19T12:27:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, please check out this Mets forum created. Hopefully it will grow and become a very popular Mets' forum! Enjoy..

Rumor: Mets Eyeing Sheets, Pettitte?

2009-01-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

According to John Lennon of Newsday, the Mets are eyeing Ben Sheets and/or Andy Pettitte if they fail to sign Oliver Perez. "A person familiar with the situation said yesterday that Sheets is now being discussed, but it's unclear what the parameters of such a deal would be."

Ben Sheets 2008 quick stats: 13-9, 3.09 ERA, 198.1 IP, 158 Ks/47 BB
Andy Pettitte 2008 quick stats: 14-14, 4.54 ERA, 204 IP, 158 Ks/55 BB

From Nick: I believe the Mets are aiming for Oliver Perez, however since his agent is Scott Boras, its likely that his price tag will be driven up (possibily as high as Derek Lowe's ended up being). I've always thought Ben Sheets is the better option, especially if Ollie wants 4 years and over $11m/per year. And it looks like the Mets front office is viewing it the same way I am.. But Andy Pettitte? Well hes a great short-term pickup, definitely more worth it than someone like Randy Wolf.. His ERA scares me a bit and he's not an injury risk like Sheets is, but I rather stick with going for Ollie or Sheets for now..

Rumor: SP Freddy Garcia Could Pick Team by Next Week

2009-01-15T16:26:00.000-05:00

Andrew Marchand of New York 1050 reported earlier this afternoon that free agent starting pitcher Freddy Garcia hopes to decides on the Mets, Yankees, Rangers, or White Sox by next week. He believes if he were to sign with the Mets (or Yankees) he would have to compete for the 5th rotation spot opposed to getting a better chance to start with the Rangers or White Sox.

Garcia's 2008 quick stats (3 starts): 1-1, 4.20 ERA, 15.0 IP (12 Ks, 6 BB)

From Nick: I don't see the Mets getting involved here honestly.. If Garcia is willing to start in AAA, sure, but I highly doubt he would want to, especially when he has an easier chance of starting for Texas or Chicago. I rather have the 2-3 pitcher battle for the 5th spot be: Redding, Parnell, and Niese.

Opinion: Which Starting Pitcher Should the Mets Sign?

2009-01-15T13:56:00.000-05:00

Now that Derek Lowe is off the free agent list and sadly in the National League East Division with the Atlanta Braves, the Mets are left with a few 'solid' starters on the market.. I narrowed my list down to Oliver Perez, Ben Sheets, and Randy Wolf. In this blog post I will look at each pitcher's stats from 2008 and give my opinion about them and then conclude each pitcher with a pro and a con.. Enjoy:

Oliver Perez
2008 stats: 10-7, 4.22 ERA, 194.0 IP, 180 Ks, 105 BB
-Oliver had a very good 2007 season but definitely struggled to repeat it in 2008. Don't get me wrong, any time you can reach double-digit wins and keep the losses under double-digits, thats great.. But Oliver's issue is pretty clear: Consistency.. He just doesn't have it.. I remember myself frequently thinking 'Which Oliver will show up tonight?', as if he was Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. Oliver tends to have some issues going deep into games and his biggest problem is his erraticness. He 'walks the world' in all honesty. 105 walks in 194.0 IP ranked him 1st in the National League.
Why Sign Him? : Despite his erraticness, he finds ways to win games. 25 wins in 2 seasons is very impressive. He could have won more than 10 in 2008 if he pitched more consistently versus the lower-division teams.. He tends to pitch well versus stronger teams, oddly enough.. And another good reason to sign him is because he is still young (27) and a lefty; and maybe his control will improve and he can be dominate in just about every game, because he certainly has the ability to do so.
Why Pass on Him? : Well I'm not going to just state the obvious with his control being a big issue.. His contract could be a big issue.. With Scott Boras as his agent he could wind up with 4 years and close to what Lowe is making (I'd say around $11-13m/year). Do you really want to commit 4 years to a pitcher who hasn't found consistency in his control? That and the fact there are cheaper/shorter-term starting pitchers out there..

Ben Sheets
2008 stats: 13-9, 3.09 ERA, 198.1 IP, 158 Ks, 47 BB
-Now this is a no brainer from a statistical 2008 standpoint.. The record is good, the ERA is nice, the IP almost hits 200 IP, the strikeouts are solid, and he walked less than half of what Oliver Perez walked.. He can certainly go deep in games as well.. However, you cannot complete a statement about Ben Sheets unless you use this word: Injury. Ben has had many injury issues over his career and this is definitely a red flag.
Why Sign Him? : You could probably get Ben Sheets on a short term deal.. perhaps 2-3 years for over $10m/year, load it with incentives. This is my personal favorite rather than signing Ollie.. Hes got great stuff and I while his injury issues are a concern, he might just be worth it for a short term deal.. Especially if Ollie's price/years ends up being very high.
Why Pass Him? : Past injury issues. This guy has been known to leave games for 'every little thing' injury related.. If his asking price is more than 3 years I say you have to PASS..

Randy Wolf
2008 stats: 12-12, 4.30 ERA, 190.1 IP, 162 Ks, 71 BB
-Randy Wolf strikes me as a solid #4 guy. The ERA is definitely up there, solid record with 12 wins, good amount of IP, solid K's, 71 walks is okay. However if I'm the Mets I'm looking for a good #2 or #3 guy, I don't see Wolf being that guy..
Why Sign Him? : He could be another solid innings eater based off of his 2008, however he hasn't hit 200+ IP since 2003.. Nothing really jumps out to me with this guy besides the 12 wins, but th 4.30 ERA kind of negates that.. Hes worth it if the market becomes completely dry and you can ink him for a year or 2 for less than $7m/year. But do the Mets really want to add him?
Why Pass Him? : Mets are looking for a solid #2 or #3 pitcher; Wolf doesn't fit that.. He hasn't gone over 200 IP since 2003 with the Phillies.. ERA is pretty up there.. Is he worth signing over Perez or Sheets? I think not, and I don't think the Mets would want to add this kind of guy to their rotation.. If they didn't sign Redding then I would approve of Wolf being the #5, but he just doesn't fit with the Mets right now, no matter how cheap he may come.

News: Mets Reach Deal with Utility INF. Alex Cora

2009-01-14T22:09:00.001-05:00

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com the New York Mets and Alex Cora have agreed on a one-year contract. The deal is believed to be worth $2 million.

Alex Cora's 2008 quick stats: .270 avg, .371 obp, 9 RBIS in 179 plate appearances (75 games) with the Boston Red Sox.

From Nick: I'm not really impacted much by this signing, to be honest.. I'm happy we got a utility infielder to improve the bench but was he more worth it than Damion Easley? What happens if Luis Castillo begins to faulter in 2009? Can we really trust Alex Cora to be a starter if need be? ..

New York Mets Talk Launches!

2009-01-14T21:53:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to New York Mets Talk! This is the newest New York Mets fan blog. This blog is dedicated to Mets fans who should enjoy visiting this site for news, rumors, rants, raves and more; all about the New York Mets! Enjoy the weekly polls too! Please feel free to leave comments or feedback; however I do ask to keep out the profanity and trash talking.

Thanks and enjoy the blog. :)

From Nick: I plan to begin adding blog entries tonight or tomorrow..