|
Adam Rubin, in a post to his blog for the Daily News, points out that the option the Mets have on JJ Putz is for $9.1 million, and not for $8.6 million as had been previously reported due to a performance clause that was exercised prior to his trade to the Mets.
Rubin feels that there is no way the Mets can bring Putz back at either salary.
…i am leaning towards agreeing with Rubin at this point…at first i was on the fence because he can be a valuable but costly part of the bullpen, but i now think the money is better spent elsewhere, and as Rubin says, he probably wants to close…
In addition, Rubin notes that Tim Redding is arbitration eligible and is not a free agent, but wonders if the Mets will non-tender him this winter.
…i don’t see how Redding fits into the Mets plans…he was a disappointment in 2009 and was on the verge of being released mid-season, but was held onto thanks to the injuries in the rotation…
Finally, Rubin takes a look at the catching situation, and feels Rod Barajas is a logical fit to replace Brian Schneider, which would give Josh Thole more seasoning time at Triple-A Buffalo.
…i am not high on Barajas…he hit for decent power in 2009, but below .230…he is 34 and a lifetime .238 hitter…he would clearly be a temporary solution as they watch and hope Thole matures, but in any case, i can’t see him as part of the solution next year…
For more on this and the complete list of free agent’s check out Rubin’s blog.
 |
 |
 |
RSS 2.0 Both comments and pings are currently closed.
There are not many options in FA for catcher so what would you do instead? Molina? Santos? Barajas seems to be the least terrible option.
There is no way they can pick up Putz’s option. If he wants to sign for a low base salary fine but why would he?
I just hope the Phillies don’t go and sign Putz once the Mets release him.
I agree that you can’t pickup a 9.1 million dollar option on a middle relief pitcher. Even 8.6 was asking a lot. I think the thikning is he will return to health and they will be able to trade him at the deadline or around AS break. if they let him hit the open market they would have traded for him and let him walk after about a quarter of a season’s worth of production.
Instead of going to instant replay, there needs to be a discussion to “group-work” amongst umpires. For example, a home plate ump will often seek a ruling from the 3rd or 1st base ump in connection with a check swing because he either has a poor angle or didn’t see it. This methodology should be utilized in all aspects of umpiring. For example, if another umpire happened to have a better angle on the play, or believes that another umpire made a bad call, it should be his responsibility to overrule the incorrect call.
They do that now i thought. When they huddle up to make a call.
What they should have is someone dedicated to watching replay’s as the game is ongoing. Have a little speaker in the ear of the umpire to tell him to call time if something looks fishy and the replay judge makes the official call.
But you have to specify it can only be on foul balls, tag outs, plays at the plate, 3rd and 2nd. No balls and strikes. No bang bang at 1st.
it’s a slippery slope, but they have to do something. there were just to many bad calls, wrong calls, and calls that made no sense this past postseason.
What the MLB should really do is get more involved in the whole selection of umpires. Right now, there are two umpiring schools in the US (both in Florida) and *anybody* can enroll provided they can pay the entrance fee. Naturally the class is winnowed down as the course progresses and only the top 50 or so are placed in single A. From there they work their way up basically through attrition. Conditions in minor league ball are pretty grueling and the pay stinks. The few that make it to the show can stay for decades (as some have).
The MLB views umpires the same way they view the groundscrew; i.e., something they’d rather do without but realize they are required for the game. As long as the MLB treats the umpires like dirt and doesn’t set any sort of qualifying standards for admission into the schools, the umpiring is never really going to improve very much.
If the Mets do indeed let Putz walk. Who becomes the set-up guy? Please tell me it won’t be Brian Stokes.
Its November. We have no idea.
Agreed that at this point in the off season, it really could be anyone. As for the option on Putz, I would like to see it declined or picked up and traded.
A player on the team who I feel would do well in the role… John Maine anyone?
I dont care if he makes 9 million or 900 bucks. fact is, i want him back. With that said, if it precudes us from getting an impact player in LF or/and 1B, then see ya.
The mets got their maddoff money back so, they may be more willing to keep him and get a big bat.
who knows…………..
I’d have to believe there’s a comparable set up guy out there for half of what Putz would cost.
sorry for the late response. You are right if Putz isnt the old Putz. The old putz is a top closer which could not be had for less.
Rod Barajas could be a very useful player for the Mets next season. He could platoon with Santos to start the season.
Barajas vs. LHP in 2009
105 AB – .267/.308/.486, 6 HR, 26 RBI (10 K’s)
Santos vs. RHP in 2009
180 AB – .283/.321/.406, 3 HR, 26 RBI (27 K’s)
These are both limited sample sizes but could work out nicely as a platoon behind the plate. Barajas’s career splits are much more balanced than last season was, so it may be a fluke year vs. LHP. When looking at each seasons splits individually, it can go either way as to better numbers vs. RHP or LHP (Very odd to flip flop season to season).
Regardless he could provide some pop and solid defense as a platoon.
I thought the Mets were explore the possibilty of extendig him, and reworking his contract. Matt mentioned it a month ago.
NY Post says Mets have told Putz they will buy him out for $1M.
Blah.
The MEts have to sing one of Olivo/ Molina or BArajas for 2 years.