Daily Archives: February 3, 2009
After this afternoon’s proclamation by GM Omar Minaya that the Mets were satisfied with their offense heading into the season and would not be spending significant money on free agents the rest of this off-season, Jon Heyman addressed a number of free agents that have been linked to the team during his appearance on the MLB Network’s Hot Stove Live tonight.
Regarding OF Manny Ramirez, who earlier in the day rejected a one-year $25 million contract from the Dodgers, Heyman said that Los Angeles could soon choose to move on from their hopes of signing the slugging outfielder.
In that case, their plan B could be signing some combination of OF’s Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn, LHP Randy Wolf and 2B Orlando Hudson, whom Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports is waiting to see whether one of the New York teams can make room for him.
… sounds like the Dodger fans have been treated to the same exact rumors us Mets fans have been hearing all off-season…
Regarding Abreu, Heyman said that despite reports that the Chicago White Sox had submitted a one year, $8 million offer for the former Yankee, he didn’t think it made sense for the ChiSox to sign him.
Tagged Randy Wolf |
The following video is of Oliver Perez being re-introduced to reporters during yesterday’s press conference at SNY:
The following video is of Omar Minaya, from yesterday’s press conference at SNY, being interviewed by Kevin Burkhardt:
The following video is of Jeff Wilpon speaking to reporters during yesterday’s press conference at SNY:
During today’s press conference at SNY, Jeff Wilpon explained to reporters that his team will enter the season with a payroll around $143 to $145 million, when factoring in incentives, Freddy Garcia, and counting Billy Wagner and money owed to Scott Schoeneweis and Willie Randolph.
According to the Associated Press, the Mets had a $143 million payroll last season.
…by the way, in talking with some one else, who knows of the team’s finances, i found myself overwhelmed trying to keep up with how payroll is calculated… in short, i don’t get it, but it’s a lot more complicated than just going to Cot’s Baseball Contracts with a calculator and adding up projected salaries…
Update, 4:27 pm
The press conference is over, and I’m heading home.
The big comment from Omar Minaya was at 3:31 pm, when he told reporters there will be no big moves after today, saying all of his big priorities have been met, while noting offense was not the team’s problem last season.
Lastly, thank you for tolerating the spelling errors, among other things, in this live post – as anyone with a Blackberry or iPhone knows, it is not easy to be 100 percent accurate and fast at the same time on these tiny keyboards.
For the purposes of speed, I just typed and never looked back.
Thank you for understanding, and Lets go Mets.
Update, 3:45 pm
I just had a quick one on one talk with Minaya, who clearly knows who I am and knows the blog, which is always bizarre to hear.
He said he understands the fan’s passion for Ramirez, but he is very happy with the way the team is currently set up.
Regarding the pitching, he said, with the way this and next year’s free agent markets are shaping up, he’s excited to have Perez back in the mix.
Also, he noted that, ‘it’s all about developing young pitching now,’ and he’s excited about guys like Dillon Gee, Jon Niese, Brad Holt, an others, all of whom he mentioned by name without me bringing them up.
Update, 3:35 pm
If Minaya makes any other signings, he explained, it will be for minor, bench players, etc., a process that continues through spring training and in the season.
Update, 3:31 pm
Minaya told reporters there will be no big moves after today, saying all of his big priorities have been met, while noting offense was not the team’s problem last season.
Minaya would not say if he would consider Ramirez for the league minimum, laughing at the idea of Boras ever allowing such a transaction.
He says put a plan together when the off-season started and he and his staff were focused and able to do what they set out to do.
Again, he said he is happy with the team he has.
Update, 3:23 pm
Naturally, Scott Boras would not say to ESPN Radio that the Mets are no longer an option for Ramirez, saying a game-changer as he would not count against a team’s books but be a revenue generator.
Update, 3:14 pm
When asked by Burkhardt about Manny Ramirez, Minaya said he is set to go with this team and, “I don’t see him with this team.”
Meanwhile, Boras is behind me doing an interview talking about having teams interested in Ramirez.
Update, 3:11 pm
SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt is speaking one on one with Minaya now
Update, 3:10 pm
“We have a real good bullpen today, this year, and we’re going to be better,” Perez said. “Right now, I’m not trying to think about last year, it’s time to do the job this year.”
Update, 3:07 pm
Minaya says he is ready for the start of the season, after spending the off season focused on pitching, speed and defense.
He put Perez’s jersey back on the pitcher, with the same number, they took a group photo and Perez is now answering questions.
Update, 3:05 pm
Jeff Wilpon, Boras, Minaya and Oliver Perez are sitting in the front row.
Update 2:58 pm
I’m thinking is the set up Ted Berg and I should use for New York Baseball Today – you know, the podium and backdrop.
2:45 pm
Scott Boras is in the house, and it actually makes me nervous just knowing he’s in the room. He’s a very serious looking guy.
Original Post
I am leaving the office, and going down to the SNY studio for this press conference, which should be interesting.
I get the feeling most of the city’s reporters are downtown covering Joe Torre’s book signing.
I’ll keep you posted on how it all goes down, live blogging from my iPhone, though you can also tune in to SNY or listen on WFAN.com, as both will be broadcasting the event.
Tagged Oliver Perez |
SNY has confirmed that Oliver Perez passed his physical.
Perez will be re-introduced during a press conference at the SNY studios today, which the network will air live at 3 pm EDT.
…here’s your shot, Omar Minaya… tell us about Manny Ramirez…after you introduce ollie, of course…
Tagged Oliver Perez |
Jon Heyman of SI.com believes there is practically ‘no chance’ the Mets sign free-agent Manny Ramirez, according to a person familiar with their thinking.
…the longer this drags out, the crazier it is going to get…
…and so, my recommendation to Omar Minaya would be – if you’re not going to puruse Manny Ramirez – then, at the Oliver Perez press conference, just say so… please… i’m begging you… this way, you frame the story, expectations can adjust, and we can all get on with our lives…
…either that, or sign him…
Meanwhile, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti says he is still interested in working out a deal with Ramirez, reports the Los Angeles Times, despite last night’s offer having been rejected.
Hayman also gives more information on how Bobby Abreu could end up signing with the Mets.
Speaking of outfielders…
In a post to his blog for ESPN.com, Buster Olney writes, “The Mets will continue to bottom-feed for guys on the free agent market, at the $600K-$1MM level, and if that nets them someone like Ken Griffey Jr., well, then so be it.”
Last night on MLB Network’s Hot Stove Show, free-agent 2B Orlando Hudson said he has been in contact with the Mets, Dodgers, Yankees and Nationals this off season.
However, in a report for FoxSports.com, Ken Rosenthal writes, “Hudson would prefer to play for one of the New York teams… neither the Mets nor Yankees currently has an opening at second base, but he seems to be banking on one of those clubs pursuing a creative solution.”
Tagged Orlando Hudson |I was waiting to post the Confidence Rating until after Oliver Perez was re-signed, so…
To vote in this week’s Fan Confidence Rating, click here.
Tagged Poll |
