Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Clemente

If Luis Castillo Were to Go

Matt Clemente — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:33:19 -0500

As the hot stove begins to heat, like last off season the New York Mets are rumored to be shopping their starting second-basemen, Luis Castillo. Unlike last season, Castillo is not untradable. After an injury-plagued 2008, Castillo had a resurgent season in 2009, hitting .302 with a .387 OBP and 20 SB's. As the hot stove begins to heat, like last off season the New York Mets are rumored to be shopping their starting second-basemen, Luis Castillo. Unlike last season, Castillo is not untradable. After an injury-plagued 2008, Castillo had a resurgent season in 2009, hitting .302 with a .387 OBP and 20 SB's. To many Met fans, Castillo is their favorite whipping boy. They love to hate poor Luis. Just when he was beginning to win over hearts in Queens, he committed a devastating error. Infamously he dropped a routine pop up to cost the Amazin’s a victory against their cross-town rivals, the New York Yankees. Personally, I am not a big Castillo-hater. He is a shell of his gold-glove base stealing-self, but he is a solid #2 hitter. He can take a strike and logs quality at bats, giving Jose Reyes enough time to steal a base. That being said, I think the Mets would be wise to move Mr. Castillo. The Mets should learn a lesson from Carlos Delgado’s rebound in 2008 and sell high. There are some very interesting options at second base on the market (as will be seen). If the Mets can line up a deal for one of these players, they should plug the trigger. Here are some alternative to Luis Castillo as the starting second baseman in 2010.

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Another Team the New York Mets Should Consider Trading with Is Toronto

Matt Clemente — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:29:23 -0500

I am hesitant to enter into the speculation over the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. However, despite the fact that the trade deadline came and went last season without “Doc” Halladay leaving Toronto, it still remains likely that Halladay is dealt. The question is when.

The Jays could shrewdly holdout until midseason to deal Doc hoping to take advantage of a playoff contender looking for starting pitching down the stretch. Admittedly, this is most likely option.

That being said, the Blue Jay ace is owed $15.75 million in 2010 before becoming a free agent, and the Jays are not likely to be contenders in 2010.

After finishing fourth in the American League East last season, there are two primary reasons Toronto will continue to be in rebuilding mode heading into next season.

First, they are playing in a tough division. The Jay will have to field a very quality club before they can reasonably expect unseat the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox from atop of the AL East.

Second perhaps only to the New York Mets, Toronto, more than any other team, has been savaged by injuries and uncertainty.

They are expected to lose two starters to free agency Marco Scutaro (SS) and Rod Barajas (C).

Three promising starting pitchers, Jesse Litsch, Shawn Marcum, and Dustin McGowan are expected to return after missing much of 2009. Litsch and Marcum each had Tommy John Surgery, so it is uncertain how effective they will be.

Two of their overpaid, underperforming positional starters Edwin Encarnacion (3B- $4.75 million) Vernon Wells (CF- 98.5 million over the next five years ) are undergoing surgery this off season. Both are expected to be ready by spring training.

Simply put, the Jays have a lot of work to do this winter.

If Toronto maintains its $80.5 million, the departure of former closer BJ Ryan and his $10 million contract, will leave the team that about that much to spend this offseason.

Given the lowly state of the Toronto farm system after the promotions of outfielder Adam Lind and Travis Snider, they might be tempted to start restocking their lower levels now by trading Halladay.

CBSSports writer Eric Mack writes , “They really need a four- or five-player package for Roy Halladay to stock their farm system now.”

It would be logical for Toronto to try to coordinate their free agent acquisitions, with such a trade (something they could not do if they trade Halladay at the trade deadline next season).

Enter the New York Mets.

Sports Illustrated writer (and also WFAN and SNY analyst) Jon Heyman suggests via Twitter that the Mets wish list goes power hitter, starting pitcher, starting catcher; in that order.

I am increasingly becoming convinced that the Mets (despite their alleged interest in outfielder Matt Holliday) should consider making a big splash this winter in the trade pool, not the free-agent market.

As ESPN baseball analyst Buster Olney tweets, this offseason’s “big-money [free agent] market..."will be very, very limited. It amounts, essentially, to as Olney puts it, “the Big Three: Lackey, Bay, Holliday.”

Given this limited amount of elite talent, the “Big Three” are going to want big money.

The LA Times indicates that Matt Holliday’s agent, Scott Boras, is already trying to sell Matt Holliday as this year's Mark Teixeira. The implication is that considering they are comparable players they deserve comparable salaries. I would not be surprised if the Mets get outbid on Holliday and Bay.

Heyman also reports that the Mets are concerned with Jon Lackey’s recent injury history.

If these early indications continue to come to fruition and the Mets pass on the “Big Three” due to injury and financial concerns, the free agent pool gets drained of its elite talent pretty quickly.

The Mets would be forced to the trading block if they want to compete in 2010. As a argued in a earlier article my first choice would be to trade for Adrian Gonzalez. If he is unavailable or unattainable, the Amazin’s should consider Roy Halladay.

If the Jays Ace is available, presumably the Mets chief trade rivals would be the Red Sox and Yankees. Like in the Johan Santana trade two years ago, again Boston and the Bronx Bombers would have more prospects to offer.

The Mets on the other hand would benefit from Toronto’s predictable hesitancy to trade their CY Young award winner within their division.

To land Johan, the Mets gave up their No. 3 through No. 6 prospects according to Baseball America at the time. If the Mets were follow suit this offseason, it would entail trading Fernando Martinez (OF), Ike Davis (1B), Brad Holt (RHP) and Jonathan Niese (LHP).

A deal I would make in a heartbeat to ensure that the Mets start their 2010 season with the nasty lefty-righty combination of Johan Santana and Roy Halladay.

Mark Teahen Reportedly Traded from Royals to Chicago White Sox

Matt Clemente — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:19:00 -0500

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to trade Mark Teahen (OF/3B) to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for third baseman Josh Fields and second baseman Chris Getz, according to the New York Daily News .

As ESPN indicates, the deal is far from finalized. As of this morning, Getz told a local radio station that he was not aware of the trade.

When asked, the White Sox front office refused to comment on the story.

If the deal does go through, it is speculated that Teahen will replace Jermaine Dye. However, Teahen, who hit 12 home runs with a .271 average, 50 RBI, and eight stolen bases last season, is versatile.

He played second base before Royals third baseman Alex Gordon went on the disabled list and then took over at third. He also played 124 games in the outfield.

Fields hit only .222 with seven home runs in 239 at-bats in 2009. Getz had 25 stolen bases for the White Sox while hitting .261 in 375 ABs.

Call Me Crazy, but Rich Harden Makes More Fantasy Sense Than Chris Carpenter

Matt Clemente — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:26:48 -0500

Chris Carpenter looks like a favorite to lock down his second NL CY young. Looking ahead to next season, one wonders where he will rank amongst starting pitchers in 2010. Is he still an injury risk?

The St. Louis ace certainly bounced back after two season lost to injury, winning 17 games and leading the league with a miniscule 2.24 ERA. ESPN’s Matthew Berry has him ranked 8th heading into 2010, but is he a sure bet as a top 10 starter?

I do not buy it.

Carpenter will likely not be on any of my fantasy teams next year. Let me be clear, Chris Carpenter is a great pitcher. In a vacuum, you would really have to be crazy not to want him on your team. My point is, he is going to be so overvalued he is not worth the risk.

All pitchers are risky. Francisco Liriano (13), Jake Peavy (7), Johan Santana (1), and Brandon Webb (5) were all top 15 guys for 2009, according to ESPN.

Except for Webb, all of these had significant injury histories going with the year. All of them spent significant time on the disabled list. None of them won 15 games or had 150 Ks. You had to spend very high picks on these guys to get them on your teams.

Carpenter has at least a much risk going into 2010 as these guys had going into 2009. Don’t believe me? Here is a bit of perspective.

Since 2003, when Rich Harden first came into the league, Harden actually has actually pitched slightly more innings (878.8 inn) than had Carpenter (857.7), including the minors. Harden, who is seen as one of the most uncertain starters in the league, has started 149 games in that span to Carpenters’ 139.

Moreover, just looking at the stats logged in the majors from 2003 to 2009, Harden has a better ERA (3.39) than Carpenter (3.88); a better WHIP, to 1.237 to 1.294; a way better K per nine, 9.4 to 7.4, and a better W-L percentage, 6.33 to 6.13.

Generally speaking, during that span, we find that Carpenter is rags or riches, pitching 200 innings or losing an entire season (which he did three times in the last seven seasons). One the other hand, Harden averages about 125 innings per season fairly consistently. With Harden, you can pretty much expect half a season of useful fantasy stats. With Carpenter, there is no telling what you are going to get.

Plus, Much of Carpenter’s value last season came in his 17 wins, a stat any fantasy baseball analyst will tell you is the most difficult to predict.

And, Harden is seven years younger than Carpenter.

So, would I take Chris Carpenter next season? Sure, but not for the $10 or more he will cost you in most auction leagues than Harden. In draft leagues, I would rather wait five or six rounds and get Harden with more upside for about the same amount of risk.

Two Teams the New York Mets Should Consider Trading With

Matt Clemente — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:32:28 -0500

San Diego Padres

More than any other hitter available on the free agent market, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez would be a perfect fit in the Mets lineup. Due to salary limitations, San Diego will likely not be able to afford re-signing him when his contract ends after the end of the 2011 season. Former Padre GM Kevin Towers speculates that Gonzalez will be traded.

The San Diego all-star is owed a measly $4.75 million in 2010 with a $5.5 million club option for 2011. He may not on the trade block this offseason, but it is certainly in the Mets’ interest to find out.

Gonzalez would fill a big hole in the Big Apple at first base for the Mets. He slugged 40 homeruns last season in spacious PETCO, so the un-hitter-friendly dimensions of Citi Field would not be as big of a problem as it would for over pitchers. Moreover, it is better to be a power lefty than a power right hand hitter in Citi.

The Padres have youngster Kyle Blanks waiting in the wings to take over at first, his natural position. They also have holes in center field and at second. Tony Gwynn Jr. and David Eckstein are good scrappy defenders, but nothing special with the bat.

A trade with the Mets may look like this:

Mets Get:

-Adrian Gonzalez

-David Eckstein (would make a great backup MI replacing Alex Cora)

Padres Get:

-Angel Pagan OF (sell high)

-Luis Castillo 2B(Mets would agree to pay 4 of $6 million he is owed)

-Fernando Martinez OF

-Jenry Mejia, RHP

-Reese Havens SS

-1 or 2 minor prospects

The Mets made a mistake not moving Carlos Delgado after bouncing back from a disappointing season. They should not make the same mistake with Castillo. The Amazin's would save the money they would have spent on a big bat like Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, which they could use to sign Chrome Figgins to play second base.

Colorado Rockies

Between Brad Hawpe, Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzalez, Ryan Spilborghs, Eric Young, and Dexter Fowler the Rockies' outfield is crowded. They are also stacked at 2B and 3B with Clint Barmes, Ian Stewart, Garrett Atkins, and Eric Young.

The Mets rotation has three big questions marks, John Maine, Oliver Perez, and Mike Pelfrey. To lessen the uncertainty, New York might consider moving one of them. Pelfrey's sinkerball would be a great fit in the Colorado rotation.

A possible trade could be:

Mets Get:

-Seth Smith

-Manny Corpas

-Jorge De La Rosa

Rockies Get:

-Mike Pelfrey

-Ike Davis 1B

-Minor Prospect

I know, Ike Davis is the Mets latest prospect darling, but let's consider the past ones: Fernando Martinez, Carlos Gomez, Lastings Milledge. The point is they don't always pan out. Plus this deal assumes the trade above. The Mets wouldn't need Davis if they had Gonzalez, who is only 27. Davis could replace Todd Helton at first for Colorado long-term. If the Mets do not get Gonzalez I would hope they hold onto Davis.

Jorge de la Rosa turned a corner last year, with 16 wins and 193 strikeouts. To Met fans, it is bit scary how his numbers compare with Oliver Perez in 2007, but along with walks, de la Rosa's biggest problem has been the long ball (he surrendered 20 last season). As a fly-ball pitcher, he would certainly benefit from going from Denver to Queens.

Seth Smith hit 15 HR's in limited time last season. As a lefty, he has a decent chance to hit 20 as the starting LF in Citi. Smith will also be turning the magic 27-years-old next season.

Although Corpas struggled last season, his 2007 and 2008 numbers indicate that he has the stuff to set-up Francisco Rodriguez.

Manuel's Miscue Could Kill Phils

Matt Clemente — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:12:32 -0400

By keeping Cliff Lee in the game in the ninth inning after losing his shutout bid, Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel may have hurt the Philadelphia Phillies chances of winning a second straight World Series.

With the World Series tied 1-1 heading into Philadelphia, the Phillies have a lot to be positive about. They have held the New York Yankees’ star studded line at bay, allowing merely four runs in the first two games. Cliff Lee still looks immortal, throwing a complete game with 10 strikeouts and no walks in game one.

Despite Lee’s dominance, Phillies fan should not so thrilled about his performance. In allowing his ace to attempt to attain a complete game shutout, Manuel might have also put his impressive southpaw and the rest is his club in a tight spot.

Manuel faces Andy Pettitte and his established big game ability versus what this year has been an inconsistent Cole Hamels (6.75 ERA in three starts this postseason). If Philadephia drops this game they will face a 2-1 series hole and the temptation to start Cliff Lee on three days’ rest versus the Bronx Bombers likely ace- C.C. Sabathia.

Lee has never started on short rest in his career. In itself, this would not appear to be a limitation. Lee has done everything the Phillies have asked of him since joining the team. However, Lee threw 122 pitches in his game one gem.

Is it really reasonable to ask anyone, even Cliff Lee, to pitch on three days’ rest, for the first time in his career, against C.C Sabathia and one of the best lineups in the baseball, after logging a pitch count 122 in his last outing, with the World Series on the line?

The alternative is to pitch Joe Blanton in game four, who in four career starts against the Yankees is 0-3 with an 8.18 E.R.A.. This would push Cliff Lee to Game 5 and limit him to only two starts in the series. How did Charlie Manuel allow this to be his best option?

Manuel made a huge error allowing Lee to stay in the game in the ninth in Game One. It is understandable that he wanted to give his ace the opportunity to make history. He would have been the first person to shutout the Yankee’s in game one of a World Series, something no one has done in 39 chances.

But after the Jeter got on base to lead of ninth inning, Manuel should have pulled his ace simply to save his electric arm for another game.

So, Phillie Phanatics should root, root, root for a rain out, which would give Lee another days rest and a chance to pitch three times in the series instead of just twice. In other words, they should hope that it ISN’T always sunny in Philadelphia.

The Cure for Queens: Part 1 - The Symptoms

Matt Clemente — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:33:31 -0400

Given the centrality of health-care in the current political debates and the key role injuries played in the New York Mets logging yet another disappointing year into the history books, assessing the condition of the Mets heading into 2010 in terms of diagnosis is only appropriate.

Similar to the 2003 Mets, who came into the season with a core of All-Stars (Roberto Alomar, Mo Vaughan, Mike Piazza, Tom Glavine, Al Leiter) and high expectations, the Amazin’s of ’09 took a terrible tumble down the standings in the NL East.

However, unlike the 2003 Mets, these Mets have a core under the leadership David Wright, J. Reyes, C. Beltran, and J. Santana that can bounce back and contend next year.

While a total turnaround is possible with their current cast of characters, such resurgence in the standings would be probable if General Manager Omar Minaya can sign a solid supporting cast.

Make no mistake, the current prognosis of the Mets is, like J. Reyes hurting hamstring, unclear.

Even if Omar manages to make the everyone in Queens’s dreams come, if fate is as brutal to the Mets in 2010 (say if Johan’s elbow acts up or Reyes’s hamstring holds him out of the lineup for a prolonged period) as it was in 2009, there hopes of topping the Phillies, Braves, and Marlins is highly unlikely.

That being said, this is my perception of the symptoms that lead to the Mets’ undoing in 2009 (in order of importance):

Symptom 1: Fouled Spark Plug

Hamstrung Reyes: As goes Jose, go the Mets. 2009 proved when Reyes doesn’t get in the lineup, the Mets don’t get in the playoffs. Thanks to a nagging hammy, Jose was limited to only 36 games.

Reyes is an impact player, period. From his rifle arm at short to the mayhem he creates on the base path, his presence was sorely missed, The Mets were at a real disadvantage when he went down.

Symptom 2: The Back (of the Rotation) Pain

Pelfreyegression: After winning 13 games and posting a sub-4 ERA in ’08, Big Pelf was primed for stardom as the Mets stalwart No. 2 right-hander behind Johan, or so the Mets hoped. Instead the 6’7’’ sinker-baller’s performance sunk well below expectations, with an ERA north of 5 and a WHIP of 1.51.

Ollie being Ollie: The Mets handed Oliver Perez a three-year, $36 million contract going into the year expecting of repeat of his 2007 stats (15 wins, 3.56ERA, 174 K’s). Due to injury, Perez did not make 15 starts in 2009, nonetheless earn 15 wins.

When he did play Perez proved that his inconsistency is the most consistent thing about him putting up an ugly 6.82 ERA, 1.92WHIP, and a Walk to Strike of ratio of 58:62.

Maine Problems: After pitching 50 less innings in 2008 than 2007, shoulder problems limited Maine to a mere 81.3 innings in 2009.

Minor Pains: Niese showed signs of life when he was called up only to go down with cringe-provoking hamstring injury.

Symptom 3: PDI (Power Deficiency In-Order)

Absence of Bona fide Cleanup Hitter: The presence of Carlos Delgado and his 38 HR/115 RBI from 2008 were sorely missed by the Mets after he went down in May with a hip injury.

Observers of the ’09 less-than-Amazin’s noted how at time the Mets seemed more like a AAA team than a major league club.

This was most evident in the band of has-beens the Mets were forced to put into their No. 4 slot at different points in the season.

On multiple occasions, Fernando Tatis and Gary Sheffield as well as the underperforming youngster Daniel Murphy were the “big bat” in the middle of the order.

David Wright and Citi Field: I put Wright’s HR decline and Citi Field’s pitcher-friendly dimensions together, because it should be obvious to anyone looks at Wright’s three-year average home run totals: 30, that the new ballpark had to have gotten in David’s head.

Beltran's Bum Knee: After averaging 33.6 HR’s between 2006-2008, Beltran touched ‘em all only 10 times in 2009. Carlos’s lowest HR total since 2000 was due, in part, to missing 2.5 months due to a bone bruise on his right knee.

Failed Experiment in LF : New York went into the season hoping get 20+HR production out of their left field spot by platooning Sheffield and Murphy.

Sheffield, although playing well when he did, seldom made it on the field. Delgado’s injury forced Murphy to play first most of the season.

By season's end, Angel Pagan settled into the LF spot (after the return of Beltran). While Pagan was one of the undeniable bright spots for the Mets in 2009, he was (and is) certainly not a power threat.

Symptom 4: Bullpen Wobble Behind K-Rod and Feliciano

Absence Solid Set-Up Man : Clearly leading the Mets collapse in 2008, Minaya revamped the bullpen signing not one, but two, closers to end games in Queens.

Francisco Rodriguez lived up to expectations, but expected set-up man J.J. Putz faltered then found himself on the disabled list for most of the season.

Feliciano pitched well...pretty much every day (earning the nickname Perpetual Pedro), in pretty much every role he was thrown into. Despite, Pedro’s success, he is not a set-up man. He has always been best suited as a lefty-specialist (which his splits confirm).

Seventh-Inning Stud : Bobby Parnell excelled in this position for most of the year, but as holes in the rotation forced to him start, a void emerged.

This concludes my diagnosis of the symptoms that led to the Metsies latest disappointing season. In Part 2, I will give my prognosis of Mets currently, their strengths and weakness. In Part 3, I will offer my prescription for the Amazin’s rebound in 2010.

Better Bullpen? Check. What Do The New York Mets Do Now?

Matt Clemente — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:22:43 -0500

The Mets have bolstered their beleaguered bullpen with the acquisitions of Francisco Rodriguez and JJ Putz, the question confronting the Queens faithful now is “where do we go from here?”

Having addressed the greatest deficiency in the Mets roster, general manager Omar Minaya must concentrate on team’s secondary concerns. This is what my priority list would look like at this juncture of the offseason:

1) Fourth Starter. The top of the Mets rotation is pretty solid, anchored by Johan Santana, and supplemented by Mike Pelfrey and John Maine. While there is no reason to except anything less than sensational out of Johan, it is not so certain what the Mets will be getting out of “Big Pelf” and Maine, whether Pelfrey can repeat ’08 or Maine can match his ’06 stats coming off a shoulder injury.

Because of the uncertainty, although admittedly not that great, out of the No. 2 and No. 3 slots, the Mets need to target a No. 4 pitcher who can step up and be a top of the rotation starter if necessary. My choices would be: 1) the eccentric (and often untouchable) Oliver Perez or, 2) Derek Lowe.

While it would be ideal to deal for both, I do not know how deep the Mets' pockets are, especially with Scott Boras representing both. If I were to choose between the two, I would go with Lowe. He is constantly sound and an innings eater.

Another interesting option:

John Smoltz: His years closing seem to have increased the life expectancy to his arm. He is getting up there, but he has also been putting up big number for years, showing no signs of slowing down. A shoulder injury made have lessened his value, but perhaps also his cost.

Jake Peavy: Okay, this may be a bit of wishful thinking, but if there is anyone that warrants moving the seemingly untouchable prospect, Fernando Martinez, Peavy is the one.

Wouldn’t Waste My Time:

A.J. Burnett: Will come at too high a price with some health concerns.

Ben Sheets: The reverse, too many health concerns, some price issues.

2) More relief pitching! If last year, proved anything to the Mets, it is you can NEVER have enough relievers. Although K-Rod and Putz are definite upgrades, the loss of Joe Smith and Aaron Heilman show Minaya’s job is not done in the area.

It is still worthwhile to continue to pursue talks with the Colorado Rockies for former Oakland A’s closer, Huston Street (although it was reported Heilman would have been the trade bait Colorado was looking for in a deal).

Also, the Mets keep communications with free agent Brian Fuentes. The closer market is still very deep, and now also very deflated with K-Rod, the best relief pitcher on the market, getting only $37 million for three years.

If Minaya plays hardball, which he has proven capable of doing, there is no reason to doubt he could reel in Fuentes to add and wicked set-up duo with Putz.

Other Names to Consider: Brandon Lyon, Joe Beimel, Eddie Guardado, Luis Ayala, Will Ohman, Alan Embree

3) Second Baseman. Luis Castillo will go into 2009 (if still a Met) residing in the new Citi Field doghouse in the hearts of many disappointed Met fans. I am not so sure deservedly so. Castillo has what is required for a Met second baseman and No. 2 hitter. When healthy, he is a solid, though no longer stellar, defensive player. At the plate, he is a patient and pesky out, though possessing zero pop, he provides Jose Reyes the time to swipe a bag.

Since there is such vitriol for Castillo, if the Mets do find someone who would be willing to take him (which does not seem too likely), there is only one person I would spend the money to replace him with, Rafael Furcal. Furcal is the consummate No. 2 hitter, and would come with a reliable bat and a steady glove. The big question with Furcal is whether he would be willing to make the move to second.

4) Left fielder: Many have been barking how the team lacks legitimacy at this position. I don’t see it. I am perfectly fine with having Fernando Tatis, David Murphy, and Nick Evans platoon, which the Mets have so-far indicated is the plan.

If last year was any indication, clearly Tatis has some Mets magic up his sleeve. As for Murphy and Evans, they strike me as the kind of kids who quietly continue to develop, and before you know it can be found on an All-Star roster.

But since this is the season for wishing, and because Minaya has shown anything is possible, there are two obtainable options worth considering, Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu. Oddly enough, I have read some rumblings saying the Mets have had some reservations about adding another left-hand batter (which both Ibanez and Abreu are) to the lineup, with the likes of Cole Hamels and Josh Johnson in the division, but I would not give such concerns any notice.

Both are veteran hitters with great bats on their shoulders and heads for the game.

If push came to shove and I had to pick one over the other, I would go with Abreu. Although each’s age is an issue, Abreu is two years younger. Abreu is also more of a complete player as a 20-20 threat and a more accomplished outfielder.

Additionally, even though Ibanez is a native New Yorker, it is unknown, considering he has spent his career playing in Kansas City and Seattle, how he would react to the pressure of the east coast.

That all said, I still wouldn’t break the bank for either of these guys if with they were to push for a multi-year deal.

5) Resign Pedro! If the Mets aren’t able to sign both Perez and Lowe, which seems entirely likely, I would not hesitate to resign Pedro Martinez, who has shown interest in returning to New York. No one would argue that Pedro is still in his prime (or anywhere near it, for that matter). At the same time, no one would doubt the positive influence he has played on this ball club both as a leader and as a teacher.

His numbers last year were atrocious, but this might mean the Mets may be able to craft a contract more to their liking—possibly including a condition saying if Pedro’s troubles continue starting, he could be moved to the bullpen…to coach!

This is all especially true if the Mets are able to resign Oliver Perez, who has made some strides working with Pedro the past few years. Not to mention, since his numbers from last season were so dismal means, as legendarily optimistic Met fans seem to always say, they’ll definitely be better...next season.

"Amazin'" Omar Minaya Close To Acquiring First-Class Closer

Matt Clemente — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:15:00 -0500

MLBcom confirms reports that the New York Mets are “on the brink” of signing free agent relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez. Sources say it is possible that a deal will be worked out “within the next 24 hours.”

Commenting on the progress of talks with the Mets, Rodriguez’s agent, Paul Kinzer, told the New York Post late Monday night, "I am more optimistic than I have ever been."

Kinzer’s remark are a reversal from reports from FoxSports.com that Mets general manager Omar Minaya, who had met with K-Rod Sunday night, was not confident that the former Los Angeles Angles fireballer was going to accept latest offer he had made.

SI.com estimates that if an agreement can be reached, it will be in the order of $37 million for three years.

In addition, FoxSports.com writer Ken Rosenthal reports that there may be an option for a fourth year, bringing the total salary upwards of $50 million. Either way, the contract would be closer to sub-$24 million, two year deal that The New York Daily News reported the Mets' initially offered than the five-year, $75 million one Kinzer went into the offseason looking for.

Concessions by K-Rod, who willing turning 27 next month and last year had a record setting 62 saves, are widely being attributed to an unusually deep closer market, uncharacteristically patient Omar Minaya, and, unfortunately, the dismal US economy.

If the Mets do land Rodriguez, it will fill the void of a consistent stopper left by Billy Wagner when he went down with an elbow injury in September that cost him the rest of the season and will cost him all of next season.

The Mets' top priority in the offseason is to add a dependable fireman to end games in Shea and anchor their bullpen, which last year largely contributed setting their playoff hopes ablaze last season.