Benjamin Grimm

So they lure Sabathia away from Milwaukee, and then ask the Brewers for money? Yeesh!

Putz is likely a one-year Met. Apparently his contract contains an option for 2010 at over $9 million. The Mets probably won't want to pay that much for a setup guy. Perhaps they'll trade him to someone who'll let him close, but more likely he'll be a free agent after the 2009 season.

I'm guessing they have to wait until Citi Field is no longer a hard-hat zone.

The Mets made a trade where they picked up three guys, none of whom are Hispanic. Omar's critics who think he's racist won't take note of this, of course.

Reed, I assume, competes with Evans for the fifth outfielder spot. Barring further deals, the outfield looks like Beltran, Church, Tatis, Murphy and Evans or Reed.

I'm counting it as the 11th, since it was announced at 12:30 a.m. Eastern time. (Although it was only 10:30 p.m. on the 10th Las Vegas time.)

I seem to remember people calling for him to replace Delgado RIGHT NOW back in May.

Sorry to see him go. He was one of the few in the pen who was more or less reliable.

For his sake, I hope he likes Seattle. Yadier Molina has to be mentioned in this thread, too.

What I wonder, though, is if trading Castillo for Pierre would make the Mets more willing to spend to upgrade at second base. It doesn't really make any sense, but it's possible that they might see it that way. (They'd still be increasing the payroll, but at least they wouldn't be paying Castillo to sit on the bench. And maybe they'd get something out of Pierre. Or at least, more than they expect from Castillo.)

="Adam Rubin":1imbkppa]Las Vegas - Francisco Rodriguez was at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan Wednesday morning, undergoing a physical. There was no official word on K-Rod passing the physical, though the Mets hope to make an announcement within hours that he's cleared the medical hurdle. A press conference is expected to be held next Wednesday in New York. With Citi Field not ready to host press conferences, the location of next week's event is unclear. Rodriguez agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal Tuesday with a fourth-year vesting option based on games finished.[/quote:1imbkppa] They should all put on hardhats and have the press conference at what's left of Shea Stadium. Valadius Dec 10 2008 02:03 PM ="seawolf17":19bv4xds]Fucking hell, Frod. 17 is Keith Fucking Hernandez's number. Take 77 and like it.[/quote:19bv4xds] This is why we retire numbers. Centerfield Dec 10 2008 02:14 PM ="seawolf17":30mm7xcs]Fucking hell, Frod. 17 is Keith Fucking Hernandez's number. Take 77 and like it.[/quote:30mm7xcs] DAE. SUNG. KOO. metirish Dec 10 2008 02:18 PM Mr. Koo did that number proud. Zvon Dec 10 2008 02:59 PM I like this. Can't feel the love for it until I see what he does for us. I learned a long time ago not to throw my heart around like that. Landing a real closer was my number one concern, and its been addressed. The deal is at a nice price and length. So I'm really liking this. G-Fafif Dec 10 2008 04:24 PM E-mail from mets.com says K-Rod goes for No. 75. Fman99 Dec 10 2008 08:04 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":ti8ow5qk]="Adam Rubin":ti8ow5qk]Las Vegas - Francisco Rodriguez was at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan Wednesday morning, undergoing a physical. There was no official word on K-Rod passing the physical, though the Mets hope to make an announcement within hours that he's cleared the medical hurdle. A press conference is expected to be held next Wednesday in New York. With Citi Field not ready to host press conferences, the location of next week's event is unclear. Rodriguez agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal Tuesday with a fourth-year vesting option based on games finished.[/quote:ti8ow5qk] They should all put on hardhats and have the press conference at what's left of Shea Stadium.[/quote:ti8ow5qk] You were close. Frank et al. were at the new park, but donning the Mets hardhats, which are damn foolish looking if you're not welding something. Big "Mets welcome K-Rod" sign at CitiField. They apparently aren't reading this thread. SteveJRogers Dec 10 2008 08:39 PM =Adam Rubin]A press conference is expected to be held next Wednesday in New York. With Citi Field not ready to host press conferences, the location of next week's event is unclear. Interesting. They can not host press conferences, but last September advertisements in the Mets program suggested that starting this winter, i.e. now, Citi Field would ready to be hosting "events" (corporate, weddings, whatever the heck they did at Shea) and were soliciting reservations. batmagadanleadoff Dec 11 2008 09:45 AM It's still Autumn. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 11 2008 09:50 AM May also have to do with communication-type stuff and broadcasting abilities coming in later than banquet rooms. Benjamin Grimm Dec 11 2008 09:53 AM I'm guessing they have to wait until Citi Field is no longer a hard-hat zone. metirish Dec 13 2008 12:46 PM K-Rod jumps right into Mets-Phillies rivalry BY KEN DAVIDOFF | ken.davidoff@newsday.com 12:53 PM EST, December 13, 2008 Francisco Rodriguez didn't even wait for his first save to jump into the war of words between the Mets and Phillies. In a telephone news conference today, K-Rod's first interaction with the New York media, the Mets' new closer proclaimed his confidence in his new teammates. "Of course we're going to be the frontrunner," Rodriguez told reporters. "Of course were going to be the team to beat. "I don't want there to be a controversy. I don't want the other team to take it personally, or take it in a bad way. But I'm a really competitive guy. I like to win. "If they ask me, "Who's going to be the ball club that will win the National League East, it'll be the Mets." "Team to beat" has become a well-known phrase in the Mets-Phillies rivalry. Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins first used the words to describe his team prior to the 2007 season, and Rollins proceeded to win the National League Most Valuable Player award as his team lived up to that proclamation. This past season, during spring training, the Mets' Carlos Beltran, usually soft-spoken, declared his club as the team to beat. The Mets couldn't quite make Beltran look good, giving up a mid-September divisional lead. On Thursday, Phillies ace Cole Hamels upped the ante when, on an interview with WFAN, he referred to the Mets as "choke artists." Rodriguez said that his velocity did drop in 2008, as many scouts and opponents observed, but that it happened because he was working in a new pitch, a changeup that proved effective. In 2009, he said, his velocity should return to the mid-90s now that he's more comfortable with the arm action needed to make his fastball and changeup look identical out of his hand. Ashie62 Dec 14 2008 06:25 PM On Thursday, Phillies ace Cole Hamels upped the ante when, on an interview with WFAN, he referred to the Mets as "choke artists." Well..he's not totally off base But I signed up for phillienation under a bogus ID and sent Chase Utley a less than friendly "get well" email. metirish Dec 17 2008 11:29 AM Looks like Barry Bonds. Mets introduce Rodriguez. metirish Dec 17 2008 01:56 PM > Benjamin Grimm Dec 17 2008 02:03 PM He has "K-ROD" monogrammed into his shirts? Oh, brother. I'm afraid that nickname isn't going to go away any time soon. But, wow, don't Jeff and Jerry seem thrilled? You'd think a faulty bullpen caused them to miss the playoffs last season. metirish Dec 17 2008 02:08 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1i00hhby]He has "K-ROD" monogrammed into his shirts? Oh, brother. I'm afraid that nickname isn't going to go away any time soon. But, wow, don't Jeff and Jerry seem thrilled? You'd think a faulty bullpen caused them to miss the playoffs last season.[/quote:1i00hhby] That Jeff can smile like that after Dad got taken to the cleaners is admirable. I admire you Jeffy Wilpon , nothing stands in this mans way. Centerfield Dec 17 2008 02:08 PM Meanwhile Omar has a look that seems to say "This shit had better work or I'm gonna end up bantering with Kruk on Baseball Tonight." Benjamin Grimm Dec 17 2008 02:12 PM Ain't dat the troof! My concern is that Omar is fixing last year's problem, which is well and good, but not addressing next year's problem. I don't like how he's standing pat on the offense. Sure, they scored a lot of runs last year, but guys like Delgado and Tatis are both one year older (actually, everyone is, but it's more of an issue with the old guys!) and we might also see decline from guys like Church and Castillo. themetfairy Mar 30 2009 10:58 AM I couldn't find the thread where we were discussing possible nicknames for our new closer. However, I was at the Modell's in Herald Square yesterday, and there was a lot of K-Rod 75 merchandise on display. metirish Mar 30 2009 11:01 AM One of the TV guys said that Rodriguez does not like or want to be called K-Rod...I think it was keith who said it....goes by Frankie..

So he likes the number seven, but seems to not want an even number in the tens column. 17, 37, 57, 77, 97. 97 would be a cool number.

Rumor has it that the Mets and Dodgers are discussing Juan Pierre. (Seems to be coming from Fox Sports.) Word is that the Dodgers would have to eat a big chunk of Pierre's contract in order to move him. The Mets have a guy like that... Would the Dodgers have any use at all for Castillo? If so, then maybe the two teams could trade headaches.

When I see Jose Reyes dancing in the dugout, it strikes me as juvenile. And if Francisco Rodriquez ends up lifting his arms to the heavens as often as that SNY montage indicates, then that's juvenile too. But is it offensive? No. What do I think of players who are offended by it? I think they're juvenile too.

Well, his wallet seems to have been interested.

Oh no you di-ent!

I don't boo Heilman but if some fans can be traded then I think we're all in jeopardy.

I hope not. If I get traded to Kansas City I'm just going to retire as a fan.

="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2kzk8x9r]All them Seavers look alike. Pretty sure he meant Rock N. Dock.[/quote:2kzk8x9r] That's the main reason I'm not crazy about the forced avatars. I tend to glance to the left side of the screen to see who's posting, and when everyone's avatar looks the same it gets very confusing. Rockin' Doc Dec 10 2008 09:01 AM 286 more posts and i can have my own identity. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 09:16 AM ="Rockin' Doc":cbekju86]Indeed, it was I that asserted that Heilman would be better off with a fresh start elsewhere. I think he has the potential to be a useful pitcher, but I don't think he will reach his potential with the fans booing him everytime he gets up to loosen his arm.[/quote:cbekju86] Are you sure we can't trade the fans? Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 09:21 AM I hope not. If I get traded to Kansas City I'm just going to retire as a fan. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 09:22 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 10 2008 09:58 AM You boo Heilman just for getting up in the bullpen? Is there any way I can trade you but retain the UMDB as intellectual property of Met fans? Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 09:37 AM I don't boo Heilman but if some fans can be traded then I think we're all in jeopardy. Centerfield Dec 10 2008 09:49 AM Like we could get anything back for Grimm. You'd have to package him with a valuable guy like G-Fafif to even get teams to the table. Benjamin Grimm Dec 10 2008 09:50 AM Oh no you di-ent! Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 10:00 AM ="Benjamin Grimm"]I don't boo Heilman but if some fans can be traded then I think we're all in jeopardy. If you've been posting on baseball sites for ten years, and the CPF for five, you can veto a trade. Vic Sage Dec 10 2008 10:09 AM PLAY ME OR TRADE ME, DAMMIT! themetfairy Dec 10 2008 10:21 AM I have an iron-clad no-trade clause. You'll have to pay me off big time to get me to renegotiate! smg58 Dec 10 2008 11:58 AM ="Edgy DC":1occaizm]="smg58":1occaizm]I agree with Frayed Knot that the Mets and Heilman would both be better off separated at this point...[/quote:1occaizm] When did he post that?[/quote:1occaizm] I guess I meant Rockin' Doc. So much for posting early in the morning. My apologies, Doc. Frayed Knot Dec 10 2008 12:46 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 10 2008 12:49 PM BP's rumor mill has the Mets (and Cards) inquiring about Pirate reliever/closer Matt Capps[/url:x49legz2] Check out them walk totals! HahnSolo Dec 10 2008 12:48 PM ="themetfairy":1c7rc2k6]I have an iron-clad no-trade clause. You'll have to pay me off big time to get me to renegotiate![/quote:1c7rc2k6] I'm the utility guy nobody wants in a trade. I can be released, waived, or sent to Crane Pool triple A at any time. I'm just happy to be in the big leagues. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2008 01:07 PM ="Frayed Knot":35lzm99m]BP's rumor mill has the Mets (and Cards) inquiring about Pirate reliever/closer Matt Capps[/url:35lzm99m] Check out them walk totals![/quote:35lzm99m] Often when I have a vision of a guy as a Met killer, I find I'm way off. This time, not. Given up no runs and only 1 hit lifetime vs. em (7.2 IP). For somne reason he didn't pitch vs. us at all last year. Edgy DC Dec 10 2008 01:16 PM Capps is a cool guy to be looking at. One of my goals for 2009 is to avoid the annual Disastrous Heartrending Loss to the Pirates. Gwreck Dec 10 2008 01:35 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1i8wym47]="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1i8wym47]All them Seavers look alike. Pretty sure he meant Rock N. Dock.[/quote:1i8wym47] That's the main reason I'm not crazy about the forced avatars. I tend to glance to the left side of the screen to see who's posting, and when everyone's avatar looks the same it gets very confusing.[/quote:1i8wym47] That's why I don't believe in avatars. attgig Dec 10 2008 03:13 PM there's talk about smoltz interested with us. I would love to bring him in as a setup guy, but I'm guessing he wouldn't be up to that. I would also like to see pedro back as the spot starter/long reliever, but again. not sure if he'd be up for that. otherwise, it would be great to revisit heilman & someone for Street, or showenstein/jackson, though I'd prefer street because it seems like there are more sure options for the rotation in the free agent market. But yeah, I would love to see the mets putting out one year, close to closer offers for fuentes, smoltz, hoffman, and other closers who are jobless, to see if any of them would be setup guys. I know Minaya loves Cordero, and I'm kinda expecting him to sign, but I hate how he's coming off injury. Also, what's happening with Isringhausen? isn't he a FA? MFS62 Dec 10 2008 08:52 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":3cwukcsb]I hope not. If I get traded to Kansas City I'm just going to retire as a fan.[/quote:3cwukcsb] But what if the Mets can get a second baseman for you? Take one for the team, man. Later Gwreck Dec 10 2008 10:04 PM Rodriguez Putz Schoeneweis Feliciano Sanchez Stokes Green smg58 Dec 11 2008 06:01 AM An upgrade on one of our two lefties would be nice. Without Vargas or Collazo, we're short on lefties in the pipeline as well. Otherwise, no complaints.

His antics really are a bit much. I don't think I've ever seen him pitch, (the Mets games in Anaheim this year were well past my bedtime) but I saw some clips last night in the opening montage of Mets Hot Stove Report.

Merged three CC threads.

Because if you can get him cheap, he's a veteran pitcher you can have in the mix as a fallback if Niese isn't ready. It would be a mistake to sign him, at any price, and pencil him in to the rotation. But having him hanging out there as an option isn't a bad idea. He does have an upside; if he has a bounceback year then you really have something. But you can't count on that happening and hopefully the Mets won't.

I'm just waiting for Hank to call him a "Fat Toad." (Merged from Sabathia (Split from AP Hot Stove), 12/10/2008)

Back page of the Daily News: K TO THE CITI. Sign of how things have changed. A year ago it would have probably been "SHEA K" I voted that I like the deal. I know you need good arms in the bullpen, so therefore this will help. But I think the importance of celebrity closers is overrated, so I don't see this as having the kind of impact they got from getting Santana.