Monthly Archives: December 2003
The News
The New York Post reports nothing.
The NY Daily News reports nothing.
And so on, and so on, and so on
Comments OffThe News
- The Newark Star-Ledger claims the Mets GM Jim Duquette has begun contacting many of the new crop of free agents to hit the market this past Sunday, however, he is not that enthused by the list of names. So far, the only names to draw ant substantial interest from Duquette are closers Braden Looper and Danys Baez. “Braden has real interest in the Mets and the Mets have real interest in him,” said Looper
Comments Off
The News
On Sunday, as a result of the non-tender deadline, 58 new free agents joined the already 150 still available. Of the remaining free agents, those who will draw particular interest from the Mets are:
Starting Pitchers
Jason Johnson, rhp
Damian Moss, lhp
Rick Reed, rhp
Cory Lidle, rhp
Orlando Hernandez, rhp
Shane Reynolds, rhp
Garrett Stephenson, rhp
Sidney Ponson, rhp
Closers
Danys Baez, rhpCliff Politte, rhpBraden Looper, rhpChad Fox, rhp
Outfielders
Karim Garcia, of
Jay Payton, of
Juan Gonzalez, of
Raul Mondesi, of
The Mets are already rumored to be interested in Orlando Hernandez, Jason Johnson and Damien Moss as starting pitchers, Danys Baez and Braden Looper as closers, and Jay Payton as a right fielder.
MetsBlog.com’s Take
Of the lot, we feel those who could have the biggest impact for the least amount of money are:
Cory Lidle: In his two-seasons with Rick Peterson and Art Howe in Oakland, Lidle, 31, led all Oakland starters with 380 innings; he had a 3.58 ERA and totaled 180 strikeouts compared to only 86 walks. With a low 90′s fastball, an impressive change up and splitter, and a bulldog mentality, what is most impressive about Lidle is his ability to decrease his ERA the more innings he pitches. Originally with the Mets, he has since played for Tampa Bay, succeeded in Oakland, had a rough time last season with Toronto, and is now a free agent. In our opinion, he has the potential to be next season’s Esteban Loaiza.
Cliff Politte: At 29-years-old, Politte has never had a chance to shine, always being stuck in a setup roll. His career was reset after an awful stress fracture in his right arm, from which he missed the majority of 2001 and 2002. Today, his fastball tops out around 97 mph and his slider can be down right devastating to hitters. Primarily used as a setup man in Philadelphia and Toronto, many scouts feel Politte will excel as a closer.
Karim Garcia: Garcia, 28, has already shown he can play in New York, as he hit .305 during his brief 150 at-bats with the Yankees this past season. Though he has never played a full season, he projects to be a 20 home run hitter. Garcia will strikeout, however, and will draw very few walks. But he hustles, loves to win, plays hard, can be a solid defender and will cost very little while having an impactful upside.
Comments OffDean K writes
Comments OffThe News
The NY Post quotes GM Jim Duquette as saying that the Roger Cedeno-for-Jeff Cirillo swap was never finalized. “We’re still working on a number of fronts simultaneously,” Duquette said yesterday. “There’s nothing at this point that we can announce.”
According to the Post, Jim Turner, Brian Jordan’s agent, called the Mets yesterday to determine their interest but says that he has yet to hear back from Duquette.
The Mets are currently exploring a trade with Cleveland that could send Cedeno to the Indians for outfielder Matt Lawton, according to the NY Daily News. Lawton, who played for the Mets in the second half of 2001, is owed close to $14 million over the next two seasons and has been seeking a trade out of Cleveland due to an already crowded Indians’ outfield.
The Post indicates that the Mets are also interested in trading for Yankees right-fielder David Dellucci as a backup outfielder; however, indications are that he may also be non-tendered come Sunday.
Lastly, from the outfield-front, a Post source suggests that Jeromy Burnitz would seriously consider returning to Shea, however, the Mets don’t appear to have any interest as of yet.
The Daily News suggests that the Mets are very close to bringing back Todd Zeile as a backup corner-infielder, similar to the role filled by Jay Bell last season.
The Mets and John Franco have agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal, reports the Associated Press.
MetsBlog.com’s Take
Lawton isn’t much better or worse than Cedeno, just different. Though his numbers were much better only a few years ago, Lawton can now be counted on to hit only 15 home runs, steal 10 or so bases, hit in the mid .200 range, however, he will walk as many, if not more times as he strikes out. He is a patient hitter, using all fields, however, when behind in the count, he is a sure out. At one time, defense was a bright spot for Lawton, however, after leaving Shea for Cleveland during the summer of 2001, he has appeared slow and confused while roaming either right or left field. Lawton had major shoulder surgery one year ago. The rehab was believed to be long enough that lingering effects could be expected throughout the 2003 season. He is said to be fully healed and eager to attack 2004 with a new club and a clean slate. Lawton is due to make $13.5 million over the next two seasons, while Cedeno is set to make $10 million spanning the same time.
If the Terrence Long or Billy Koch options can’t be worked out, trading for Lawton would be as good as any other move available to get Cedeno out of Shea.Comments OffThe News
The Daily News reports that the Mets have decided to accept the trade of Roger Cedeno to Seattle for third baseman Jeff Cirillo. The Mariners are expected to give the Mets $5 million to cover the difference between Cedeno’s and Cirillo’s contracts.
With Jose Guillen and Reggie Sanders off the market, the Mets are willing to start Timo Perez in right field in 2004, suggests the Daily News.
The NY Times claims the Mets have spoken with the Red Sox about closer Scott Williamson and with the Mariners about pitcher Freddy Garcia. However, it appears Williamson is set to go with Nomar Garciaparra to the White Sox for Magglio Ordonez, reports ESPN.
Comments OffThe News
The Bergen Record states that the Mets are still in pursuit of free agent closer Ugueth Urbina, however, only if his price comes down. Also, the Mets are eagerly looking for a mid-level starting pitcher.
The Star-Ledger reports that the Mets are trying to close a deal with right fielder Jose Guillen. The NY Post believes that Guillen is deciding between the Angels and the Mets. The Angels offer is for two-years, $6 million, with a mutual option for a third year, the Mets offer is rumored to be only for one-year at $3 million, however, since the Angels have emerged as a serious option, the Mets may look to up add club option for a second year. The Star-Ledger suggests that Guillen prefers the Mets, as he can be closer to his mother, who lives in The Bronx.
Many baseball people suggest that Guillen has a reputation of being a problem in the clubhouse. In an interview with MLB.com, Guillen said, “I’ve never had an attitude. I’ve never had a problem in any clubhouse
Comments OffThe News
Jayson Stark of ESPN Insider reports that the Mets and Mariners have been working on a trade involving Roger Cedeno for Jeff Cirillo. The Seattle Post Intelligencer, however, suggests that the Mariners will simply release Jeff Cirillo and eat the remaining $15 million on his contract, spread out over 2004 and 2005, should they be unable to trade him.
According to NY Newsday, a Mets’ official told the paper that the team has not completely ruled out the signing of free agent Vladimir Guerrero, in spite of his $17 to $18 million annual salary request.
Newsday also reports that the Mets interest in sending Roger Cede
Comments OffThe News
The Associated Press reports that the Mets and Mike Cameron reached agreement Saturday on a three-year deal for $19.5 million.
The Bergen Record reiterates the rumor that the Mets are still exploring possible trades for Padres outfielder Terrence Long and White Sox closer Billy Koch, in exchange for either Roger Cedeno or David Weathers.
Adam Rubin on the NY Daily News adds, that the White Sox wanted the Mets to pay at least $3 million of the $6.4 million Koch is due in 2004, however, the Mets aren’t willing to comply.
Rubin also cites Jim Duquette as being surprised by the league’s interest in the Mets’ younger players. Although Duquette wouldn’t name any players specifically, he did indicate that a number of proposed trades could fill multiple positions.
The Denver Post reports that the Mets have expressed interest in Turk Wendell.
The NY Post suggests that the Mets would be interested in Mariners starting pitcher Freddy Garcia should he be non-tendered on December 20. The Mets have no interest in trading for him as they fear his arbitration figure will be too high.
MetsBlog.com’s Take
With Matsui and Reyes at middle-infield, and Cameron in center, the Mets have one of the best defensive combinations at these three vital positions in all of baseball.
Why is it so important to be strong “up the middle”? Of all nine position players in the field, shortstop, second and center cover the most ground. When a team has speedy, sure handed defenders with great instincts and range at these vital positions, batters are often restricted from extending singles into doubles. By doing this, particularly with a finesse pitching staff that induces ground balls such as the Mets, the defense keeps the “double play in order”, that is to say a ground ball, with a runner now on first instead of second, will result in a double play and clear the bases, as opposed to that same ground ball out advancing the could’ve been runner on second to third – with a great shortstop-second base-centerfield trio, a possible “runner at third with one out situation” will most likely instead be a “nobody on and two outs situation”. For examples of this, see the 1980′s Cardinals, the 1990′s Braves and last year’s Florida Marlins.
MetsBlog.com still likes the Cedeno for Terrence Long and Kevin Jarvis deal, over the Cedeno or Weathers for Koch trade. Long for Cedeno is a swap in terms of raw talent, however, T-Long is a much smarter and aggressive player. So why then would the Padres want Cedeno instead of Long? By sending Long and Jarvis to the Mets for Cedeno, the Padres would be acquiring speed off their bench, which they desperately need, and would shed roughly $3 million off their 2003 payroll. For the Mets, Long would become their starter in left field, while Cliff Floyd, who has a better arm than Long, would move back to right. Until the Mets show they are contenders in 2003, spending any additional money on a closer, when they have many potential in-house solutions already, would be a waste of resources.
MetsBlog would welcome the return of Turk Wendell, only if he is still doing the slamming of the rosin bag ritual.
Comments OffThe News
While appearing on WFAN yesterday, Mets GM Jim Duquette indicated that free agent outfielders Reggie Sanders and Jose Guillen are not good fits for the Mets. The GM also stated that Mike Piazza could play as many as half of his games in 2004 at first base. With regards to pitching, Duquette reiterated the club’s extreme interest in starter Miguel Batista, and suggested he is looking for a stop-gap closer for no more than one-year as the organization is very confident in prospects Royce Ring and Tyler Yates, as well as Order Moreno.
The Daily News reports that Mets principal owner Fred Wilpon has approved an $80 million payroll for 2004. By all indications, this would leave the club with just $5 to $7 million more to spend on acquisitions. The team is still in need of a center fielder, starting pitcher, closer and right fielder. “We have a certain amount of money we’re going to be able to spend, so if we invest it all in one area, we may have to piece together the bullpen,” GM Jim Duquette told the Daily News. “Or if we put it all in the bullpen, we may have to piece together center field.”
The Daily News also reports that Toronto has offered Miguel Batista a two- or three-year deal worth between $3.5 million and $4.5 million a year.
Commenting on Batista, and reiterating what he stated on WFAN, Duquette told the Daily News, “[Batista's] a guy that I think fits well with what we’re looking to do
← Older postsComments Off
- The Newark Star-Ledger claims the Mets GM Jim Duquette has begun contacting many of the new crop of free agents to hit the market this past Sunday, however, he is not that enthused by the list of names. So far, the only names to draw ant substantial interest from Duquette are closers Braden Looper and Danys Baez. “Braden has real interest in the Mets and the Mets have real interest in him,” said Looper
