Buzz: ESPN’s Survey, & Mets have $ to Spend
In a report for ESPN.com, Jerry Crasnick surveys 20 general managers, assistant GMs, personnel people and scouts, regarding eight off-season topics.
According to Crasnick, eight of the 20 insiders believe the Yankees will sign free-agent RHP John Lackey, 
while four believe he will sign with the Mets.
According to Crasnick, “Estimates on Lackey’s deal ranged from a low of three years, $36 million to highs of five years, $95 million and six years, $100 million,” and, “Most people figure he’s bound for the big stage in New York.”
…i know people have reported the Mets lack of interest in lackey… but, i don’t see it that way… i think they’re very much interested in him, and holliday… i don’t think the Mets have any interest in trading their top prospects… i think they feel, to get better, now and in the future, the best bet is to keep their youngest talent and sign free agents, knowing they will not lose their top draft picks if they do so… i’m not saying they’re going to go on a spending spree like the Yankees did last off season, but, if they did, i wouldn’t be totally shocked… i’m starting to think they’re willing to spend more money on new talent than people think…
Last year, also for ESPN.com, 10 of the 15 insiders he surveyed said Manny Ramirez would end up back on the Dodgers; 12 of 15 said CC Sabathia would sign with the Yankees; nine said the Rockies would trade Matt Holliday; and 13 thought Jake Peavy would be traded; all of which ended up happening.
This year, Crasnick also surveys the group on whether Matt Holliday is better than Jason Bay; where will Aroldis Chapman sign; where will Roy Halladay or Adrian Gonzalez be traded; and whether MLB should expand the use of Instant Replay.
