Buzz: Mets like Pineiro & Wolf, Leery of Lackey
According to one GM, if the Yankees offer John Lackey a five-year, $82 million deal, “they’ll get him,” writes Jon Heyman of SI.com.
Instead, Heyman feels the Mets like both free-agent starting pitchers Joel Pineiro and Randy Wolf.
…i like lackey, and i realize there are a lot of fans who think he’s a no brainer for the Mets… but, frankly, i think i’d rather see the Mets sign two of pineiro, wolf and Jon Garland, all of whom might end up accepting a two– or three-year deal worth around $10 million per season, than see them sign only lackey, who a) might require a five-year deal and roughly $16 million per season, and b) would involve a bidding war with the Yankees…
The 31–year-old Pineiro was 15–12 with a 3.49 ERA in 32 starts this season, including 214 innings, during which he walked just 27 batters and struck out 105.
…i have always been intrigued by pineiro… he has very good control, a wicked curve ball and good command… but, he’s had a very sporadic career… he’s been healthy, then injured, good, then bad, he gets hit hard, then he cruises, he’s a reliever, then he’s starter, and who knows what he’ll be next season…
…nevertheless, like i have said before, the days of Johan Santana, some random, washed-up, veteran fifth starter, and three guys named Hope, Maybe and Potential, has to be a thing of the past… from what i can gather, the Mets are serious about making significant changes to the rotation… i am not sure what that means yet… but, something needs to be switched around… and, adding two of pineiro, wolf and garland, to team up with johan, and two of John Maine, Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez would be a good adjustment…
To read more from Heyman, including a ton of updates on the Cubs effort to trade Milton Bradley, and the market for Roy Halladay, Chone Figgins and Bengie Molina, check out his extensive report, here.
