Buzz: Mets Looking for Lightning in a Bottle
In post to his blog for ESPN.com today, Buster Olney says the Mets may ‘wait a little longer,’ rather than spending more on the 2010 team, since a) they are multiple games out of each pennant race, b) Mike Pelfrey isn’t throwing well, and c) ‘there is a lot of question within the organization about whether the Mets have much available cash.’
That said, according to Joel Sherman in the New York Post, the Mets are looking to acquire a pitcher, probably a reliever, ‘who is overpriced and not having a particularly strong season.’
In other words, ‘lightning in the bottle,’ as one NL personnel man told Sherman.
Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors suggests the Mets consider Cubs closer Kerry Wood or D-Backs reliever Chad Qualls, as they are rumored to be available and fit Sherman’s description.
Like I said yesterday, the buzz from Citi Field of late suggests the Mets are looking for help in the bullpen, specifically a power arm for late in games, i.e., Jerry Manuel’s coveted ‘eighth-inning guy.’
Last week, Jeff Fletcher of AOL FanHouse said the Mets are interested in Qualls, 31, who is due roughly $2 million the rest of this season.
Wood, who has already been on the disabled list twice this season, is unlikely to meet incentives that will guarantee his $11 million option for 2012 – as such, it will be a team option, otherwise he can be made a free agent at the end of the year.
Frankly, at this point, considering he is on the disabled list, and given his contract, I bet Wood is moved through waivers in August after the July 31 Trade Deadline.
By the way, the Tigers, Reds, Twins, Phillies, Yankees and Rockies are all interested in adding relief pitching as well, according to John Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com.
