Random: Rays and Pena, Kottaras & Scutaro

November 18, 2009 at 14:57 pm · 13 comments

by Matthew Cerrone

Update, 4:46 pm:

The Brewers claimed Kottaras, according to the Milwuakee Journal-Sentinel.

Original Post:

Tommy Rancel of DRaysBay explains why now might be the time for the Rays to explore trading 1B Carlos Pena, who will earn $10 million next season, after which he can be a free agent.

The Red Sox have released 26–year-old C George Kottaras, making him a free agent, according to WEEI Radio.

Kottaras hit .237 with a .308 OBP, one HR and 10 RBI for the Red Sox in 2009, serving mostly as Tim Wakefield’s personal catcher.

Lastly, FoxSports.com believes the Mets are likely to be among teams who are interested in free-agent Marco Scutaro to be their starting second baseman.

In 144 games for the Blue Jays, most all of which he played at shortstop, he hit .282 with a .379 OBP, 48 extra base hits, 60 RBI and 14 stolen bases, while making the All Star team for the first time in his career.

He has also played second base, third, first base and left field.

The 34–year-old Scutaro was signed off waivers by the Mets in 2002, for whom he hit .218 in 75 games between 2002 and 2003.  He was later released, and signed as a free agent with the A’s.

{ 13 comments }

Xavier22 November 18, 2009 at 3:07 pm

If Scutaro ends up being the Mets starting 2B come Opening Day, it will have been a very sad offseason indeed.

Hit The Weights Zeile November 18, 2009 at 3:20 pm

I don’t want to see any more of these posts about 30 year old journeymen until AFTER we get a big bat and a big arm.

YankeeHater November 18, 2009 at 3:25 pm

Pena is a decent option but not as good as Adrian Gonzalez

Beltranmynewfavmet November 18, 2009 at 3:35 pm

Marco Scutaro = Luis Castillo, POSSIBLY better defense.

How about we come to the realization that we’re not going to win in 2010 and start building for the future (i.e. stock up on the draft picks and ignore the slot system. Sure, if we can sign Lackey to a long-term deal, its always good to build around 2 aces.. other than that we shouldn’t be making significant moves this off-season unless they have an eye towards 2011 and beyond.

Xavier22 November 18, 2009 at 3:46 pm

How would signing Lackey to a long-term deal be an eye toward 2011 and beyond? Seeing as his best years are behind him and a better crop of younger pitchers will potentially be available next year?

I’d rather they get Holliday as their big offseason acquisition. At least he will be more effective in his position for a longer period of time than Lackey, comparitively.

MetsFan06 November 18, 2009 at 3:44 pm

I would do this for my off-season. Sign Holliday. Sign LAckey. Sign Molina or Barajas. Trade for Phillps and Arroyo or Harang. Trade CAstillo for bench and bullpen help and resign Cora.

Reyes
Phillips
Beltran
Holliday
Wright
F-Core
Molina/Barajas/Santos
Murphy
P

Johan
Lackey
Arroyo/Harang
Pelfrey
Maine/Perez

PHINANALYST November 18, 2009 at 3:50 pm

that would cost ~ 50 MIL to get all that done … don’t think we’ll increase our payroll that much …

it would be nice though …

MetsFan06 November 18, 2009 at 4:06 pm

I know but It probably could and should get done. Omar just has to be smart and read my comment.

metsflip November 18, 2009 at 5:31 pm

Why is everyone talkin’ smack about Scutaro??
He plays GREAT defense, he had his best offensive year, and he is much younger than Castillo, and he’s EXTREMELY patient at the plate (had .380 OBP and at the top of the league in walks)
I think its because he played in Toronto, because you guys don’t know much about him.

Zanderssports November 18, 2009 at 9:37 pm

I would be happy to see Pena in a Mets uni next year, I just wonder what it would take to get him. maybe 2 mid level prospects? or what? I like Scutaro too, solid hitter, and a very good fielder, as is Pena.

metskat November 19, 2009 at 4:12 am

…scutaro costs no prospects…go out and get him…

YankeeHater November 19, 2009 at 10:33 am

Why are we even thinking about Scutaro he has no power and isn’t as good as Catillo average wise. Did he even start for the high powered Mets of the early 2000’s?

Felix the Cat November 19, 2009 at 11:22 am

Please say NO, to Scu-ta-RO. Besides, the guy’s a Type-A FA.

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