Quote: Lo Duca on My Team Any Day
Willie Randolph, speaking at the Bowery Mission in Manhattan yesterday, when asked about Paul Lo Duca, as quoted by the New York Post, said:
“I’m only the manager, not and the general manager and this is a group decision, but Paulie could play for me any day.”
According to Ken Davidoff in Newsday, Lo Duca is seeking at least a three-year deal, worth an annual salary larger than the $6 million he earned last season.
During a conference call with reporters last night, Mets GM Omar Minaya said he recently left a message for Lo Duca’s agent, but had not heard back from him.
…as i understand this, in the days after the season ended, lo duca told the Mets of his contract demands; the Mets were turned off, or not very interested; and so they never responded with a counter offer, which signaled to lo duca that his days in new york are over, especially when it was believed that Yorvit Torrealba would be replacing him…however, the torrealba deal fell through, and since, the Mets and lo duca’s agent have swapped messages, but no substantiative talks have been had…
…my hunch is that the Mets will consider bringing back lo duca, but only if it’s for a short-term deal…the question then is, is that acceptable to lo duca, who clearly wants more security…frankly, i understand both sides, especially since lo duca could possibly sign in colorado, be on a successful, young team, be closer to his family, and pad his stats in Coors Field…at the same time, he loved the Mets and being in new york…
