Mets Fever

Juan Rivera maybe available

2009-11-20T18:24:00.004-05:00

It's seems like the Mets are always interested in Juan Rivera, the 30 y/o right handed corner outfielder has been a mainstay of Mets rumors for several years. He is a lifetime .282 hitter, with a Slg. pct. .470 and an OBP .331/ OPS .801. Rivera has played one major league game at first, but the Angels have contemplated the move for years and he has extensively practiced at the position. Last off-season he signed a three year deal to stay with the Angels worth 12.75MM ( '10'-4.25MM/ '11'-5.25MM). Now the Angels maybe looking to move him...

There are indications the Angels might be willing to trade outfielder Juan Rivera source SI Jon Heyman

Does Bay's slugging outweigh his defense...

2009-11-20T18:10:00.002-05:00

Rob Bradford of WEEI takes a look at the market for Jayson Bay. The Mets are said to prefer Matt Holliday but they have also said they will only go so far to obtain the left fielder. If Holliday goes elsewhere then the best alternative is Jayson Bay. Bay's defense is worse then Holliday's and he hits slightly less but would that be enough for the Mets to pass. Here's Bradford's take on the Mets...

Mets: You know they have money, and they also fit the model in terms of the type of team that would value what Bay brings to the table. It has been well-documented that Bay’s detractors point to defensive metrics that don’t paint a pretty picture. (Although Bay’s agent, Joe Urbon, not only pointed out the flip-side to that argument when talking to WEEI.com, but said just a few days ago that no team he had talked to has brought up concerns regarding any of the outfielder’s defensive deficiencies.) So why does that concern the perception we might have in regards to the Mets’ interest in Bay? Check out this quote from New York GM Omar Minaya at the general managers meetings last week: “Defense is important because it’s a pretty big ballpark. But the bottom line is that if you’re a corner outfielder you’ve got to have slug,” Minaya said. “I would put offense over defense right now in a corner outfielder.” Interesting … source WEEI

Won't take much to out bid the Giants for Molina

2009-11-19T21:54:00.002-05:00

If you believe the reports, then Bengie Molina is our primary target for catcher this off-season. Molina was targeted by Omar in 2006 but when the veteran catcher was slow to respond the Mets traded for Paul Lo Duca. Now the team is looking for power from as many positions as possible and not only does Molina hit around 15 HRs per season he also has an excellent reputation with young staffs. The Giants would like Molina back but only if he'll take a low ball one year deal, so it shouldn't take much to outbid them...

With prospect Buster Posey perceived to be ready to reach the Majors sometime next season, if not by Opening Day, the Giants are unwilling to offer Molina anything longer than a one-year contract.

"I don't know that Bengie's interested in something like that or [whether] it's even fair to Bengie," admitted Sabean, who anticipated that Molina will receive a multiyear contract offer. The Giants are expected to offer salary arbitration to Molina on Dec. 1, which would entitle them to Draft-choice compensation if he signs elsewhere. source MLB.com

Harden & Johnson not returning to the Cubs

2009-11-19T21:29:00.003-05:00

I don't believe either player will end up with the Mets because they are injury risks but I still think they would solid additions to the club. Rich Harden and Reed Johnson don't appear in the Cubs plan for next year mainly due to the injuries they sustained during the 2009 season.

Rich Harden when on the field is one of the best pitchers in the league, the problem is Harden always seemed to be injured. It's true he's a risk but I feel the reward is worth it, what I would do is also sign a Jason Marquis level guy so that the rotation isn't devastated if he becomes injured. Of course, I suggested the same thing last year with Sheets and would have been completely burned in that move. The 27 y/o right hander already has 8 seasons under his belt with a lifetime 3.39 ERA and a record of 50 -29 but has only pitched 135 games in that time and has never pitched 33 games ( full season for a starter).

Reed Johnson is a 4th or 5th outfielder and we already have solid players at those positions in Pagan and Sullivan. But if the team decides to go in another direction or Pagan is packaged in a deal such like Chavez was last year then Johnson would be a solid replacement. The 32 y/o right handed outfielder is a lifetime .282 hitter with a Slg. pct. of .411 in seven seasons.

Harden and Johnson both have expressed an interest in returning to Chicago, but because of other contract commitments, the Cubs most likely cannot afford either one. Gregg knew he wasn't coming back when Marmol was named closer on Aug. 18. source MLB.com

Pads have interesting pieces to move...

2009-11-19T20:40:00.002-05:00

The Padres maybe looking to move some players that might interest the Mets. San Diego currently has two third baseman who are both arbitration eligible, they could end up moving one of them to save some money. Either player could interest the Mets despite having a franchise player at third.

Kevin Kouzmanoff is a gold glove caliber 3B who I believe with those defensive skills could transition to 1B easily. The 28 y/o right hander would be a solid platoon partner for Murphy. He is a lifetime .261 hitter and has averaged around 20 HRs a season.

Chase Headley is the other 3B who has spent a significant amount of time playing left field because of playing on the same team as Kouzmanoff. The 25 y/o right handed hitter is a lifetime .264 hitter but has only averaged 10 HRs in his first two seasons.

The Padres have two third basemen on their roster in Kouzmanoff and left fielder Chase Headley, a third baseman by trade. The team could move one of the players for a right-handed bat, which is believed to be a priority this offseason. source MLB.com

Here's an inexpensive version of DeRosa...Little Cat

2009-11-18T23:56:00.004-05:00

The Mets appear to be in the market for a super utility player, whether it's Chone Figgins or Mark DeRosa they seem to be looking for a player who will provide a solid bat and over 100 games in a season at several different positions.

The problem with either of those players is that they appear to be hot commodities and the team will have to give multiple year contracts at top dollar for a player with no true position.

Figgins would be the most expensive at 31 y/o he is the youngest and has the best offensive numbers with a lifetime .291 BA , OBP .363 and Slg. .388 while having the range to play over 300 games in center field. But you will be giving him a big payday to play out of his primary position 3B.

Mark DeRosa is a 35 y/o player who is being sought by over ten teams. He can play anywhere but center field and catcher, he is a lifetime .275 BA, OBP .343 and Slg .424. Because of the demand for his services he will more then likely be over paid this off-season and while I like DeRosa he won't be worth the contract he gets.

A cheaper version of DeRosa that nobody has linked to any team is Frank Catalanotto. The free agent 35 y/o is a lefty and only played 80 games the last two season but otherwise his numbers are strikingly similar to DeRosa's. He has played every position except catcher, center field and SS ( DeRosa not much of a SS either anymore). He's a lifetime .292 BA, .358 OBP and Slg. .446. The "Little Cat" is from Smithtown, NY and would probably only take a one year deal to provide the same versatility as DeRosa...

Chances slim of Byrd returning to the Rangers

2009-11-18T22:50:00.002-05:00

I completed a post on Marlon Byrd, here.

While not being the most appealing candidate, if Bay and Holliday go else where he maybe the best of whats left. Byrd has been in talks with the Rangers since the end of the season but it does not appear that they will be able to negotiate a contract...

"We've had a decent amount of conversation," Daniels said. "I expect them to test the market. Based on what they're looking for...we're not in a position to do that right now. We expect them to talk to other clubs and see what's out there. We're going to be looking at alternatives." source Hot Stove Blog

Mets interested in DeRosa

2009-11-18T21:33:00.003-05:00

Mark DeRosa is a 34 y/o right handed hitting super utility, despite not having a primary position DeRosa has played 100 games or more in the last seven of eight years.

He has over 300 games at 2B and 3B, 150 games in right field, over 100 games at SS, 50 games in left field and 20 games at 1B.

He is a .275 lifetime hitter with a .343 OBP and a .767 OPS.

I think DeRosa would be a great addition but this year with so many holes and so many teams interested in him, I can't see us acquiring him...

Of the Dodgers' interest in DeRosa, Grunewald said, "The interest is mutual." But the agent said that the Dodgers are one of a dozen teams that have asked about DeRosa, identifying the others as the Cardinals, Mariners, Nationals, Giants,Phillies, Orioles, Rangers, Yankees, Mets, Twins and Braves. source LA Times

Could Pena be available...

2009-11-18T20:38:00.002-05:00

Tommy Rancel of DRaysbay makes a pretty convincing case for his Rays to trade Carlos Pena.

The 31 y/o left handed first baseman is on the last year of a contract in which he'll earn 10.12MM for the season. Pena is a classic late bloomer who bounced between four teams before becoming a starter at the age of 28 y/o. The Rangers, Tigers, Red Sox and Yankees all gave up on him before he became the Rays starting first baseman.

In 2007 he hit .282 with 49 homeruns over the next two seasons he would hit over 30 Homeruns while his batting average would dip to .237.

Rancel acknowledges concerns over Pena's hitting, not his power but his keen batting eye and patience at the plate, there is also concern with his defense as he posted a UZR -4.6%. Still he concludes with the following about trading the slugger...

Beyond the high salary and some production concerns, there are also the compensation issue. Trading Pena won't net the same type of return as Crawford and nobody should expect such a thing. However, for a team who's looking for power, can accept a few flaws, and afford the price tag, Pena is very attractive option even if it's for a one year rental. I'm not going to speculate on a return, but I'm guessing the Rays could do pretty well in any potential deal. source DRaysbay

Marquis wants to be a Met...

2009-11-18T20:20:00.002-05:00

I like the fact that Jason Marquis wants to be a Met and that he would receive added incentive to pitch in front of friends and family. The Mets need players who have a desire to play here and aren't just here for a big payday.

That doesn't mean that I believe Marquis is the answer to all of our rotational problems, I see him as an up grade to Tim Redding. A solid veteran pitcher in the back end of the rotation who provides innings and gives the staff flexibility.

If Marquis joins the team I still believe we need another starter but I doesn't have to be a top of the line starter, if Lackey's price is too high I could live with Marquis and another decent starter ( Garland, Wolf, Pineiro)...

The 31-year-old right-hander told the New York Post in a report that ran on Wednesday that he considers the Mets "a perfect fit" to be his next destination.

"It would always be nice to come back home and represent your hometown," said Marquis, who grew up and still resides in Staten Island, N.Y. "This is where I'm from, so to come back here and play in front of friends and family would be an honor." source MLB.com

Reports Mets pick Dave Jauss as bench coach...

2009-11-17T21:44:00.002-05:00

Early reports are indicating that the Mets have selected Dave Jauss as their bench coach. Jauss was selected over several others prospects who were former major league managers. It's unknown whether those perspective coaches declined the position due to the tentative nature of the managers position or whether management didn't want to undermine Jerry Manuel.

While he's not a ready made manager in waiting he is a capable bench coach, filling the position for three different teams ( Red Sox, Dodgers, Orioles).

Jauss also has an extensive back ground in talent evaluation and player development.

One thing for certain is that he's Jerry's guy, meaning that Manuel is being given every opportunity to succeed next year and isn't being set-up for failure by having a manager in waiting on the staff. Jauss was given his first job in professional baseball as a minor league coach by Jerry Manuel who was the field coordinator for the Expos. Manuel will have coaches around him he trusts and won't look over his shoulder with every decision, if he fails those former managers they discussed aren't going anywhere.

It doesn't appear that he played above college ball where he was the Captain of the Amherst College team, in which one of his teammates was Dan Duquette who would later recommend him to Manuel for his first position. At 25 y/o he was the head coach of Westfield State College...

MLB Home Plate has learned that Dave Jauss will be the bench coach of the New York Mets. source jPerrotto twitter

Mets interested in Smoltz ?

2009-11-17T21:15:00.003-05:00

John Smoltz is a 42 y/o right hander who is destine for the Hall of Fame, a year 200 start winner and 150 save player. He's an eight time All-Star, World Champion, Rolaids Relief award winner and Cy Young award winner.

Last year was his first major league season in which he pitched in another uniform, other then the Braves. His homecoming to the Boston area wasn't a successful one, he went 2-5 in eight starts with an ERA of 8.33 and looked completely washed up. But after being released by Boston he signed with the Cards and had a solid finish to the season. In seven starts he went 1-3 with a 4.26 ERA.

Smoltz plans to pitch next season, he would benefit from a pitchers park and the NL, which seems to make him a fit for Citi field and reportedly the Mets are interested. Despite the apparent fit I have no interest in Smoltz, he's exactly what the Mets need to stay away from, an aging player with diminishing skills and an injury risk...

The Cardinals, Dodgers, Mets and Mariners are among the teams that haveexpressed preliminary interest in free-agent right-hander John Smoltz, according to a major-league source. source Fox Sports

Another Takahashi available...

2009-11-17T20:33:00.003-05:00

Japanese veteran pitcher Hisanori Takahashi has declared himself a free agent and will seek a contract in the MLB. The 34 y/o left hander in 159 starts has a lifetime record of 69 and 60 with an ERA of 3.80. In an interview with NPB Tracker he says he prefers to be a starter.

The agency that represents Johan Santana, Jose Reyes and a bevy of other Mets clients over the years has a new player in the fold. Lefthander Hisanori Takahashi , who will be represented by Peter Greenberg & Associates, announced Tuesday in Tokyo that he has elected free agency. source Daily News

Staff moves; Backman, Teuful and Alomar jr.

2009-11-17T19:15:00.002-05:00

Sandy Alomar Jr. had been promoted to first base coach, where he would also continue to work as the catching instructor. Alomar will not fill that role because he has opted to take the same position with the Indians. There is speculation that Shines will now become the first base coach and the Mets will be in search of a catching instructor, candidates could be Gary Carter, John Stearns and Mike DeFelice...

The popular former All-Star catcher has been hired by new Indians manager Manny Acta as a first-base coach. Alomar spent the past two years as a catching instructor for the New York Mets. He will mentor Cleveland's catchers. source SI.com

In two Minor league moves Tim Teuful was named the manager of the Binghampton Mets while his platoon partner from the 1986 team Wally Backman was named the manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones. Backman was a direct message to Omar and Jerry, Omar never believed to be a fan of Backman was not involved in the press conference and it can't be a coincidence that he will manage the Wilpon's pet team...

The former Mets second baseman, fired after four days with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004, was introduced Tuesday as manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones, New York's Class A farm team in the New York-Penn League. source ESPN

Pineiro intrigues Mets...

2009-11-17T16:05:00.003-05:00

According to Adam Rubin at the Daily News the Mets are intrigued by Joel Pineiro. This is the second time this short off-season that Pineiro has been mentioned. It all depends on who you talk to in regards to him, some believe he always had the talent and just became confident in his skills, while others believe he's a product of Dave Duncan. In St. Louis, Pineiro has been a ground ball machine that will need a strong defense behind him, meaning the right side of the infield needs some work....

The Mets, in search of an innings-eater to stabilize their rotation, are particularly intrigued by free-agent righthander Joel Pineiro, according to a team insider.source Daily News

Take Ramon Hernadez off the wish list...

2009-11-16T12:47:00.002-05:00

Ten days ago when the Reds declined Ramon Hernandez option I suggested that he'd be a great fit for the Mets vacant catching position. Unfortunately the Mets never had a chance to test those waters because Hernandez has re-signed with the Reds during the exclusive negotiation period.

The Reds have re-signed catcher Ramon Hernandez to a one-year contract, according to a major-league source.

The deal also includes a vesting option for 2011 that will become guaranteed if Hernandez appears in 120 games next season.

The Reds had declined an $8.5 million option on Hernandez and bought out his contract for $1 million. source Fox Sports

Hopefully Berkman is a psychic

2009-11-14T23:33:00.002-05:00

It's late and I don't want to make this lengthy but I did want to pass along this interesting tidbit. The Astros are said to be another team looking to cut costs and are also reportedly unhappy with Lance Berkman's performance for what he cost.

If somehow they made him available I think he would be a great addition at 1B, I completed a full post on Berkman and the Houston situation Here.

Brian McTaggart who covers the Astros for MLB.com had the following tweet at his account tonight, as I said in the title I hope Lance is a psychic...

Lance Berkman just told me: "Last night I had a dream I got traded to the Mets." He didn't say who the Astros got in return. source Brian McTaggart Twitter

Are the Mets after Granderson

2009-11-14T23:09:00.003-05:00

It sounds like Detroit could be very active this off-season in the trade market as they attempt to shed salary. One of the names being floated is Curtis Granderson but I have not heard the Mets linked to Granderson at all. The 28 y/o left handed hitting center fielder would be an incredible up grade defensively in left field and has the power for Citi field. He has lead the AL in triples two separate seasons and hit 30 HRs last year, while his average dipped to .249 he is a lifetime .272 hitter. Matt at Seven train to Shea says he's heard a rumor linking the Mets to Granderson...

There is an interesting rumor floating around that the Mets could deal OF Fernando Martinez for Granderson. Also, SS Ruben Tejada could also be in the deal as well with Martinez, as the Tigers want a future middle infielder, since Placido Polanco is a free agent. Brad Holt's name could be thrown in as well into the conversations. source Seven Train to Shea

Could Crawford be available..

2009-11-14T22:53:00.003-05:00

Carl Crawford would be the perfect fit for the Mets vacancy in left field. Crawford is the perfect mix of defense, speed and power that the Mets are desperate to obtain. The 28 y/o left hander is a three time all star and four time AL stolen base champion. He has hit as high as .315 in a season ( 2007) and as many as 18 HRs ( 2008). The Rays just picked up his 10MM option for next season, after which he's a free agent. Frank Russo of NYBD has heard that Crawford wants out of Tampa while Tampa Bay.com disputes those reports...
It appears that Carl Crawford’s days in a Tampa Bay uniform could be numbered. We spoke with someone with knowledge of the situation on Friday who told us that Crawford is “livid” over management’s decision to pick up his 2010 club option for $10 million rather than renegotiate a contract extension, which was agreed upon by the two sides when Crawford first signed his contract. “He wants out of Tampa bad,” is what we were told. “He had a handshake agreement with management that they would renegotiate the contract instead of picking up the option and they went ahead and did it anyway. He’s pissed beyond belief.” source NYBD
With trade rumors already circulating about All-Star leftfielder Carl Crawford, now there's an apparently false, unattributed report from the NY Baseball Digest that suggests Crawford wants out of Tampa Bay. source TampaBay.com

Atkins could be a free agent...

2009-11-14T22:39:00.002-05:00

I made a case for bringing in Garrett Atkins as the platoon partner for Dan Murphy. The biggest problem most people had was that if the Mets traded for Atkins, they would have to give the Rockies something and then pay him around 7MM through arbitration. After the year Atkins had many weren't willing to give him that much money and it appears the Rockies can't find anyone to deal with. If Colorado can't find a trade partner by Nov. 20th they may end up releasing him...

The Rockies continue to explore trade prospects for third baseman Garrett Atkins, though time is running short. If they don't trade Atkins, the Rockies are expected to release him before the 40-man rosters are set Nov. 20. The Rangers, Phillies, Orioles and possibly Angels might be interested in Atkins when he becomes a free agent.

One general manager said Atkins is an intriguing player because of his history as a run producer. However, the GM said he has heard concerns that Atkins' slump in 2009 (he hit just .226) was not an aberration. source Denver Post

Mets still searching for a bench manager...

2009-11-14T21:56:00.002-05:00

The Mets still haven't settled their coaching staff, originally it was reported that Razor Shines would no longer be the 3B coach but he'd have a role somewhere on the team. But with Alomar Jr. moving to 1B, Chip Hale coming in at 3B and the Mets apparently seeking a new bench coach, that leaves Shines as the fifth coach which is usually the catching coach for teams that carry five. If Shines gets moved to the minors and the Mets hire a bench coach with prior major league managerial experience, thats about the thinnest ice I've ever seen a manager on to start a season...

According to Ken Rosenthal the Mets are looking at multiple coaches to become their next bench coach. Rosenthal says Bob Melvin, Eric Wedge and Dave Jauss are a few of the names being considered. It seems like Shines is the odd man out and Jerry will know who his replacement is if needed before the season even starts...

Former Indians manager Eric Wedge, former Mariners and Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin and former Orioles bench coach Dave Jauss are candidates to be the Mets' next bench coach, according to major-league sources.

The Mets, however, are considering numerous other names as well, and do not appear close to a decision. The position could be a stepping stone; Mets manager Jerry Manuel, coming off a 70-win season, is entering the last year of his contract. Wedge, who is getting paid by the Indians through 2010, can be selective in choosing his next job.

Melvin interviewed for the Astros' managerial position and also drew consideration from the Nationals. Jauss previously worked as a bench coach with the Red Sox and Dodgers in addition to the Orioles. source Fox Sports

Huff wont return to Detroit...

2009-11-14T20:53:00.003-05:00

When Carlos Delgado was the only serious injury of the season and they believed that everyone would be returning sometime during the season, Audrey Huff was a name regularly linked to the Mets.

But Huff ended up being traded to the Tigers, the Mets need a short time 1B and while they'd prefer a right handed platoon partner, at the right price Huff could be a solid answer.

The Tigers have economic issues and despite trading for the veteran 1B they have decided not to pursue him.

Huff is a 32 y/o left handed 1B/RF/3B but he's not a very good RF and hasn't played regularly at 3B since 2007. He is a lifetime .282 hitter, in 2008 he hit 32 HRs and won a silver slugging award.

"We called both Jarrod and Aubrey this week and told them we will not be pursuing them," Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said Friday night. "We wished them well." source MLive.com

Mets interested in Ben Sheets ?

2009-11-13T22:59:00.003-05:00

During last off-season the Mets were extremely interested in Ben Sheets but reports indicated that they shied away after seeing medical records on his shoulder. The Mets were praised for their caution since Sheets ended up with a gentleman's agreement with the Rangers but never pitched an inning due to arm surgery.

Sheet's agent reported that his client is healthy and will be ready for spring training. That was followed by a report that the Mets were interested, depending on the contract Sheets could be seen a very savvy move. When healthy he is one of the best pitchers in the league, but the risk is in whether he can stay healthy.

With his track record, no matter how small the contract if he was injured he would be viewed as a frugal move to avoid more expensive players. However, on a low base salary with incentives if he does well then Omar looks like a genius...

Agent Casey Close said that Sheets is doing "very well" in his rehab from flexor tendon surgery and plans to be 100 percent by the start of spring training. Close also anticipates no shortage of interest from clubs in the coming weeks. source ESPN

The New York Yankees, New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are some of the organizations reportedly interested in Sheets. source AllHeadlines News

Mets all in on Lackey ?

2009-11-13T22:33:00.002-05:00

According to David Lennon of Newday the Mets plan to be serious bidders on starting pitcher John Lackey. The Angels ace is the top free agent pitcher on the market and many immediately dismissed the Mets chances because of there lack of stomach for bidding wars, which seemed to be reinforced by them raising questions about his health. Lennon reports that the mets spoke with Lackey's agent and came away from those talks with a good impression...

General manager Omar Minaya received a favorable first impression from the pitcher's agent when the two spoke this week, and Lackey figures to be near the top of the club's wish list in the weeks ahead. source Newsday

Francoeur will return...

2009-11-13T21:37:00.002-05:00

I thought Jeff Francoeur was one of the few bright spots this year for the NY Mets, so it came as a surprise to hear many fans express apprehension about Frenchy's future with the team. At the end of the season there was discussion that the club could offer him an extension beyond his arbitration years. It was then that some fans expressed reservations about signing him long term and a few wanted him non-tendered. Frenchy is a free swinger who will strike out a lot, but at 25 y/o with what he provides in the outfield and his power potential I can't see why you wouldn't want him back. According to Bart Hubbuch of the NY Post, Francoeur will be back and he may get that extension...

Omar Minaya said today that Jeff Francoeur is coming back and wouldn't rule out a contract extension for the right fielder. source Bart Hubbuch NY Post Twitter