eMailbag: Sign them All
EB from New York sent in the following e-mail…
“The Mets act as though they are a small-market team, while setting attendance records and starting their own network. I can’t understand why the Mets do not take fliers out on players like Jennings, Colon and
Garcia, sign them to two year contracts on the cheap and see if they pan out. If the team is unwilling to spend the resources in prospects, than spend financial resources.”
…as best i can tell, the Mets only have two available spots for their 25–man, Opening-Day Roster…
…however, due to his Rule V Status, if Steve Register proves worthy, he’ll be guaranteed a slot in the bullpen, as well – leaving just one open spot for either a new starting pitcher, another reliever or an extra player for the bench, which only has four players as of now…
…knowing that players like Octavio Dotel, Mark Prior, Kyle Lohse, Carlos Silva, and others, will seek out a guaranteed contract, with some also looking for long-term security as well, it’s just not possible for the Mets to sign them all…additionally, come mid-season when a player in the bullpen is struggling or a valuable pitcher hits the trade market, the team will want a bit of flexibility to make a move, which will be less possible with every guaranteed contract it dishes out…
…so, yes, when it comes to resources, i understand your point…however, it’s not just about resources, it’s also about seats in the dugout, which unfortunately are not infinite – not even for the Yankees, who are considered the richest team in sports…
