nymr83

he could it be cutting it close with the type of run support the giants give their starters. he needs 5 wins, it took Matt Cain all year to get 8 wins for the Giants with an ERA+ the same as Johnson's last year.

A 4 year contract to Lowe now could easily turn into the equivalent of the 4 year deal given to Glavine at age 36 following the 2002 season. Glavine's ERA+ the 4 years before the Mets contract: 109, 135, 125, 140 Lowe's ERA+ the past 4 years: 114, 124, 118, 131 Glavine IPs: 234, 241, 219, 224 Lowe's IPs: 222, 218, 199, 211 Glavine's ERA+ the first 4 years with the Mets: 93, 119, 116, 114 Glavine IP the first 4 years with the Mets: 183, 212, 211, 198 They're pretty similiar pitchers and Lowe is around the same place in his career now that Glavine was when he became a Met (though he was probably a bit better then than Lowe is now.) Were you happy with how that 4 year contract to Glavine turned out?

]we just have to be sure our spoorting cast is better. we need to "be sure" our roster is better than Philadelphia's, Atlanta's, etc. not the New York Yankees' roster.

Ben Grimm is right, but i'd look at more than just 2002 if we're narrowing the field to just 29 year olds. i would look at guys who were 28-30 and use a range like 1997-2001 then look 8 years forward on each guy

]People making $13 - $18 million a year should stfu, no? people making one million a year should stfu, imo. i'd play sports professionally for a third of the league minimum and be damn happy doing it. if you don't think manny should be making more money than you, fire your agent and hire his.

Charge more for tickets with the promise of a better team, use that money to buy better players, raise prices again promising a better team, sounds like a Ponzi to me!

a 3rd year that isn't a club-option (or one that only kicks in with a PA/AB minimum in year 2) would be a deal-killer to me if i were the Wilpons.

good idea, i say we make the hot bimbo the banner on top of the forum!

Dunn would be a perfect fit as he could slide over to 1st base once Delgado is gone, it should be easier to replace Delgado in left than at first following 2009.

not offerred arbitration by the Yankees. Anyone interested? his defense is getting worse and he's always had that "afraid of the wall" reputation, but he stays healthy (perhaps by avoiding walls) and posts very nice OBPs.

The proof will be in the roster that takes the field April 1st, at which time I'll criticize Omar (or praise him) for his roster moves, meanwhile he should keep his hand close to his chest.

lets see if the Braves really mean it.

I worry that the Mets will "pencil in" Delgado for something similar to this past year's 2nd half and instead get what they got from him in 2007 (his worst year in the majors.)

="Centerfield":3ebynzom]By the way, while we argue over which of these suckass options sucks the most, I think this thread demonstrates that when Omar says he was comfortable with our offense as is, he seems to be the only one.[/quote:3ebynzom] Isn't that what you want him to say? or do you want him to say "we are fuckin' desperate for a hitter, so any agents representing one please please please let us give you every penny you are asking for" Frayed Knot Dec 17 2008 05:42 PM After exactly 100 HRs, nearly 200 XBHs and better than .350 OBA/.500 Slugging over 3 seasons, I'd argue that Delgado has NOT "sucked half his time here". That's probably about average among 1Bmen and, considering that the best half-season might be the most recent, I'm not fearing the crash-n-burn as much as some others seem to be. LF & 2B are much more likely to be seriously below average IMO (offense & defense). Nymr83 Dec 17 2008 05:55 PM I worry that the Mets will "pencil in" Delgado for something similar to this past year's 2nd half and instead get what they got from him in 2007 (his worst year in the majors.) MFS62 Dec 17 2008 06:14 PM The team can platoon, or has semi-capable backups in left, at first and catcher. But second base troubles me the most. Even when Castillo has been healthy, he has been on a decline. His one asset was speed, on the bases and in the field. But as he gets older and loses his speed, what will he have left to contribute? And Omar seems to be placing all of his ova in that one basket. Later Gwreck Dec 17 2008 07:29 PM ="Centerfield":3li9ifou]By the way, while we argue over which of these suckass options sucks the most, I think this thread demonstrates that when Omar says he was comfortable with our offense as is, he seems to be the only one.[/quote:3li9ifou] I'm not necessarily "comfortable" either, but we didn't lose in '08 because of the offense. The runs were scored. We lost because of the 'pen. Edgy DC Dec 17 2008 08:41 PM I'm certain Minaya will have other options at second. I must say that I'm surprised at how many people seem to be arguing that the Mets will do nothing else on offense. This thread is about what his top concern should be. Are you really convinced that he has none? smg58 Dec 18 2008 07:34 AM Second base. It's by far the easiest position to upgrade. Castillo killed us with the glove and the bat last year. Ranking the other spots: Catcher. We're overpaying for what we're getting, but the defense is fine and there are not very many obvious upgrades out there. First base. Delgado concerns me a little bit. Then again, with Citifield being nine feet shorter down the rightfield line, the good Delgado could hit 40 if he shows up this year. Left field. Murphy has earned the right to play. His defense in left was actually plus, according to the Fielding Bible. Having a high OBP in the second spot in the lineup is a good thing. Right field. Church was very good when healthy, and he plays outstanding defense. A platoon partner might be in order, but I don't see anybody available who would still be an upgrade against righthanded pitching when defense is factored in. Centerfield Dec 18 2008 12:23 PM ="Nymr83":bgzpl293]Isn't that what you want him to say? or do you want him to say "we are fuckin' desperate for a hitter, so any agents representing one please please please let us give you every penny you are asking for"[/quote:bgzpl293] ="Edgy DC":bgzpl293]I'm certain Minaya will have other options at second. I must say that I'm surprised at how many people seem to be arguing that the Mets will do nothing else on offense. This thread is about what his top concern should be. Are you really convinced that he has none?[/quote:bgzpl293] I believe Omar does not think we need anything more offensively because I have heard him say it and have not heard that he has taken any action contrary to his stated position. He has said publicly that he willl address the bullpen first, then starting pitching, and if there is anything left over, maybe the offense. So far he has done exactly that. While he goes about doing this, certain candidates that might have helped us offensively have signed with other teams. It's possible that these guys were never in the Mets plans anyway. But all signs point to Omar being content with the offense. I continue to hope that such is not the case, but it is my fear. As to him playing it coy, it defies common sense. Omar can deny as much as he wants...if he were to start making offers to free agents, or explore trades, everyone would know that the interest is there. If there really were an advantage to pretending you don't have an interest, then the strategy should have been employed with the bullpen and starting rotation as well. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 12:36 PM Here's some sense: "Right now, Castillo's going to be our second baseman," Minaya said. Now, isn't it sensicle to not undermine the guy while he's still your best bet? Is saying something is the higher priority really saying other priorities will be ignored? Remember when he said something akin to "If the right deal isn't there for relief help, we'll work more on the offense." No less than seven Met fans lit themselves on fire that night, aghast that he could even consider walking away without improving the pen. The offseason is long and hard. Johan Santana arrived in February, after a winter of the Mets being cool about how desperately they desired him. Centerfield Dec 18 2008 01:53 PM You don't have to be that specific. If Omar were looking to add more offense, he could say something along the lines of, "We are continuing to explore our options to improve our offense. Although we are comfortable with the guys we have, we are always looking to improve. If the right deal comes along, we'll be in the mix." That undermines no one. There is no benefit to be had by indicating you are not looking to add offense, unless you are not looking to add offense. In that case, you could put that out there in an effort to dampen fan expectation. The Santana situation is different. No matter what Omar may have said in public, all the rumblings had the Mets in the mix for Santana from the get-go. This time, we have no rumors, no rumblings, no activity at all. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 02:00 PM I'm sure Minaya has said more or less the same. dgwphotography Dec 18 2008 02:00 PM he he - Edgy put "ass" and "hole" in the subject... I would say that my most pressing concern is 2nd base - Castillo killed us in every possible way last year. Benjamin Grimm Dec 18 2008 02:11 PM ="HahnSolo":2hrybrte]Is there any market for Hudson. I don't see his name linked to too many teams. Actually, the only place I usually see his name is from Mets fans who want Luis out and him in. Just wondering that if there's not much market, then maybe it doesn't cost as much in years and dollars. The hideous Castillo contract haunts us some more.[/quote:2hrybrte] I got curious (no, not like Marv Albert did!) and checked Google News to see if there are any rumors about any teams bidding for Hudson. A quick glance at the results shows casual interest from the Yankees and Washington and strong interest from San Francisco and Cleveland, but both the Giants and Indians stories are almost a month old by now. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 18 2008 02:16 PM The issue with Hudson would be that signing him costs still more drafts next year. I am by no means a supporter of Castillo -- I was against signing him way back when he was good, even -- but if we just left him there and he was healthy I am CAHNfident he'll have a better year. I can't say that about any other player in the lineup 'cept maybe Church, and even then, I ain't sure. So yeah, the answer is left field, or if we trade Church, right field. Benjamin Grimm Dec 18 2008 02:24 PM Marty Noble, for what it's worth, is quite happy with the Mets in left field. (He was talking about it on Hot Stove Report a couple of weeks ago.) He likes platoons, and he thinks the Mets have it in the proper balance, with the older player being right-handed and not playing as often, and the younger guy being a lefty and getting more at bats. He thinks they'll be solid in left. I hope he's right. But it seems to me there's more than a decent chance that Tatis will decline and that Murphy's 2008 success won't carry over. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 02:36 PM Shane and Karim but me off of platooning a little. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 18 2008 02:38 PM If one platoon works, how about two? Burrell can platoon with Murphy and/or Church. It would mean fewer starts for Tatis, but allows him to be the primary RH pinch-hitter we need and more of a 3B/RF/LF backup to all 3. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 02:44 PM My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright. HahnSolo Dec 18 2008 02:46 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":xjjhr5lh]="HahnSolo":xjjhr5lh]Is there any market for Hudson. I don't see his name linked to too many teams. Actually, the only place I usually see his name is from Mets fans who want Luis out and him in. Just wondering that if there's not much market, then maybe it doesn't cost as much in years and dollars. The hideous Castillo contract haunts us some more.[/quote:xjjhr5lh] I got curious (no, not like Marv Albert did!) and checked Google News to see if there are any rumors about any teams bidding for Hudson. A quick glance at the results shows casual interest from the Yankees and Washington and strong interest from San Francisco and Cleveland, but both the Giants and Indians stories are almost a month old by now.[/quote:xjjhr5lh] Speaking of Cleveland, didn't someone here, in the last offseason, advocate going after Josh Barfield and Kelly Shoppach in a trade? HahnSolo Dec 18 2008 02:48 PM ="Edgy DC":1nhltiet]My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright.[/quote:1nhltiet] I'd like some quality bats and some quality depth. Burrell, sounds good to me. But lets make sure we have insurance if/when Church/Castillo/Castro, et al get hurt. The last three seasons it seems that thanks to injuries guys are getting more ABs with us than they should. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 18 2008 02:48 PM I suppose if you bring in Burrell you play him most days and mostly in left. Then Murph could challenge either Church or Castillo. The other thing we gotta think about is first base in 2010 -- not many good FA's coming to market then, unless you count Delgado, so maybe this year's left fielder is next year's first baseman. That also looks maybe like a Burrell kinda job. Vic Sage Dec 18 2008 03:37 PM 1B - we have relatively lower dollars tied up in all the other "trouble" positions, and if in-season moves are necessary, we won't be paralyzed by budgetary constraints to fix any of them, unlike our $12m 1bman. Also, none of the other positions are being counted on for middle-of-the-order production. So, if Delgado's 1st half becomes the first 2/3 of the 2009 season, it'll be hard for the Mets to come back. If his 1st half is replicated for the entire 2009 season, we're cooked. Vic Sage Dec 18 2008 03:51 PM ]Speaking of Cleveland, didn't someone here, in the last offseason, advocate going after Josh Barfield and Kelly Shoppach in a trade? that sounds like me. I'm surprised Barfield has not developed, but Shoppach sure showed some punch last year. Centerfield Dec 18 2008 08:05 PM From ESPN: The Red Sox, too, have bid aggressively, after having quietly targeted the switch-hitting, Gold-Glove caliber first baseman throughout this entire offseason. Teixeira, who turns 29 next April, has been among the most consistent hitters in the majors in recent years, thriving when he was traded to contenders twice in consecutive years -- first, in 2007, to the Braves, and then in 2008, to the Angels. Teixeira batted .358 in 54 games for the Angels, with 13 homers and 43 RBIs. When the Angels met the Red Sox in the postseason, Teixeira batted .467 with four walks in four games. If the Red Sox complete the negotiations for Teixeira, they presumably would shift Kevin Youkilis -- who finished third in the AL MVP voting in 2008 -- to third base, and look to deal veteran third baseman Mike Lowell, who is under contract through 2 010. The Red Sox have gauged the market enough to know that they can find a suitable deal for Lowell, if necessary. Boston may decide to keep Lowell into spring training, until they get a read on how effective Ortiz will be going into this season. The Red Sox became increasingly concerned about the quality of the middle of their lineup through the 2008 season, as David Ortiz struggled to come back from a wrist injury and after Manny Ramirez was traded. Is there any question that if Omar were the Sox GM, he would talk about how they are "set" at first and third? For the record, the Red Sox beat the Mets in just about every offensive category. I realize that there's that DH thing, but the Sox were second only to Texas in runs scored in the AL. They could have easily used that "we scored enough runs last year" logic if they so chose. Edgy DC Dec 18 2008 08:37 PM Proof in pudding. Actions will speak. smg58 Dec 19 2008 05:25 AM For starters, the Red Sox are currently talking as though they've been seriously outbid. 8 years and $200M for Teixeira is looking likely. In addition, with a few third baseman on the market who won't make $24M over the next two years, will not cost players, and are not injury risks, don't assume that the Sox can sell Lowell for more than pennies on the dollar. The Mets would be in a similar position with Delgado; if teams looking for a DH/1B can get a year of Giambi for less money and no players, or three years of Dunn for less money per year and no players, pennies on the dollar is the most you can hope for. And that has to be factored into the final bill for Teixeira. And the Red Sox don't need more pitching as badly as the Mets, either. We need to add another lefty reliever, and right now we have two spots in the rotation to fill with only one rookie who's likely a year away in any position to fill one of them. metirish Dec 19 2008 07:14 AM Red Sox owner said in an email to reporters that they went to Dallas to meet with Texeria and Boras and quickly realized that they would not be a factor despite offering $160 million for eight years. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 19 2008 07:48 AM They did a similar act with Dice-K before they wound up with him. Edgy DC Dec 19 2008 08:16 AM ="HahnSolo":sx1dmk2j]="Edgy DC":sx1dmk2j]My thinking is to bring in Burrell, get Tatis and Murphy at bats where they can, until on of those dubious positions gets all FUBARred and those guys are brought in to shore it up, and, if workable, steal it outright.[/quote:sx1dmk2j] I'd like some quality bats and some quality depth. Burrell, sounds good to me. But lets make sure we have insurance if/when Church/Castillo/Castro, et al get hurt. The last three seasons it seems that thanks to injuries guys are getting more ABs with us than they should.[/quote:sx1dmk2j] I'd say it's like that every year. Centerfield Dec 19 2008 11:21 AM ="Edgy DC":3a6v80an]Proof in pudding. Actions will speak.[/quote:3a6v80an] They've already acted. They don't have to actually land Texiera to act in the manner I want the Mets to act in. By exploring their opportunities, recognizing a valuable asset, gauging the market for Lowell, they've already done exactly what I've been saying Omar should do. If they get outbid, so be it. At least they've demonstrated an ability to be creative and not get boxed in with conventional thinking. They recognized how special Texiera was as a player. They recognized that, despite impressive offensive numbers last year, that the middle of their lineup could use upgrading. They did not allow that fact that they have players locked in at those positions prevent them from making a run at Texeira. And if, after all that, they get outbid, so be it. At least they tried. My point this whole offseason is that the Mets should have tried to make a run at him. They should have explored the market for Delgado. Even if they get nothing back for Carlos other than dumping his salary, and if they can find a taker for Schneider (Red Sox rumored to be interested), then that frees up $18 million. Backload an 8 year, 160 million dollar deal and that adds no additional payroll. It does not prevent them from pursuing a pitcher or three. Is there anyone on earth that wouldn't rather have a combination of Texiera/Castro rather than Delgado/Schneider? If that's the case, why not try? Edgy DC Dec 19 2008 12:22 PM I'm referring, I think it's clear in my tense, to the team having a full off-season in which to continue to pursue players. Do we really need more leaks out of Metland as proof of adminstrative action? Nymr83 Dec 19 2008 02:58 PM The proof will be in the roster that takes the field April 1st, at which time I'll criticize Omar (or praise him) for his roster moves, meanwhile he should keep his hand close to his chest.

wise move by MLB to make sure their channel gets exposure, the NFL should take notes.

any of those positions could suck for us (though Church will hit just fine if he's healthy) but i went with Catcher because its the only position that i'm sure will suck for us.

its there on Verizon grouped together with all the other sports channels.

OO i see a red X. ]Strikes me that there aren't a lot of minor league affiliates that have the same color scheme as the parent club. i'd guess clubs would want to make $$ off the different colors, figuring that less people will buy a minor league shirt that the same color as the big-league shirt they already have 5 of. the yankees, on the other hand, just put out all kinds of ugly color hats with their logo on it.

the old one is disgusting.

i like it, enough that i might even buy a shirt or something with the logo.

="Edgy DC":jsxxb7kc]A healthy Ben Sheets might be better. I think he's pretty comparable, no?[/quote:jsxxb7kc] Sheets is way better than Perez when healthy, but has Sheets ever stayed healthy for long? A Boy Named Seo Dec 16 2008 12:36 PM Sheets had a 3 year run of good health from 02-04. Last year he made 31 starts before he got shut down at the end of the year. He's a question mark for sure, but a sexy one. Daily News sez Mets thinking about Tim Redding. ]STARTING THE SEARCH: The Mets' primary concern this week is to address their starting pitching needs and team officials met Monday to go over free agents. They will look at numerous pitchers, said a baseball official familiar with their thinking. Randy Wolf, Oliver Perez and, if the price is right, Derek Lowe, are among the possibilities. The Mets have not done anything on Ben Sheets, though they'll "look at everyone on the list," the official said. Among the new free agents who hit the market when their old teams did not offer them 2009 contracts, the Mets have expressed interest in Tim Redding, according to another baseball official. Redding was 10-11 with a 4.95 ERA for the Nationals last season, making 33 starts and pitching 182 innings. Redding, 31 in February, is 34-51 with a 4.92 ERA in parts of seven seasons with the Astros, Padres, Yankees and Nats. He might be attractive to the Mets because he was 3-1 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts against the Phillies last season. ... The Mets will introduce K-Rod at their annual holiday party for kids tomorrow. Manager Jerry Manuel, Mike (Santa) Pelfrey and John Maine will also be in attendance. I hope they sneak a look at that Daniel Cabrera, late of Baltimore. He seems like the kinda guy the Mets loved to pick up for a while there. Hard-throwing, high-ceiling, but erratic. He was non-tendered by the O's. Benjamin Grimm Dec 16 2008 12:49 PM ="A Boy Named Seo":qtbgj35j] He's a question mark for sure, but a sexy one. [/quote:qtbgj35j] A sexy question mark. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 16 2008 12:52 PM seawolf17 Dec 16 2008 12:59 PM I don't know who that is, but wow, that's a lecherous look from the dude in the car. I like Redding a lot -- he's a Rochester guy -- but bleh on him joining the Mets, except as a Tony Armas-type emergency guy. Benjamin Grimm Dec 16 2008 01:20 PM I concede to Johnny Lunchbucket in the sexy question mark photo hunt competition. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 16 2008 01:56 PM She's some English soccer player's wife. You can tell because she's trying to sneak a few soccer balls into the costume party. metirish Dec 16 2008 02:13 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2pdsn56e]She's some English soccer player's wife. You can tell because she's trying to sneak a few soccer balls into the costume party.[/quote:2pdsn56e] Otherwise known as a WAG. A Boy Named Seo Dec 17 2008 10:42 AM Daily News and Newsday both run starting pitching articles today and both basically say the same. Ollie's the preference, Lowe's nice, but too expensive, Wolf, and Redding, and Niese, etc. Kawakami is the 39-year old dude, no? Sheets not on the radar according to the Snooze. "Boo!!!!" sez me. ]The Mets spent Tuesday again discussing starting pitching options and today will formally introduce someone who should make being a member of the Met rotation a bit more comfortable - new closer Francisco Rodriguez. Rodriguez is making an appearance at the Mets' annual holiday party, along with Jerry Manuel, GM Omar Minaya, Mike Pelfrey (who will play Santa Claus) and John Maine. After sampling a few candy canes, Minaya will get back to work sifting through the starting pitchers available on the free-agent market. "We're going to look at everyone on the list," Minaya said. Re-signing Oliver Perez, which Minaya called "50-50" at the winter meetings, seems to be their first choice, but the Mets have inquired about several other pitchers, as well, and there are other intriguing names available since last week's non-tender deadline. The Mets are interested in Derek Lowe, although Minaya has acknowledged that he is likely to soar out of their price range. Still, if Lowe's price doesn't get too exorbitant, the Mets would be a suitor. Others in the mix include lefty Randy Wolf, whom the Mets have shown interest in, according to a baseball official. They also have expressed interest in Tim Redding, who was non-tendered by the Nationals last week. Japanese import Kenshin Kawakami might be a fallback option, too, and the Mets have long admired Freddy Garcia. Ben Sheets, a high-reward, high-risk free agent, is not on the Met radar, according to a baseball official. Daniel Cabrera, who was not tendered a contract by the Orioles last week, was slated to pitch in a winter-league game in the Dominican Republic last night and could be a possibility. With teams eyeballing him in person, bidding could heat up quickly for Cabrera. Johan Santana, Maine and Pelfrey are the Mets' top three starters right now, and the team figures it will add another starter this winter. The Mets could use some rotation depth, in part to have several candidates to compete with Jon Niese for the fifth spot in the rotation, and in case any of the primary arms get hurt during the season. Newsdaymentions Bartolo Colon and Eric Milton as filler candidates. ] The Mets have two slots in their starting rotation to fill, and they know what they want to do with the more important one. To replace Oliver Perez, who had become a vital pitcher, they want either Perez himself or Derek Lowe. To replace the diminished Pedro Martinez, however, the Mets are internally debating their options. Some team officials want to hand the fifth starter's job to lefthander Jon Niese, while others want to create some competition for Niese, 22, and ideally have the rookie begin the 2009 season with Triple-A Buffalo. The Mets could pursue a low-risk, high-reward starting pitcher - among the free agents fitting that category are Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia and Eric Milton - and hold a competition pitting such veterans against Niese in spring training. If the veteran wins the spot, then Niese can get more seasoning in the minor leagues. If Niese pitches better, then he might possess increased confidence. Niese made three starts for the 2008 Mets and posted a 1-1 record and 7.07 ERA. He allowed 20 hits and eight walks, striking out 11, in 14 innings. Before his big-league call-up in September, Niese made 22 starts for Double-A Binghamton (he went 6-7 with a 3.04 ERA, striking out 112 and walking 44 in 124 1/3 innings) and seven starts for Triple-A New Orleans (he went 5-1 with a 3.40 ERA, striking out 32 and walking 14 in 39 2/3 innings). The decision on Niese and his potential competition likely won't come until January, or even early February. For now, the Mets are focusing on acquiring a top-flight starter. Lowe's price could fall to a place where the Mets are more comfortable. And if Lowe's doesn't, then Perez's could. The Mets would consider free agents Randy Wolf and Jon Garland only if they whiff on Lowe and Perez. As another fallback, they have reached out to Tom O'Connell, the agent for Tim Redding, whom the Nationals non-tendered last Friday. Redding, 30, pitched 182 innings for Washington, posting a 10-11 record and 4.95 ERA. "So far, we've been contacted by at least 10 teams," said O'Connell, an alumnus of Shoreham-Wading River High School. "[Redding] had a very solid year. He could've easily won 15 games. I think he's going to be an outstanding pitcher in this market." metirish Dec 17 2008 10:50 AM Not surprised that Sheets is not in the plans , the Mets never sign FA starting pitchers that are injury prone. Benjamin Grimm Dec 17 2008 11:03 AM ]The Mets could pursue a low-risk, high-reward starting pitcher - among the free agents fitting that category are Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia and Eric Milton - and hold a competition pitting such veterans against Niese in spring training. Pedro Martinez would fit that category too. metsmarathon Dec 17 2008 11:31 AM i really wish we'd look at sheets, and bring in a backup plan as well. Edgy DC Dec 17 2008 11:35 AM Every time somebody posts in this thread, those things hit me in the head. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 17 2008 11:56 AM Her name is Alex Curran and she's the WAG of Steven Gerrard, who plays for Liverpool. A Boy Named Seo Dec 17 2008 12:13 PM Well Augmented Gal? metirish Dec 17 2008 12:17 PM WAG = Wives & Girlfriends But you knew that right? A Boy Named Seo Dec 17 2008 12:19 PM No, I didn't know that. But I do know that WAG's are absolutely not invited to the Man U. Christmas party. A Boy Named Seo Dec 17 2008 12:32 PM ="metsmarathon":qboxnn2q]i really wish we'd look at sheets, and bring in a backup plan as well.[/quote:qboxnn2q] I'm wichoo. Johan's the only guy we know exactly what we're getting from. Hopefully Pelfrey won't regress. I don't think he will. I guess him being the second most known quantity on the staff makes me a little uneasy is all. I don't see how Maine can be counted on for 30 starts at this point. We should really have at least six viable options. Maybe, like, more. I still would like to see Ollie, Sheets, Niese, and as many non-roster scrubs as they can stitch uniforms for. seawolf17 Dec 17 2008 12:44 PM ="A Boy Named Seo":20g5adgv]I still would like to see Ollie, Sheets, Niese, and as many non-roster scrubs as they can stitch uniforms for.[/quote:20g5adgv] /starts throwing long toss /starts developing knuckleball A Boy Named Seo Dec 17 2008 12:48 PM And Seawolf and Dennis Springer. metsmarathon Dec 17 2008 01:23 PM or that japanese chick! MFS62 Dec 17 2008 07:06 PM John Maine Interview: http://www.wfan.com/pages/744514.php Later Benjamin Grimm Dec 24 2008 06:36 AM Today's buzz has the Mets becoming serious about negotiating with Lowe. While I do like the idea of getting a pitcher who'll be the Number 2 guy (as opposed to a Number 4 guy) I'm concerned that Lowe will be too old and expensive. Especially if he ends up with a five-year deal. I think I'd rather seem them put that money towards Randy Wolf and Orlando Hudson. seawolf17 Dec 24 2008 07:20 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket"] I just wanted to make sure she was at the top of page 3 of the thread also. Nymr83 Dec 24 2008 07:51 AM good idea, i say we make the hot bimbo the banner on top of the forum! Bunt the First Two Dec 24 2008 08:15 AM If you're going to overpay Overpay for Ollie Christmas eve is here today And Christmas should be jolly Ollie can be widely variant But Lowe's an obnoxious wiener And I know what Keith and Gary meant When they praised young Ollie's demeanor So, I'm clinging to the familiar And I fear the enemy hireling You may find my perspective sillier My wife does; as does my sireling Lowe's not alone in adulte-ray To think so would be rank folly But if you're going to overpay Overpay for Ollie Joyeux No�l Benjamin Grimm Dec 24 2008 08:21 AM How is it possible that Bunt the First Two, who's been here for three and a half years, only has 9 posts? (And a very nice avatar, by the way.) seawolf17 Dec 24 2008 08:38 AM I thought BtF2 was someone's nym. TransMonk Dec 24 2008 10:53 AM Metsblog linking to The Boston Globe[/url:a9uzs6db] reports that the Mets are close to a 3-4 deal with Lowe for 14-16 Mil per. metirish Dec 24 2008 11:06 AM Could we not sign Perez for that money? Benjamin Grimm Dec 24 2008 11:07 AM I have to confess that I don't know much about Lowe, but I'm so done with Oliver Perez. Benjamin Grimm Dec 24 2008 11:16 AM Just in case this is true, here's a tidbit from Wikipedia for the Wifey Watch: ]On August 3, 2005, FSN West in Los Angeles announced that "Dodger Dugout" anchor Carolyn Hughes had been suspended pending an investigation into a potential relationship between her and Lowe. Shortly thereafter, the pitcher filed for divorce from his wife of seven years, Trinka Lowe, with whom he fathered two children. Hughes' husband had also filed for divorce and, as of early 2006, Lowe and Hughes were living together. Lowe and Hughes were married on December 13, 2008 at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. TransMonk Dec 24 2008 11:21 AM ="metirish":20spwfpg]Could we not sign Perez for that money?[/quote:20spwfpg] Maybe, but Lowe's more of a sure thing than Perez IMO (at least for 2009-10). Perez is younger and a lefty, but Lowe has averaged 200 IPs with a mid 3 ERA for the past 4 years. He won't K as many batters as Perez, but he will also walk about half as many. The problem with Lowe is that he will turn 36 this year....so by the end of the contract he will be 40ish. But you can't argue with his consistency. Nymr83 Dec 24 2008 01:06 PM A 4 year contract to Lowe now could easily turn into the equivalent of the 4 year deal given to Glavine at age 36 following the 2002 season. Glavine's ERA+ the 4 years before the Mets contract: 109, 135, 125, 140 Lowe's ERA+ the past 4 years: 114, 124, 118, 131 Glavine IPs: 234, 241, 219, 224 Lowe's IPs: 222, 218, 199, 211 Glavine's ERA+ the first 4 years with the Mets: 93, 119, 116, 114 Glavine IP the first 4 years with the Mets: 183, 212, 211, 198 They're pretty similiar pitchers and Lowe is around the same place in his career now that Glavine was when he became a Met (though he was probably a bit better then than Lowe is now.) Were you happy with how that 4 year contract to Glavine turned out? A Boy Named Seo Dec 24 2008 01:23 PM I thought of Glavine this morning when I read the Mets were maybe close on Lowe. I like Lowe and I think he'd be fine, but don't want him instead of Ollie. I want him along with Ollie. Edgy DC Dec 24 2008 01:58 PM Glavine didn't become fat until his second year he was with the Mets. Lowe = already fat. Oliver Perez is the way to go. MFS62 Dec 24 2008 07:07 PM According to a report on WFAN (or was it ESPN radio?) tonight, the Mets are one of three teams still negotiating for Lowe. Later John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 24 2008 08:29 PM I'd prefer Ollie if we only got one of them, too. I'm not a Lowe hater, necessarily, tho I do recall the Mets beating the crap out of him once in '07. Anyone remember that game? TransMonk Dec 24 2008 09:10 PM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2k22o8do]I'd prefer Ollie if we only got one of them, too. I'm not a Lowe hater, necessarily, tho I do recall the Mets beating the crap out of him once in '07. Anyone remember that game?[/quote:2k22o8do] Yup...and Glavine got his ass kicked about as badly in this game too.[/url:2k22o8do] Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 25 2008 10:46 AM Derek Lowe for Christmas? ESPN says no. ]ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports the Mets ARE NOT close to a deal with free agent pitcher Derek Lowe. Sources tell Olney the Mets HAVE NOT made an offer to Lowe...and are still seriously considering free agent pitchers Randy Wolf and Oliver Perez., among other pitching options. The Boston Globe reported the Mets would offer Lowe $14-16 million per season. Lowe just finished up a four year deal, $36 million deal with the Dodgers. Newsday also says no. It seems they are speaking, though. ="Kat O'Brien"]"We're talking, we're having discussions, but nothing's going to happen in the next day or two," Minaya said by phone Wednesday afternoon. Maybe for Boxing Day? Edgy DC Dec 25 2008 05:52 PM Nowe Lowe! Frayed Knot Dec 26 2008 07:14 AM Newsday: The Mets continue to try to sign one more starting pitcher, but general manager Omar Minaya said nothing is imminent. "We're talking, we're having discussions, but nothing's going to happen in the next day or two," Minaya said by phone Wednesday afternoon. Several reports online had the Mets close to agreement on a four-year deal with righthander Derek Lowe. Minaya said Lowe is just one of several pitchers the Mets are in negotiations with, along with Oliver Perez and Randy Wolf. The Mets stand a strong chance of eventually signing one of those three starters. Minaya said it wouldn't happen in the immediate future, though, urging: "Go enjoy the holiday." Benjamin Grimm Dec 27 2008 05:11 PM ="Buster Olney":1q35kutm]There are other market forces in play now. The Mets would like a starting pitcher, but just as they ascertained before delving into the bidding for a closer, they realize that they might be the only team ready to give out a sizable multiyear contract for a starting pitcher -- especially in the aftermath of the Yankees' signing of Mark Teixeira, which is likely to compel the Bombers to fill the last spot in their rotation with a youngster. The Mets have surveyed the rest of the market, and they see that the Cardinals are not ready to hand out a massive deal for a starter, nor are the Milwaukee Brewers or the Dodgers. The Braves have money to spend but have reportedly determined that they are not interested in signing Derek Lowe. So the Mets can sit back and pluck the best of the starting pitchers, at their price, just as they did with K-Rod; in this case, their choices are likely (1) Oliver Perez, (2) Lowe or (3) Randy Wolf. Heck, the Mets might find themselves in a position to take advantage of a two-for-one sale. That is how far the prices have been depressed. The Mets will be patient, writes Mike Puma. [/quote:1q35kutm] Nymr83 Dec 28 2008 12:35 AM sounds good to me, lets see what happens Rockin' Doc Dec 28 2008 07:13 AM Damn, I knew this day would come. This thread has finally turned the page and now the mysterious honeydew smuggler has gotten away. It's a sad day I tell you. Benjamin Grimm Dec 28 2008 07:19 AM ="seawolf17"]="John Cougar Lunchbucket"] I just wanted to make sure she was at the top of page 3 of the thread also. Centerfield Dec 28 2008 09:47 PM Ken Rosenthal reporting that the Red Sox are close to signing Brad Penny. You'd have to think this bodes well for us on the Lowe front. metirish Dec 30 2008 09:01 AM ="John Cougar Lunchbucket"] Her husband just got charged with assault and affray after spending the last 24 hours in jail following a beating of a DJ in a pub after Liverpool FC beat Newcastle Sunday. Gerrard along with five others got arrested in the early hours Monday morning after allegedly beating the DJ up , apparently the DJ wouldn't let Gerrard spin his favorite tunes. His favorite singer is Phil fucking Collins , hard to blame the DJ on that. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 30 2008 09:39 AM Phil Collins' solo efforts seem to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying in a narrower way, especially No Jacket Required and songs like "In the Air Tonight" and "Against All Odds" (though that song was overshadowed by the masterful movie from which it came) and "Take Me Home" and "Sussudio" (great, great song; a personal favorite) and his remake of "You Can't Hurry Love," which I'm not alone in thinking is better than the Supremes' original. But I also think that Phil Collins works better within the confines of the group than as a solo artist- and I stress the word artist. In fact it applies to all three of the guys, because Genesis is still the best, most exciting band to come out of England in the 1980s. Frayed Knot Dec 30 2008 09:43 AM Beating up a DJ is like the guy who shot someone in a movie theatre the other day for yapping too much: either may be justifiable depending on the specifics. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 30 2008 09:47 AM ="Vince Coleman Firecracker"]Phil Collins' solo efforts seem to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying in a narrower way, especially No Jacket Required and songs like "In the Air Tonight" and "Against All Odds" (though that song was overshadowed by the masterful movie from which it came) and "Take Me Home" and "Sussudio" (great, great song; a personal favorite) and his remake of "You Can't Hurry Love," which I'm not alone in thinking is better than the Supremes' original. But I also think that Phil Collins works better within the confines of the group than as a solo artist- and I stress the word artist. In fact it applies to all three of the guys, because Genesis is still the best, most exciting band to come out of England in the 1980s. Wait, what? Edgy DC Dec 30 2008 10:02 AM I heard the guy beat up the DJ after he played Jay-Z's new joint, "The Riddler Got Some Titties." VC Firecracker, meanwhile, just made the Oddest Stories of the Year list. Vince Coleman Firecracker Dec 30 2008 10:07 AM Sorry, I just always think of Patrick Bateman when I hear that someone likes Phil Collins. Or Huey Lewis. metirish Dec 30 2008 10:16 AM ="Vince Coleman Firecracker"]Phil Collins' solo efforts seem to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying in a narrower way, especially No Jacket Required and songs like "In the Air Tonight" and "Against All Odds" (though that song was overshadowed by the masterful movie from which it came) and "Take Me Home" and "Sussudio" (great, great song; a personal favorite) and his remake of "You Can't Hurry Love," which I'm not alone in thinking is better than the Supremes' original. But I also think that Phil Collins works better within the confines of the group than as a solo artist- and I stress the word artist. In fact it applies to all three of the guys, because Genesis is still the best, most exciting band to come out of England in the 1980s. In the article I read which I can't be bothered to look for it mentioned that his favorite album ever is Phil Collins "Hits" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hits_(Phil_Collins_album) Centerfield Dec 30 2008 07:30 PM Three year, $36 million offer to Lowe says Tom Singer at Mets.com. It cites a Times report but I couldn't find the article. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081230&content_id=3730397&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 30 2008 07:38 PM ]Mets Offer Lowe a Deal: 3 Years and $36 Million By JACK CURRY Published: December 30, 2008 After methodically studying the starting pitchers left on the free-agent market, the Mets have determined that Derek Lowe would be the best addition to their club. The Mets have shown that by offering Lowe a three-year contract for about $36 million, according to people who have been briefed on the discussions. As the Mets try to add a reliable starter, they have marked Lowe as their priority over Oliver P�rez, who has pitched for them since 2006. Lowe, a durable pitcher with a superb sinker, was 14-11 with a 3.24 earned run average for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. Scott Boras, the agent who represents Lowe and P�rez, would not comment specifically about the Mets� offer to Lowe. But he said, �Obviously, we�ve taken offers from a number of teams.� Boras also said he was still talking to teams and was in the process of establishing Lowe�s value. Lowe is believed to be seeking a five-year, $90 million deal. The Mets do not want to offer Lowe more than three guaranteed years, so if he holds firm in his pursuit of five years, he may not be close to signing. Lowe, who turns 36 in June, has averaged more than 200 innings and 15 wins the last seven seasons. When the Mets pursued the free agent Francisco Rodr�guez, they benefited from being one of the only teams willing to spend for a closer. Before the season ended, there was speculation that Rodr�guez would receive a $75 million deal. The Mets signed Rodr�guez for about half that, giving him a three-year, $37 million deal. The Mets are hoping the same happens with Lowe, and that he eventually falls to them for less than the $18 million a year he is seeking. Boras would not say how many teams had made offers to Lowe, but he said there were more teams involved in talks with Lowe than a week ago. Boras will probably remind teams that Ryan Dempster, a converted closer who had a stellar year as a starter with 17 victories, received a four-year, $52 million deal from the Chicago Cubs last month. The Mets have emerged as the favorites to sign Lowe, but the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies have also expressed interest. It is unclear if either team would outbid the Mets or offer more than three years. Lowe pitched for the Red Sox from 1997 to 2004 and has spoken about his desire to return to Boston. If the Mets are unable to sign Lowe, they will pursue P�rez, who was 10-7 with a 4.22 E.R.A. They may also go after Randy Wolf, who, like P�rez, is left-handed. Wolf was 12-12 with a 4.30 E.R.A. for the San Diego Padres and the Houston Astros. But by making their first offer to Lowe, the Mets have told him and Boras that Lowe is the pitcher they would prefer. Before that can happen, the Mets and Boras need to agree on Lowe�s value. Frayed Knot Dec 30 2008 07:46 PM Beats the hell out of both the asking price (5x$18) and the widely rumored price (4x$15). Maybe we wind up getting trumped here, but I'd have trouble going more than 3 years. Guess that's what they mean by 'Going Lowe' on a bid. Rockin' Doc Dec 30 2008 08:30 PM The Mets should give Lowe and Borass a few days to respond, then if they don't get a response that looks favorable they should offer Oliver Perez an offer in the neighborhood of 4 years for $36 mil. and tell Boras that the first accept will get the one rotation slot available. I would love to see a few of Boras' high profile clients get stuck because of his blustering and posturing. I believe Manny Ramirez just may be the one to lose big because of Boras overplaying his hand in these difficult financial times. Nymr83 Dec 30 2008 09:16 PM ="Rockin' Doc":sf7zf4o4]The Mets should give Lowe and Borass a few days to respond, then if they don't get a response that looks favorable they should offer Oliver Perez an offer in the neighborhood of 4 years for $36 mil. and tell Boras that the first accept will get the one rotation slot available. I would love to see a few of Boras' high profile clients get stuck because of his blustering and posturing. I believe Manny Ramirez just may be the one to lose big because of Boras overplaying his hand in these difficult financial times.[/quote:sf7zf4o4] i would love to play Boras' clients against each other by making reasonable offers to both pitchers and say its first come first served. this puts Boras in a position where he can't do right by both clients. MFS62 Dec 31 2008 06:42 AM Now we're going to find out if Omar has friends in Lowe places. Later Edgy DC Dec 31 2008 07:15 AM ="Nymr83":jqmfi9t3]i would love to play Boras' clients against each other by making reasonable offers to both pitchers and say its first come first served. this puts Boras in a position where he can't do right by both clients.[/quote:jqmfi9t3] Well, he can advise them both to hold out for more. I'm not saying it'll work, but he's got a corner of the market by holding the best two remaining pitchers. Benjamin Grimm Dec 31 2008 07:19 AM I notice the article says the Mets don't want to guarantee more than three years. My prediction: They'll sign him to a deal that guarantees $39 million over three years, with a clause that gets him a fourth year (at another $13 million) based on some innings pitched criteria. An article in the Daily News this morning said that the Mets were the lone remaining suitor. I don't know if that's true or not, but if it is Boras will, of course, try to get them to bid against the mysterious phantom team. metirish Dec 31 2008 07:23 AM Thankfully Minaya is't Cashman who at this point with no other suitors would sweeten the pot by at least $60 million. soupcan Dec 31 2008 07:50 AM I'd love to see Boras get his comeuppance as well but it just doesn't happen. We all thought the A-Rod opt-out would backfire and that certainly did not. Boras turned that around from a disaster to friggin' no-holds barrred success. Boras is a smart guy - he knows exactly what he is doing and always gets the most for his clients. As a fan I hate him, but if I were an athlete he'd be my guy. Edgy DC Dec 31 2008 08:03 AM I'm perfectly happy seeing Boras clients walk off with all the money they can get --- as long as my team drives a harder bargain than everybody else's. He got the Yankees to bid against themselves to pay Alex Rodriguez more, even though everybody hates the guy? I applaud him. Frayed Knot Dec 31 2008 08:09 AM ="soupcan":388olj2s]I'd love to see Boras get his comeuppance as well but it just doesn't happen.[/quote:388olj2s] It does occasionally. A couple years back he was telling anyone who would listen that he had a multiple 5-year offers for Kenvin Millwood at something like $15 per. Millwood eventually settled for a one-year arbitration settlement for around $10 or so. And there have been others as well - usually with smaller/mid-range clients. It's the big boys who generate most of the publicity and those are the ones he hits on - but, of course, it's a lot easier when you've got the goods. What remains to be seen here is whether this year is going to be a downward trend after several years of rapidly rising salaries like happened a few years ago following the 1999-2001 spending boom. So far the only player for whom there was a serious bidding war was Teixeira. Sabathia certainly got a chunk of change but it's not clear whether than was necessary, and guys like F Rodriguez got a whole lot less than what was suspected even 2-3 months ago. Centerfield Dec 31 2008 08:24 AM ="soupcan":1gdt0nu9]As a fan I hate him, but if I were an athlete he'd be my guy.[/quote:1gdt0nu9] Why do you hate him as a fan? As an owner or GM, he might be the scum of the earth, but do fans really have a rooting interest in negotiations between player and team? metsmarathon Dec 31 2008 08:41 AM i only hate him when players i want the mets to get have him as their agent, and that drags out the process of signing said player, and typically means that, if we do get said player, its at a higher cost and because we offered the most money (as opposed to the fictional world i wish to live in where free agents choose the mets not for the most money but because they're the awesomest destination, and do so cheaply and before christmas). soupcan Dec 31 2008 08:45 AM ="Centerfield"]="soupcan"]As a fan I hate him, but if I were an athlete he'd be my guy. Why do you hate him as a fan? As an owner or GM, he might be the scum of the earth, but do fans really have a rooting interest in negotiations between player and team? I suppose its not him I hate but rather the escalating salaries that continue to move the players and the game farther away from the fan. As a fan though - the higher the salary, the higher the operating costs of the team, the higher the cost of watching or going to a game. Edgy DC Dec 31 2008 08:50 AM ="soupcan":f7bp71p6]As a fan though - the higher the salary, the higher the operating costs of the team, the higher the cost of watching or going to a game.[/quote:f7bp71p6] I don't believe that for a minute. Prices are driven by demand, not by salary expenses. Don't let the owners convince you otherwise Centerfield Dec 31 2008 09:08 AM ="soupcan"]="Centerfield"]="soupcan"]As a fan I hate him, but if I were an athlete he'd be my guy. Why do you hate him as a fan? As an owner or GM, he might be the scum of the earth, but do fans really have a rooting interest in negotiations between player and team? I suppose its not him I hate but rather the escalating salaries that continue to move the players and the game farther away from the fan. As a fan though - the higher the salary, the higher the operating costs of the team, the higher the cost of watching or going to a game. So you're saying you don't hate the playa, you hate the game. Benjamin Grimm Dec 31 2008 09:14 AM One reason not to like Boras: He represents Mike Pelfrey. If Pelfrey continues to develop into the pitcher we'd like him to be, we have little to no hope that he'll sign a contract like Wright and Reyes did. He'll do the arbitration thing each year that he can, and then he'll test the market. It makes it just a teeny bit harder to get attached to a home-grown player. attgig Dec 31 2008 10:29 AM ="Edgy DC":6u8g9kac]="soupcan":6u8g9kac]As a fan though - the higher the salary, the higher the operating costs of the team, the higher the cost of watching or going to a game.[/quote:6u8g9kac] I don't believe that for a minute. Prices are driven by demand, not by salary expenses. Don't let the owners convince you otherwise[/quote:6u8g9kac] not only demand, but supply. all these new ballparks have less seats. friggin owners. BUT, I would love to see how ticket prices changed from before Free Agency to the early nineties (when contracts started going into the millions). soupcan Dec 31 2008 10:58 AM ="Edgy DC":2ijnmyx6]="soupcan":2ijnmyx6]As a fan though - the higher the salary, the higher the operating costs of the team, the higher the cost of watching or going to a game.[/quote:2ijnmyx6] I don't believe that for a minute. Prices are driven by demand, not by salary expenses. Don't let the owners convince you otherwise[/quote:2ijnmyx6] I don't mean to say that salaries are the only thing but they are a significant contributing factor. ="Centerfield":2ijnmyx6]So you're saying you don't hate the playa, you hate the game.[/quote:2ijnmyx6] Word. Edgy DC Dec 31 2008 11:14 AM ="soupcan":osy3ctu2]I don't mean to say that salaries are the only thing but they are a significant contributing factor.[/quote:osy3ctu2] I don't think they mean a thing. All the restraints of a salary cap haven't made basketball and football tickets any more affordable. soupcan Dec 31 2008 11:29 AM ="Edgy DC":r44vyrx7]="soupcan":r44vyrx7]I don't mean to say that salaries are the only thing but they are a significant contributing factor.[/quote:r44vyrx7] I don't think they mean a thing. All the restraints of a salary cap haven't made basketball and football tickets any more affordable.[/quote:r44vyrx7] It's not like their salary caps have kept those other sports salaries low either though. Frayed Knot Dec 31 2008 12:07 PM Not low, but lower than they'd be under a true open market -- and yet the NFL with its hard cap and often elusive FA system has still managed to be the sport to virtually invent and exploit things like seat licensing and mandatory pre-season buys.

i would LOVE to bring Wiggy back as a bench player, he has the pop that this bench needs and can play 2B/3B when needed (though not necessarily well)

="John Cougar Lunchbucket":2b2nreee]I can't imagine the Mets won't go right back out there and get a different experienced lefty.[/quote:2b2nreee] i would be suprised. they have Feliciano and the guys were redundant, so unless they're going to get a Dennis Cook type who can get everyone out it wouldnt make sense, and i don't see a player like that out there Edgy DC Dec 13 2008 07:38 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 13 2008 01:27 PM Nobody can get everybody out. Cook faced a disproportionate number of lefties and pitched less than an inning per appearance in every season with the Mets. I'm sure there are plenty of lefties out there who are more effective against lefties than righties, but more useful against righties than the Show was. smg58 Dec 13 2008 08:10 AM I don't know what lefties are available right now. Other than Feliciano, I don't know if the Mets have any lefties even at the AAA level right now. No non-tenders popped up that I saw. DocTee Dec 13 2008 08:28 AM Ricardo Rincon? smg58 Dec 13 2008 11:58 AM Joe Beimel and Will Ohman are still on the market, either of whom would be a decent LOOGY option. Alan Embree and Brian Shouse are also available, but I'm not sure getting older is the right course of action. John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 13 2008 12:01 PM I believe Embree inked with the Rockies already. Rincon, IIRC, committed some transgression in the final weeks last year that assured he wouldn't return. Edgy DC Dec 13 2008 01:40 PM It's this belief in paucity that makes people sign Schoeneweis for three years. Among fringies, reclamation projects (Oscar Villarreal?), foreigners you've never heard of, and failed middling prospects re-asserting themselves out of the pen and available for a minor league contract, the right person is out there. People are just now getting non-tendered. Guys like Mike Stanton and Steve Kline are out there --- and no, I'm not arguing for either of them. San Francisco went $8 million over two years for Jeremy Affeldt. He's as good as anybody out there, his splits are indifferent, and he's as capable of throwing more than one inning. If he costs only $8 million over two years, the Mets will be fine. If they're smart.

I'd like to keep any Mets pitchers from throwing in the WBC but I don't think theres any harm in letting Wright (or any other hitters) play, just go easy on him for the rest of spring training.

]Part of me is surprised that Schoenweis is the one to stick around i think nobody wanted to take his contract on