Relief Pitcher: The Mets have their Choice
In a recent report for FoxSports.com, Ken Rosenthal writes:
“The sudden availability of Hoffman raises the possibility that one or more of the top free-agent closers might be left without a high payroll slot — and leaves the Mets almost certain to find a quality replacement for the injured Billy Wagner.
“The Mets can choose among Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood and Hoffman. No other team considers the signing of a closer to be as high a priority. Not the Tigers, not the Cardinals, not the Angels and certainly not the Padres.
“The Tigers do not intend to pay top dollar for a closer. The Cardinals want a stopgap until Chris Perez is ready to assume the role full time. The Angels and Cubs also could replace closers from within, and the Indians ultimately could be left with a bargain.”
Rosenthal also reports on the Braves effort to acquire Jake Peavy from the Padres, details of the Nationals-Marlins trade from yesterday, and other notes from the Hot Stove.





