So what's new(s) on the pitching front?

[Frayed Knot]

According to Newsday(Anthony Rieber) the Mets are "a little bit closer" to re-signing lefthander Oliver Perez, but also are continuing talks with three other remaining free-agent pitchers ...
adding that; the Mets are "having dialogue" with the agents for pitchers Ben Sheets, Randy Wolf and Jon Garland and expect to have the open hole in their rotation filled before the official opening of spring training on Valentine's Day.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Amazing that it's taking so long.

It sounds like Sheets is being courted most heavily by Texas. And that rumor from a week ago that Wolf was about to sign with the Dodgers seems to have fizzled, at least for now.

[Centerfield]

Many reports have Texas being concerned about Sheets' medicals, but still in negotiations, meaning they can't be all that concerned.

I'd still like to know if that torn flexor tendon is healed, and they suspect it might go again, or if the torn flexor tendon is not healed, but the Sheets people claim it is something he can pitch with.

[Fman99]

="Centerfield"]Many reports have Texas being concerned about Sheets' medicals, but still in negotiations, meaning they can't be all that concerned. I'd still like to know if that torn flexor tendon is healed, and they suspect it might go again, or if the torn flexor tendon is not healed, but the Sheets people claim it is something he can pitch with.

They can just mend it with a Mets authentic "Inaugural Season 2009" patch.

[smg58]

Garland and the D-Backs appear to have agreed on a one-year deal with an option.

[metirish]

No idea if it means anything to his baseball team but Tom Hicks is involved in a big mess with Liverpool FC , Hicks bought LFC with George Gillett a few years ago but they have fallen out with each other , the Ruler of Dubai is in talks to buy them out.

picture of duo used in English press all the time.

[Guest attgig]

seems retarded that we're in competition with absolutely nobody else, and perez/borass is still demanding more money.

omar must have it hard for ollie and nobody else. I just don't understand how Sheets isn't a better option -years/price wise as well as quality.

I dunno, if the dude gets hurt again next year, and can't pitch ~ same innings as ollie, i'll eat my words, but seriously... he has ace material, consistently - something ollie could never say about himself.

[Frayed Knot]

Adam Rubin: ... a Mets official strongly suggested that the club is not included to guarantee Ben Sheets two years after reviewing his medical report, though it's not clear Texas would guarantee two years, either.


I think that's supposed to read 'inclined' to guarantee (rather than 'included') but, in any case, it sounds like something in the med reports (not to mention his history) is causing folks to be mighty cautious around Mr. Sheets.

[smg58]

Garland is getting $6.25M this year, with an option of $10M or a $2.5M buyout for 2010. That was a very beatable offer.

[Guest Edgy DC]

If you want him.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I was just thinking. The Beatables would be a very cool band name.