MetsCitiBlog

In a fog, Mets sign Josh Fogg

The Mets joke of an off season continues.  They have reportedly signed former Rockies chump, Josh Fogg to a minor league deal in hopes he can with the 5th spot in the roster.  I will not begin to get into his stats, its embarrassing.  Suffice it to say, he makes Tim Redding look like an ace.  Talk about an underwhelming pitcher, wow. 

Is it me, or does it look like that the Mets could have skipped signing all these scrubs to minor league deals and ponied up for a decent starter?  I know the free agent class has been not great, but the team doesn't even have a 5th starter.  Spending under $5 million for Jon Garland for the 5th spot would have been bad?  How about signing Pedro for the 5th spot?  He cannot make a whole season, but why not sign him for around $4-$5 million, give him an extra day off for the beginning of the season, and ride him as long as possible.  By the time he fizzles, gets hurt, or the league figures him out, bring up Jonathan Niese or another AAA guy. 

This is clearly a better idea that Josh Fogg!  Pedro will at least sell some tickets and maybe help the team stay a little loose too.  Comments, thoughts, ideas about Pedro? 

Sheets may be slipping away to the A's, Mets need to step up

Well, the A's apparently have made a strong offer to Ben Sheets and are hoping to hear back from his cam today or tomorrow with a decision.  Is it me or does this sound like the theme of the winter?  The Mets will undoubtedly be outbid for another player, and will subsequently talk about how they aren't thrilled with the free agent class this off season and how they have a plan and will move forward.  Blah, Blah, Blah.  First, let me say that I am not saying Ben Sheets will win 20 games and be the comeback player of the year and will win us the World Series.  All I am saying is that from my standpoint, it seems like a cost effective, low risk move, signing Ben Sheets for a year, maybe a second if absolutely necessary.  Here are the reasons:

1. He is a a number 1 starter.  His stuff, makeup, and intensity all show that.  He would give the Mets a 1-2 punch that would be at least as good, if not better than, the Phillies' Halladay/Hamels tandem. 
2. Sheets is an affordable option in the market.  He is very likely to sign for under $10 million for the year.  There are a lot of pitchers in the league (even on the team-OP) making more that aren't half the pitcher he is.  It is a short term commitment that would not handcuff the team like a 3-4 year deal would for someone else of his caliber.
3. The final reason is the KEY.  He makes the whole staff better.  By slotting into the two hole behind Santana, he shoves everyone else down a notch.  Suddenly, Maine and Perez are pitching against 3 and 4's now and they can compete against these guys.  Maine and Perez and not 2 & 3's.  If you sign Washburn, Garland, even Smoltz, where do they slot?  Not in front of Maine/Perez.  So, in effect, you are making it more difficult for them as well.

If you want Garland, Smoltz, Washburn, or Bedard fine, but sign them as an extra to Sheets.  It's time to pony up some cash on a short deal and get Sheets in the NL East.

Joel Pineiro and Doug Davis sign elsewhere, Where do the Mets go from here?

In a wild afternoon of hot stove baseball, Joel Pineiro has signed a 2 year deal with the Angels for $16 million and Doug Davis has signed with the Brewers for 1 season and $5.25 million.  While Davis was only named a bit in connection with the Mets, Pineiro has been linked to the team all off season as a top target.  It now seems that the Mets may have never had a shot at Pineiro as they essentially offered the same type of deal. 

As far as I am concerned, I could care less about both of these guys.  Pineiro had a good 2009 season and besides that, a career of low skill with high expectations.  Mark my words, the Angels will be sorry that they wasted $16 million on this guy for two reasons.  First, he is a one hit wonder.  Pineiro is way to hittable and even with his control.  He hasn't shown anything over a career of almost good.  As good of a season last year was for him, he still gave up more hits than innings pitched, he still lost 12 games, and he still had a career low 4.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

Davis is like a million other average innings eaters.  He will hopefully keep you in the games he pitches, win some, and get blown out in a couple.  As long as he doesn't end up against another team's 1, 2, or number 3 starter, he should hold his own most of the time.  However, I feel like Davis can be found any day of the week and a team like the Mets, a playoff contention team, should not be looking at guys like Davis.

Where do the Mets go from here?  Two of the main free agent starters available are now off the board.  One of them was being chased by the team.  The remaining available options are either poor or highly sought after.  The Mets have been linked in trade talks with the Reds, Royals, even the Cubs, but no fit has been made.  Sheets, Washburn, Bedard, and others remain available and will be looked at.  However, one thing is clear.  The Mets cannot go into the 2010 season with the current staff.  Too many questions, not enough arms.  As February approaches, things will be forced to shake out. 

Here's to hoping for a combo of Ben Sheets/John Smoltz, and a little Orlando Hudson to round us out.

Reds drop $30 million on Aroldis Chapman, time to trade?

It is being reported all over the industry that the Reds have signed Aroldis Chapman to a 5 year deal worth $30 million.  The rumors all seem to start with a tweet from Jeff Blair in Toronto.  I guess if he is wrong, then a lot of people will be back tracking.

I am very surprised by the Reds shelling out this kind of money for the unknown Chapman.  There are a multitude of questions relating to his makeup, his secondary pitches, and whether he is major league ready or not.  Although I would have liked the Mets to sign him and add another chip to the farm system, I never thought there was a chance so I am not disappointed.  

However, I am intrigued because the Reds were said to be, at least partially, interested in trading a salary or two.  They have some big salaries in Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Fransisco Cordero (all over $10 million a year), and Brandon Phillips ($6.75 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2011).  My mouth is watering at the chance to pick up Phillips and a starter, drop Castillo and another piece or two, and call it a day.  It would certainly save the Reds some money, fill some holes for us, and allow the rotation to pick up an innings guy without having to overspend for a guy like Pineiro or Garland. 

With a stable guy added in the rotation like Harang, it would be a lot easier to take a flyer on a guy like Ben Sheets as well.  We will see what the ramifications of this are.

Free Agent Market drying up since Holliday/Bay, deals available?

In the week or so since the Matt Holliday and Jason Bay signings, the market has been relatively quiet.  Rumblings about the remaining free agent targets like Joel Pineiro, Jon Garland, Ben Sheets, Doug Davis, Bengie Molina, and others seem to have died down.  Teams like the Brewers are simply trying to decide what, if any, money they still have to spend.  With the exception of the Mets, Yankees (as always & no matter what they say), Rangers, Giants, and an odd team here or there, the wells may be dried up for the year.  Teams are settling rosters and looking for internal options or trade partners. 

I sense that the Mets are seeing that market come back to them once again.  They love using this phrase.  I like to call it dragging their feet, but whatever.  Anyway, the next week or so may see some pickups by the Mets and a starting pitcher and catcher are the obvious spots.  As Matt Cerrone pointed out earlier this week, if Orlando Hudson could be had for a $3-4 million dollar deal, I would go get him and worry about Castillo later.  

I don't know what to make of the trade market.  It seems that there are a couple teams that still have issues, but do not want to spend money.  This would certainly set up trade scenarios that could benefit weak spots.  The Mets need a starter or two, the Royals need cheap, warm bodies, the Mariners are looking for a piece or two, the A's need infield help, and the Dodgers have needs and a lot of cheap, decent athletic players.  However, you do not hear a lot of movement and negotiations with the free agents.

It would look on paper that the teams looking to deal, should be able to find a partner.  There are clearly team with offense looking for pitching and teams with a pitcher or two looking for a bat.  Even the Pirates have reportedly thought about trading Andy LaRoche to pick up some pieces. 

What I want for Christmas from the Mets

So, I have been writing about transactions, signings, rumors, and the occasional league news for the last couple weeks.  We, in the Mets blogosphere, have been waiting and waiting for something of substance.  Something we can wrap our hands around.  Something to tell us, "2009 is behind us, we are going forward."

So far, it hasn't happened.  Minaya tells us to be patient, and he signs some small guys to fill the bench and give Jerry Manuel options for the bullpen.  There are only a couple free agents that anyone even considers above average.  Everyone seems to be in a holding pattern, just waiting for the shoe to drop, and Jason Bay to sign with the team.  If not, then move on to Matt Holliday, (who clearly wants to be a Cardinal but has Borass trying to squeak every dollar and year out of St. Louis) and see if he can be lured to the big city.

• So, what do I want? I've  seen old footage from the SNY Mets Yearbook programs and from the Baseball Seasons (1986) show on the MLB Network, and I have come up with some basics that I want from the Mets for next season.  None of which focuses on one signing or player specifically. I  want to not feel like the little brother.  I want the Mets to come out from behind the shadow, drop the hand me down attitude and go for it.  That doesn't mean I want them to sign 10 free agents and spend $1 billion.  When you do not sign the big free agent, make it because it was your terms, your decisions, not others.  Omar should never have said he met with Lackey, and the , "oh, I guess he wasn't really interested." attitude.  Be in front and take charge, if you overpay, so what. Make it on YOUR terms. 
• I want to see the shaved head smiles of Mets players from 2006.  Or moustaches, or goatees, or something saying this is a team enjoying baseball.  Too many times in the last 3 seasons, it looked miserable for them.  Winning is more fun, I know, but having more fun, can help you win as well.
• I want to enjoy turning on the channel 77.  I don't want it to be painful.  That being said, I am fully aware that even good teams lose around 60-70 games a year.  However, please remove the painful, dropped pop up, blown save, horrible base-running blunders that feel like I am getting a staple inserted under my finger nail.
• I want to see triples, the apple popping up (even if they ruined it by not using the old one), curtain calls, wild hand shakes, fights, Santana & co. hitting batters, jawing at opponents, running the catcher over (PLEASE D.WRIGHT ONCE!), and some swagger like you play in the best town on earth!
• I want Spring Training to be here now.

Wow, I feel like Clark Griswald in Christmas vacation just after his rant about Ed Shirley.  So, if its not to much, can someone get this e-mailed over to the boys in Blue and Orange so they have time to get ready for the new season?  Thanks, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.

Speed Up/Slow Down; the Mets & Free Agents

Like all Mets fans did, I am sure, upon learning of today's signings and trades I called for the Mets to immediately lock in Jason Bay or Matt Holliday, and sign some pitchers as well.  I sensed urgency to upgrade right away.

Then, I decided to step back, and try to think a little more instinctively rather than reactively.  It is kind of hard given the team I root for, but I think I did o.k.  I see this situation for Omar as two-fold.  Yes, there are now less people available on the market we are interested in.  The Phillies scored a blockbuster (though how much better is Halladay than Cliff Lee?).  The only Mets rumors of the day have us digging through the garbage heap of the non-tenders.  I have to laugh.

But, let's not over-react.  Some major players for Bay/Holliday may be moving on because of trades and money spent today.  Red Sox, Mariners, Angels were all rumored to be interested in one or both of these guys.  With the exception of the Angels, the other two are all but certainly out of further big money plays.  Additionally, the Angels figure to focus on pitching first with Matsui signing today to pick up some of the offensive punch they lost. 

Where does this put the Mets?  I have to believe they could easily be in the lead for Bay and Holliday at the same time.  With the exception of the Cards, who do we know is interested in either?  The Giants maybe, very loosely.  Dodgers?  Probably not with the McCourt situation.  There is one team I fear greatly in these negotiations.  Anyone?  Anyone?

The Braves.  If, and when they drop Derek Lowe, they will be in the running for a big bat.  Mark my words.  They are coming.  Clearly, with the pitching upgrades already made, the want to be in the thick of the NL East again.  They represent my dark horse team. 

The Mets need to pick it up ever so gently and make some head way.  How about offering Bay 5 for $75 million and Holliday 5 for $90?  See which jumps first.  At this time, I do not see anyone beating it. 

Lastly, if Brian Cashman can get a deal, he will.  He will throw late money at Holliday most likely and get him for a bargain.  This cannot happen, the Mets should put a foot in that water to keep others honest.  Boston is known to do this.  Minor to moderate bid to keep everyone on target monetarily.

This can still end up a good off season for the Mets, but we need a bat first.

Coming Scenarios to look for in the MLB

Today was a big day in Major League Baseball.  John Lackey got $85 million from the Red Sox, the Phillies got Roy Halladay, and the Mariners apparently got Cliff Lee in the Halladay deal.  In minor deals, Hideki Matsui left the Yankees to sign with the Angels for $6.5 million and the Red Sox signed Mike Cameron for $15.5 million.  Boston reportedly has a $15.5 million deal out to Aroldis Chapman as well (major league contract). 

So, what can we expect from the rest of the market?  I have put together a list of some things that may or may not happen, that could develop into some major moves for several teams, including the Mets.

• Watch out for the Yankees!  As the suitors for Matt Holliday dwindle, Cashman's eyes begin to light up.  Could free up Melky and Brett for trades.
• Angels need pitching and hitting.  Mentioned as a landing spot for Derek Lowe, do they trade Juan Rivera for him & let Matsui play LF with Abreu in RF?  Not likely, How about Bay or Holliday.
• Cardinals getting closer to an affordable Holliday deal, or will they sign DeRosa and move on?
• You know its going to happen.  What team, out of no where, will jump in the mix for Bay/Holliday and will they be successful?

The Mets, I think are in a good position.  I know all Mets fans everywhere are screaming for a signing, but hold on for a minute and let's try to use this to our advantage.  I think the above scenarios could prove costly to the Mets if they go certain ways, but could help us if teams fail to act aggressive.  More about the Mets in the next post. 

Yankees Get Granderson, How it will Affect others

Well, the Yankees used the strong farm system to seal up center field for awhile.  Granderson is a great move for the Yankees.  How does this affect the rest of the MLB?  Combining it with the eventual Andy Pettitte signing, most certainly will remove them from the high priced free agents like Matt Holliday, John Lackey, Jason Bay.  Also, with Boston unwilling to part with Clay Bucholtz, I would wager that Roy Halladay just lost his best chance at a World Series Ring. 

It is widely known that the universe of baseball revolves around whether the Yankees are interested in any player available first, and then what other teams will try to compete with them.  Removing them from the landscape, even if it's just the periphery, could have major financial ramifications for anyone looking for a payday.  Furthermore, the likes of Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui may have just heard their respective tickets out of the Bronx punched.  Hope you guys had fun, enjoy the ring, and sign the best deal you can, but it won't be in dark pinstripes.

As a Met fan, I could care less about Granderson, however, I like that the Yankees are most certainly out of Holliday and Lackey.  I think both just lost a few dollars in what ever contract they sign, even if the moneybags in the Bronx were never actually going to jump in.  It is sure to pick up in the following days of Hot Stove, let's see where the chips fall.

Edwin Jackson rumors all over the place, Rays have Navarro available

Earlier I posted a quick rumor that Ed Price had tweeted about the Mets trading for Edwin Jackson.  I admit, I allowed myself to get a little excited, a bit prematurely.  Alas, as it stands now, several Mets officials have responded and quickly squashed that rumor and actually came out and said Edwin Jackson to the Mets is not happening.  Oh well, I thought we were getting a great starter.  Maybe tomorrow.  

As for the Dioner Navarro rumor, the Rays want to trade him now that they have Kelly Shoppach on the payroll.  As the article in FoxSports states, Navarro is quite possibly a non-tender candidate on Friday so do not look for anything to happen with him today or tomorrow.  I think (along with Matt Cerrone) most of the teams interested, including the Mets, will wait to see what happens with the Rays and whether they decide to tender him a contract.  Navarro has shown flashes of being good, but has not sustained his production and he was not good last year.  He is 25 years old. 

How about the old, "Player to be named later trade?"  I think the Mets should go for it if this means not wasting money on Bengie Molina.  Save the money and use Navarro.  Navarro only made $2.1 million last year, that is a lot cheaper than $6 million for a year or two.