MetsCitiBlog

Omir Santos and/or Shawn Riggans possible trade bait for the Mets?

Adam Rubin of the Daily News is reporting that, even this early in Mets camp, they are fielding calls  inquiring about the glut of catchers they have.  Rubin believes that Omir Santos and/or the newly acquired Shawn Riggans could possibly dealt in a small deal or two during the spring.  The Mets were active oin the catching front this winter and were able to sign basically all the free agents on the market.

The Mets catching corps currently includes:

1. Henry Blanco
2. Rod Barajas
3. Chris Coste
4. Josh Thole
5. Omir Santos
6. Shawn Riggans

This doesn't include catchers at or below the AA level that are in the organization as well.  It would be pretty tough to get enough quality playing time for all of these guys.  Personally, I would like to see them release Coste, he is an ex Phillie, idiot.  That would leave five of them, and with an injury or two, we would still be fine.  We shall see.

Rumors continue to fly, Mets may be involved in more than just Matthews

Matt Cerrone, and other sources, indicated that the Mets may be involved in other areas today, not just Gary Matthews Jr.  Speculation also indicates that Luis Castillo may or may not be involved in the trade. 

Basically, people in baseball feel there is more to come.  Either some sort of three team deal with the Matthews trade the beginning, or a separate trade as a domino effect, or simply a signing like O Hudson.  As soon as I know something, you will too!

Mets doing something?

According to Matt Cerrone's Facebook, the Mets may be in the works for something soon. Totally stealing Matt's thunder here, but he knows what's up quite often. Let's see where this goes.

Controversy over Beltran's surgery and Mets involvement

It is being reported that at least some of the following may be accurate.  Joel Sherman hears that the Mets are in contact with the Commissioner's Office regarding taking action against Beltran for going against the Mets.  However, he goes on to say that fines, etc. are unlikely given the fact that the Mets were kept abreast of the medical reports by Beltran's doctor and that Dr. Steadman is a leader in the surgical field on athletes.

At some point during the middle of the off season, when Beltran began to step his work outs up, he began to feel discomfort again.  Consequently, he was seen by Mets doctors and they did not feel he needed surgery.  Beltran then consulted and was reviewed by his own doctors.  This medical team disagreed with Met doctors.  Beltran apparently went ahead with surgery with his own team and the Mets were not aware of the procedure until very late before or during the operation itself.

Anyway you look at this, it sucks.  Beltran and the Mets in conflict.  Not good.  Beltran out until whenever?  Not good.  Starting out the season with this turmoil.  Not Good

Beltran has knee surgery, out for eight weeks, season start in jeopardy

All industry sources seem to have a little different take on this situation.  The most concrete sense I have gotten thus far is from Jon Heyman, scope on the knee, out eight weeks, and he may miss the beginning of the season.

Joel Sherman, Steve Popper, Kevin Burkhardt all seem to have bits of information with no confirmations.  Right now, nothing is certain, but I tend to believe Heyman.  He is a good source of info, doesn't usually jump the gun, and his statements are usually solid.

So, what now?  Beltran needing another surgery suggests the first did not go well.  How he responds this time will determine his road for recovery.  He could conceivably be back in eight weeks, but do you start a 162 game season coming back from surgery so fast?  I would hope he takes it easy and makes sure everything is good before getting game speed.  He plays a physically demanding position and plays everyday. 

See you in May Carlos, great start a few weeks before Spring Training.

Reports say Mets may be making moves tonight?

Matt Cerrone is sharing on Facebook that it may be an interesting night, so stay tuned.  Well Matt, I will not be sleeping now, thanks.  It is a very cryptic message and I am not sure what it means.  If I had to take a guess, maybe a Pineiro signing or a trade.  I have to say it sounds way to interesting to simply be a fat Molina signing.  

I have checked around and do not see anything imminent on any other front except for Cerrone's so all is quiet as of now.  If anything pops up, I will send out what I know and fill in details afterwards.

Jason Bay passes physical, news coference set for Tuesday 11am

According to Brad Como at SNY, Jason Bay has passed his physical and will be introduced at a news conference tomorrow, Tuesday, at 11am.

Now that its a done deal Omar, how about some pitching. 

News Update!! Pending his physical, Jason Bay will be a Met early next week

According to Mike Francesa, the Mets will have Jason Bay signed by early next week, maybe Monday.  He reports that the two sides have a deal in place, they are just finalizing medical info.  He says, "It looks like Jason Bay will be in Left Field for the Mets next season."

Also in the report, Francesa says that the Mets and Bengie Molina remain far apart on a contract.  Thank god.

Mets take Carlos Monasterios in Rule 5 draft, sell him to Dodgers

The Mets have selected Carlos Monasterios with their pick in the Rule 5 draft this morning and promptly sold him to the Dodgers.  The right hander was originally with the Yankees and sent to the Phillies in the Bobby Abreu deal.  He has been known for the strikeout and up until the last 2 years, his command.  However, that has fallen off a bit.  This is just one of those low on the radar deals, perhaps to help out the Dodgers for a favor, or return of favor in the future.  How much money changed hands in the deal is not known, insignificant though I am sure.  I am glad the Mets took him from the Phillies and I hope they are pissed about it.

Jose Reyes on the FAN next Thursday

Matt Cerrone mentions that next Thursday, Jose Reyes will be in the WFAN studio for an hour to discuss where he is at and how the recovery is going.  Along with Cerrone, I am truly excited about this.  It feels like Reyes has been out of of baseball forever.  This is good for Mets fans to reconnect with him and generate a little buzz about the hopes for next season.

In truth, I expect to watch every game that Reyes plays from now on with a little "oh no," in my head.  I love his triples, but I hope they are all stand up variety.  I fear him running all outbecause of his history of leg issues.  That said, I cannot wait to see him batting lead off again in 2010.  I can hear the Jose Jose Jose chant already.