Starting Pitcher: Mets like Perez and Wolf
The Mets have turned their attention to acquiring a starting pitcher reports Anthony McCarron in the Daily News, who says they are interested in signing Oliver Perez, while free-agent LHP Randy Wolf ‘is another strong possibility.’
…i know the Mets like wolf, a) because he’s left-handed and b) he’s 
had success in the National League East…
The Brewers, Braves, Cardinal and Phillies have been linked in rumor to Wolf.
…personally, wolf does nothing for me…i am always suspect of a pitcher who has been with four teams in three years, all while pitching with a high-4 ERA and missing a whole bunch of games due to injury…i mean, if wolf is signed as a short-term guy to compete with Jon Niese, i’m cool with that…but, if he’s supposed to be the ‘front-end starting pitcher,’ that will be a problem i believe…
Last week in Vegas, Mets GM Omar Minaya told reporters there was a 50–50 chance that he is able to re-sign Perez.
Jon Heyman of SI.com told WFAN last week that Perez and the Mets are still ‘far apart on the dollars,’ since he is seeking a five-year deal worth around $70 million.
According to McCarron, the Mets like Derek Lowe but he’s a less likely alternative because, as Minaya acknowledged last week, his price tag (perhaps as much as $15 million per) is too high.
…well, if lowe’s asking price is too high, how is perez’s not…
That said, over the weekend, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com explained why he believes the Mets are the front-runners to sign Lowe.
…i am not sure they’re the front-runners, but i see a path to him signing for a three-or four-year deal, at around $15 million per season, and, if this is the case, i believe the Mets will be more involved than they may be alluding to…
…and so, while i do not doubt they like perez and wolf, i still believe their preferred plan is to sign lowe and trade for a young, out-of-favor back-end starting pitcher to compete with niese…now, whether that will or can happen is another thing, but i do believe it is the preferred path, as it should be…
By the way, McCarron also reports on whether the Mets will pursue Manny Ramirez and Orlando Hudson.
Speaking of starting pitchers…
In the SD Union-Tribune, Tom Krasovic explains why talks fell apart between the Braves and Padres about Jake Peavy.
