Have the Mets changed directions? Going after Putz instead of K-Rod?

The Rockie Mountain News is reporting that the Mets are targeting J.J. Putz as their priority, instead of signing K-Rod or Fuentes. The reason is he will come a lot cheaper than both Fuentes and Rodriguez. Putz is expected to make $5 million in '09 and  $8.5 million in '10. He also has a $1 million dollar buyout.

The Mets would love this because 1) He is affordable and the Mets are still paying Billy Wagner $10.5 Million and 2) He does not have a long term contract, which the Mets do not want.

The negative is, he will be 32 years old at the start of the 2009 season. If the Mets do make a trade for Putz, it could open up the bank for other moves including building up the offense or maybe getting a higher grade pitcher.

Here is a look at J.J. Putz's last 3 years:

Last 3 years	Team	G	GS	W	L	SV	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	BAA
2006	SEA	72	0	4	1	36	0	0	78.1	59	20	20	4	13	104	2.30	0.92	.207
2007	SEA	68	0	6	1	40	0	0	71.2	37	11	11	6	13	82	1.38	0.70	.153
2008	SEA	47	0	6	5	15	0	0	46.1	46	20	20	4	28	56	3.88	1.60	.256
Career		308	0	22	15	101	0	0	323.0	270	115	110	32	104	337	3.07	1.16	.227

The first time I heard of them targeting Putz was in Jason Stark's column yesterday, where he was told by a baseball source that if J.J. Putz becomes available he will be on the top priority over the free agent group...


I found some video of J.J. Putz on YouTube, Enjoy....