Q&A with Joey DeMayo of Mike Silva's NY Baseball Digest...

Edited/Republished:10/16/08 - Originally Published:10/7/08

I had a Q&A session with Joey DeMayo, a correspondent (AKA the Rumor Master) for Mike Silva's NY Baseball Digest. I asked him about what he has heard about the Mets off-season plans.

I would like to say that Joe has inside sources and these answers are not made up like Mike Francesa (LOL).

Here is the Q & A:

DD: What are the Mets top priorities this off-season?

JD: You've got to think, and hope it is pitching, pitching, pitching. I also believe they'd like to obtain either a left fielder or a second baseman, depending on what Daniel Murphy does in the Arizona Fall League and in Winter Ball. But I think a closer,another starter and then bullpen has to be the priority in that order before even thinking about an offensive bat, though I wouldn't be surprised to see a big run at Manny Ramirez.

DD: Out of these free agents (Manny, K-Rod, Sabathia), who do think the Mets will go after?

JD: I think all of them will at least get a look. I'm personally not in favor of signing K-Rod, and am a big supporter of a massive run at CC Sabathia, but I can't imagine two of those 3 being signed. There are reasons why Minaya would sign any of them, I'd label Manny the least likely of the three, and K-Rod the most likely to be signed with CC in the middle because if Minaya chooses that he wants to run after CC, I don't think there are many standing in his way that he can't possibly outbid. But heck, the Mets may make a push for Brian Fuentes.

DD: Daniel Murphy is listed as a first basemen on the Fall Ball Roster, does that mean that he will get a look a 1B or do the Mets still think he can be the everyday 2B next year?

JD: I think the first baseman thing is a misprint that MILB.com tends to make. There is a great 1B on his team in Kyle Blanks, Murphy is going to play 2B to make out an amazing young infield with Blanks-Murphy-Brett Wallace and Gordon Beckham. I think the Mets are giving Murphy a legitimate look at second base, he's not only going to play it in the Arizona Fall League, but he's then going to go to the Puerto Rican Winter League. If not, he platoons in left with somebody.

DD: If Not, is it a possibility that they pick up a second basemen like Nick Punto or Orlando Hudson?

JD: Absolutely. Punto is going back to the Twins, but Orlando Hudson sometimes almost seems like too perfect a fit for this team, gold glove 2B, no long injury history, though he was hurt last year, switch hitter, great clubhouse presence. Would not surprise me if he is a member of the Mets. It is also reported that he wants to be a Met.

DD: Is there a possibility the Mets retain Delgado and trade him for other needs?

JD: I am 99% certain the Mets are going to pick up Delgado's option with the full intention of using him at 1st for 2009.

DD: Do the Mets have any internal interest in any free agent middle Relievers so far?

JD: Buzz I am hearing is pointing at Juan Cruz from Arizona and possibly Jeremy Affeldt from the Reds. But interest in middle relievers can change dramatically from day to day, it depends on cost. Would you give Juan Cruz 6 million per to set up for Fuentes/K-Rod or a closer you get in trade?

DD: There has been talk the Mets are looking for a new catcher, do they have interest in anybody else or will Castro/Schneider remain the catching duo in 2009?

JD: I have not heard anything suggesting the Mets intend to break up that duo. I wouldn't expect any change there.

DD: Out of these players (Schoeneweis, Heilman, Castillo, Church, Wright, Reyes, Beltran), who is most likely to get traded?

JD: Castillo hands down. Church, Wright, Reyes, Beltran will not be moved, Heilman and Schoeneweis are likely to be moved as well, but Castillo is as good as gone.

DD: Do you think the Mets will try to retain Chavez and Tatis (both are free agents)?

JD: Chavez actually has a year left on his deal, so he'll be back. If Fernando Tatis wants to play again, and isn't guaranteed a starting job elsewhere, and with his friendship with Minaya, I would be surprised to not see him back.

DD: Any talk on who will be the Mets coaches next year? Will Hojo be back? Warthen? or any of the old staff?

JD: I am led to believe Hojo, Sandy Alomar, Ken Oberkfell, and possibly Dan Warthen will be back. Don't expect Luis Aguayo back, and Guy Conti probably is gone as well. Oberkfell could possibly move to third base and then somebody else take over first.

I'd like to thank Joey DeMayo for taking time out of his busy schedule for answering my questions. I also would like to thank Mike Silva who has a great radio show that is on Blogtalk radio. Listen in the off-season every Wed and Sun. for great NY Baseball talk and discussions....

Lets Go Mets!