Marty Noble has confirmed on Mets.com that the Mets are showing interest in LHP Randy Wolf. It is no secret that the Mets need a starter and really two. Randy Wolf confirmed that his agent has been talking to the Mets. After dramatically changing the bullpen, Omar and company are now focused on the starting pitching department.
There appears to be dialogue between the Mets and Scott Boras regarding Oliver Perez, but he wants 5 years and in the area of $70 million. Derek Lowe is on the horizon and logically the Mets seem like a fit if they are willing to spend some money. To a lesser extent, Garland and others are available as well.
The thing with Randy Wolf is, he is not a number 3 starter. Wolf is more like a 4th slot or even 5th. That is what I envision being the competition for Jon Niese at the end of the rotation. I am sure Omar does not think a rotation of Santana, Maine, Pelfrey, Wolf, and Niese will get it done. That will not do it and I won't pretend it will.
I have a feeling that the Mets make a push for Lowe. I am not convinced they care to have Perez back. I think he represents that bitter pill of the last two seasons' failures. I get the feeling that Omar wants to cut ties amicably. Now that some of the big pitchers are gone, Lowe may be running out of serious suitors. Beyond the Mets, who else is looking to spend $30 or more million on a starter? I think that a 4 year deal for $12-$15 million a year signs Derek Lowe. Somewhere in the $50-$60 million range seems doable and a better bet that A.J. Burnett. What about a 2 year deal for Ben Sheets with an option year? I really think the Mets need to sign two starters. Jon Niese should be an arm as a backup in triple A to start. He is not ready to start the year in the rotation.
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