David Lennon of Newsday believes the Mets still remain very interested in free-agent C Ivan Rodriguez, ‘according to a person familiar with the team’s 
thinking.’
Lennon says the team is still concerned about Ramon Castro’s durability, and see Rodriguez as a better right-handed compliment to Brian Schneider.
Castro hit .245 with a .312 OBP in 52 games for the Mets last season, while spending two trips on the disabled list – he has not played in more than 52 games in a season since 2005.
Castro will be a free agent at the end of next season.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez will play for Puerto Rico in the WBC, alongside Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran.
According to Lennon, “If Rodriguez has a strong showing, the Mets’ pursuit could heat up quickly.”
In mid-February, Rodriguez told the Associated Press he might soon sign with the Marlins, Astros or Mets.
The next day, Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post said the Mets are not interested Rodriguez, and weren’t talking to him about a contract, according to a high-ranking team source.
Speaking of the WBC, check out Chris Guy’s preview for Mets Minor League Blog, where he looks at Mets players in the tournament, including 24–year-old 3B Shawn Bowman.
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Matt, Pudge would be the RIGHT HANDED compliment to Brian Schneider.
schneider cant shine pudges shoes in ANY category
Except the “I played clean” category. Pudge isn’t even allowed in that room.
I like Castro, but even on an off-year, Pudge is better (both offensively and defensively). I also think that having Brian and Pudge would allow the Mets to use a catcher based on the opposing pitcher (lefty or righty).
I read the biggest reason the Tigers let Pudge go was his defense had slipped considerably. Hes 37 years old and tanked when he came to NY last year. I’d stay away.
isn’t that the case now – with Ramon being RH and Schneider a lefty?
Right.
unless they trade Ramon, there is no money for Pudge…
They should have a million or 2 laying around in the couch cushions.
Now, if he is holding out for 5 mill guaranteed, than you won’t be seeing him in the Mets clubhouse.
I agree, the only way Pudge gets a guaranteed Major League deal is if they trade Castro. If Pudge is willing to do an incentive laden minor league deal (unlikely, but possible) that that’s a different story alltogether.
I think we should sign pudge and use castro as that power bat off the bench.
Thats an interesting thought. I doubt the Mets would do that, im sure they want to trade Castro, but could he be an effective RH pinch hitter and rare starter.
If he could it would definitely strengthen the bench and Im for it, but I dont think they would do that unless Pudge was extremely cheap
Problem with that is none of the 3 can play (realistically) anything but catcher, so it would severly limit the bench flexibility.
And Castro’s bat isn’t that good.
i agree with the first point although im sure pudge could play first in a pinch, he did play a whopping 7 games there in ‘06
I disagree with Castro’s bat though. What this bench lacks is a righty who can hit for power, so you have to ask yourself, would you rather Pudge and Castro or Castro and Evans or Pagan? Its a tough call because if Pudge proves himself and comes cheap, its tough to turn him away. The guy was hitting almost .300 with the Tigers last year and can still play defense
Pudge was a juicer. Keep him the hell away from this team.
Excellent point, that may very well be figuring into the equation!
Not really….the past has to be the past. so could anyone on this team have been…
I agree with all of the points here, except who in their right mind is trading for Castro when Pudge is out there as a free-agent who at this point could be had for half as much?
The only way they are trading Castro is by taking an equal or worse contract back. If Castro were a FA asking half as much as he makes now, he’d still be sitting around waiting for the phone to ring.
If they are not satisfied with Castro they need to just cut bait. I get not wanting to go over the luxury tax threshold, but eating $2MM+ on Castro shouldn’t really be an issue if its the baseball move they want to make.
I think it’s funny when we have sources “familiar with the team’s thinking”….can these sources elaborate why we wouldn’t be more safe than sorry about our Golden Elbow!??!?!
How much is Pudge even going to play in the WBC with Geovany Soto and Yadier Molina as teammates? He’s not going to have much chance to have “a strong showing.”
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