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Mets expected to make offers soon
BY DAVID LENNON | david.lennon@newsday.com
November 17, 2008(CLICK HERE)

The Mets are expected to make contract offers to closers Brian Fuentes and Francisco Rodriguez this week.

The Mets’ true offseason strategy will reveal itself this week when general manager Omar Minaya finally extends offers to his top free-agent targets. A person familiar with the situation did not specify which day Minaya will deliver the numbers to Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes. He also could make an offer to starting pitchers such as Derek Lowe.

That represents a significant step, considering that the Mets have talked about a number of different options - including a trade for the White Sox’s Bobby Jenks - in order to fill their vacant closer slot. But now that Minaya is ready to talk years and dollars, it appears that his preference is to see where the free-agent market goes first.

The Mets’ plan will be much different from what the Yankees did Friday in making an offer to CC Sabathia that is said to be for six years and about $140 million. Expect Minaya to start small and work his way up the ladder in a negotiating process that should extend into the winter meetings, which begin Dec. 8 in Las Vegas.

Ideally, Minaya would prefer no longer than a three-year deal for K-Rod or Fuentes, and it’s realistic to think that the first to agree to that length could become the Mets’ closer. Rodriguez’s agent, Paul Kinzer, hinted at a five-year contract for his client, but four is more likely and three is a possibility, depending on the market.

What do you expect from the Mets when free agency begins? A huge splash and a big name closer (K-Rod?) They’ll make a trade and maybe one or two bullpen signings They’ll make some additions to the bullpen, but not much else They’ll try to go with cheap options and hope for the best

The Mets already have suggested that K-Rod, despite the best resume among the candidates, is not a slam-dunk to anchor their bullpen. But it’s difficult to determine if their reservations about Rodriguez - floated publicly as concerns - are legit or merely a negotiating ploy to get him at their price.

The money, it seems, is not nearly as important to the Mets as the number of years. They learned their lesson with Billy Wagner, who will collect $10.5 million on the DL next year - the final season of his four-year, $43-million contract - because of Tommy John surgery.

Mets annoyed by K-Rod rumors
Monday, November 17, 2008
BY STEVE POPPER
STAFF WRITER(CLICK HERE)

While the Mets are accustomed to finding their name linked to high-priced free agents, Sunday night they just sounded frustrated and already worn out as a story surfaced on ESPN radio and in a Spanish language newspaper that Francisco Rodriguez was taking a physical in anticipation of signing with the Mets.

“It’s totally false,” a person close to the situation said. “There is nothing to it at all.”

The rumor may not have been true this time, but the Mets figure to be at the center of every story on a closer this winter until they actually pull the trigger and obtain one.

The Mets have made contact already with the agents for Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, the top two choices on their wish list.

But one Mets’ official said this week that the decision might not come quickly.

The market actually has played into the Mets’ hands already with those two free agents joined by Kerry Wood, who is departing the Chicago Cubs, and Trevor Hoffman, who has parted ways with the San Diego Padres.

A closer is the priority for the Mets this winter with Billy Wagner expected to be sidelined for the entire season and the patchwork assortment of fill-ins from 2008 not inspiring confidence.

In addition to scouring the free agent market, the Mets have been searching through trade possibilities, inquiring into the availability of White Sox closer Bobby Jenks and the Colorado Rockies’ Huston Street, who was just obtained from the Oakland A’s.

Here’s five trade proposals that are both reasonable and potentially beneficial to the teams involved.

#1) Jake Peavy for Fernando Martinez, Eddie Kuntz, and Johnathan Neise. I believe this trade could work, but wouldn’t pull the trigger unless San Diego takes Scott Shoenweiss off our hands, or includes a mid-level prospect in the trade.

#2) Jose Guillen for Luis Castillo + $7.75 million with the cash to be paid over the next 2 years.

Kansas City is going to lose their second-basemen (Mark Grudzelanic) to free agency and is looking to dump Jose Guillen and his 18 million dollar contract. If KC can get some production out of Luis and trade him at the 2009, or 2010 deadline they could potentially save upwards of 16 million dollars, fill a gap in their roster, and spend money elsewhere. Although The Mets don’t really need another outfielder, the acquisition of Guillen would strengthen our outfield defense(not to say that Jose is a stud defender but Jerry wouldn’t have to hold his breath every time the ball is hit to him), as well as, allow Jerry to utilize both Tatis and Murphy in the infield as needed.

#3) Shoenweiss + 67% of his contract paid for a bag of baseballs, a rosin bag, and two fresh donuts.

#4) Brian Schneider with his contract fully paid, and a prospect for AJ Pierzenski.

#5) for Roy Halliday straight up. Roll the dice baby. Oh craps or a ticker tape parade and that’s a coin flip.

The fact that we have Daniel Murphy and no real good spot to play him is the method behind this madness. Kill two birds with one stone or take a major step back. Is it worth the risk? Quite frankly I don’t give a damn, just get her done now you hear.

With plenty of good free agents out there Omar isn’t behind the 8-ball yet, the very LaSt pLaCe he can afford to find himself.

November 16, Chicago Tribune. CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

Braves out of Peavy bidding, but Cubs not in driver’s seat

“Atlanta’s decision to drop out of the bidding for Jake Peavy could be an opening for the Cubs to swoop in and make a deal, putting the onus on Ryan Dempster to re-sign quickly if he really wants to stay in Chicago. But the Cubs’ original offer for Peavy wasn’t good enough for San Diego to consider seriously, and a deal still appears unlikely. “Chicago didn’t give us any deadline,” Padres general manager Kevin Towers told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I imagine we’ll continue to talk, but it’s definitely going to take a third team to get something done there.” Dempster remains general manager Jim Hendry’s No. 1 priority, though the Cubs appear unwilling to increase their offer to five …”
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November 16, San Diego Union-Tribune. CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

Peavy update

“Jake Peavy was in Puerto Rico last week with Hoffman, Young and several other ballplayer friends, including the Brewers’ Ryan Braun and the Yankees’ Derek Jeter. Another friend called Peavy to ask if he had heard that Peavy soon might be dealt to the Braves. Peavy’s response left one person present to conclude that Peavy, whose consent is needed for a trade, will not be going to Atlanta anytime soon, even if the Padres and Braves were to agree to a trade. “I think he wants to go to Chicago,” the friend said. Former Cubs stars Rick Sutcliffe and Mark Grace are friends of Peavy who speak fondly of their experiences with the Cubs. One potential holdup to trading Peavy to the Cubs is …”
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November 16, MLB.com. CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

Tigers not actively shopping Ordonez

“While the Tigers noted increased trade talks in recent days as baseball’s free agency hunt heats up, their stance on their most speculated trade target remains the same. “We’re not looking to trade Magglio [Ordonez],” team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said. That isn’t to say Ordonez is untouchable, Dombrowski cautioned, but he isn’t being shopped. To that point, Dombrowski discussed the subject again Friday, when he spoke about the team’s ticket prices on the upcoming season. “This kind of became a runaway train, to me,” Dombrowski said. The issue is a touchy one in the Detroit area, where Ordonez and the long locks on his head have become one of the most recognizable sights …”
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November 16, Seattle Times. CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

Getting to roots of Mariners manager hopefuls

“About 650 men have held managing jobs in the major leagues in the past 137 years, but none of them is among the first round of seven candidates for the Mariners’ vacancy. And yet each of those candidates, for all his top-level dugout inexperience, carries with him threads of the game’s history, and echoes of some of the titans of the lineup card. Call it Six Degrees of Casey Stengel. In fact, it was the Old Professor himself who once said, “If you’re playing baseball and thinking about managing, you’re crazy. You’d be better off thinking about being an owner.” Odd words from someone who managed for 25 years, with tremendous success (until he joined the Mets, anyway). Believe it or not, the …”
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November 16, Houston Chronicle. CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

Can’t get Manny? Here’s next best thing

“We know the top-tier free agents: Mark Teixeira, Manny Rammrez, CC Sabathia, Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett, Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Rafael Furcal. But there are many teams looking to score with players on a lower level, where there may be some risk but also better value. Based on conversations with scouts and baseball executives, here are the next-best things, more affordable than the big stars: 1. Raul Ibanez, OF/DH. He was mentioned often by our panel as a hitter who could really help several teams, notably the Mets or Cubs, who have made a lefthanded bat a top priority. Ibanez, according to one of our guys, “brings a winning attitude, even though he played in such a tough place …”

This hot stove report is from the MLB Trade Rumors section of prosportsdaily.com click here for more

Battle for CC Sabathia turns into turf war between Yankees and Mets

November 15, New York Daily News

“The latest Subway Series tussle could be over none other than CC Sabathia, the Daily News has learned, as the Mets Thursday apparently joined the Yankees in pursuit of baseball’s biggest free agent prize. A high-placed Yankee source Thursday reacted to the development by saying: “The Mets are in it? Great. Bring it on.” The Yankees are plotting a quick-strike offer to Sabathia that would meet or exceed the $137.5 million for six years that Johan Santana received from the Mets last winter. Meanwhile, Omar Minaya was dicussing a trade for a pitcher with a GM but said he would first have to see how Sabathia’s free agency was progressing, a baseball executive said. A Mets official …”

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Door’s not closed for Francisco Rodriguez
November 15, Los Angeles Times

“Though Angels owner Arte Moreno said this week that “it’s time to turn the page” on negotiations for Francisco Rodriguez, both General Manager Tony Reagins and the record-setting closer’s agent said the door remained open for a possible return to Anaheim. “There are scenarios where we’d consider bringing Frankie back and scenarios that do not include Frankie,” Reagins said. “Nothing has changed from what we’ve discussed with him.” Rodriguez, who set a major league record with 62 saves this season, is seeking a four- or five-year deal worth about $15 million a year, but the Angels have targeted free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira as their top priority. Reagins said they had not yet made …”
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Cubs interested in Randy Johnson
November 15, Chicago Tribune

“Could the Cubs wave goodbye to one power pitcher and say hello to another? One day after severing ties with closer Kerry Wood, the Cubs began exploring Friday the possibility of signing left-hander Randy Johnson to a one-year deal. General manager Jim Hendry still hopes to re-sign Ryan Dempster, but he’s moving ahead with contingency plans in case Dempster leaves. The Cubs are said to have offered a four-year deal in the $50 million range, but Toronto, Atlanta and at least two other teams are looking at the veteran right-hander. Johnson’s agent, Alan Nero, told the Tribune on Friday that Johnson “would seem to be a perfect fit” for the Cubs. “First, there is the Lou factor,” he said, …”

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Mets open their search for new closer
November 15, New York Daily News

“The Mets officially began shopping for a closer Friday, touching base with the agents for Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes on the first day of free agency, but they apparently are in no hurry to buy. One person familiar with the team’s strategy said Friday the Mets were “not going to attack right away,” as they want to see how the market develops in the coming days before making an offer of any kind. The same person confirmed speculation that the Mets are targeting either K-Rod or Fuentes and would be happy to sign either one, depending on the price. Although they have talked to the White Sox about a possible trade for Bobby Jenks, the source Friday said the Mets would rather go the …”
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Moyer, Burrell fronts quiet as Phillies mull free-agent arms
November 15, Philadelphia Daily News

“What a difference a World Series makes. Last year, the Phillies faced a pivotal offseason knowing they needed to make significant upgrades in the bullpen and rotation to have a shot at contending. Yesterday, as the free-agent signing period opened, they were still thinking pitching first. But the word of the day was augmentation, not renovation.”We have different needs,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.Tops on their wish list is an arm or two who can bolster a bullpen that finished 2008 among the best in the majors. While righthander Ryan Madson pitched well in the postseason in a setup role, they have not ruled out the possibility of signing a veteran arm capable of replacing righthander …”

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Giants in talks about top free agents
November 15, San Francisco Chronicle

“The Giants were not prepared to say whether they submitted any formal offers on opening day of the free-agent shopping season Friday, but an official acknowledged the team has made contact with agent Scott Boras, who represents top-hitting free agents Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez. “We’ve maintained contact with all of the top free agents to some degree with the understanding that we’re willing to go after the best talent we can,” director of player personnel Bobby Evans said. The Giants had spoken to pitcher CC Sabathia’s representatives but as of Tuesday had not talked to Boras. That has changed. Teixeira or Sabathia would represent great long-term solutions for the Giants at first …”
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Mets won’t battle Yankees for Sabathia
November 15, Newsday

“The Mets were content to watch Friday from their Citi Field offices as the Yankees made good on their promise of a shock-and-awe first offer to free agent CC Sabathia. With a starting point of six years and roughly $140 million, the Steinbrenners need not worry about any competition from Flushing on this one. A person familiar with the situation said Friday that the Mets will not be involved in the bidding war for Sabathia, whose preliminary offer already has broken the record set last February by Johan Santana’s six-year, $137.5-million contract. It’s not that the Mets don’t like Sabathia. Who wouldn’t? And his stated preference to pitch in the National League would seem to favor them. …”
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Braves shift sights toward Burnett
November 15, Toronto Star

“With Atlanta trade talks fizzling out for San Diego Padre ace Jake Peavy, the Braves have decided to move elsewhere in pursuit of starting pitching. Now one of their primary targets, along with Derek Lowe and Ryan Dempster, is one-time, maybe one-time again, Blue Jays right-hander A.J. Burnett. As of early last night, Burnett’s agent, Darek Brauneker, had only preliminary talks with the Braves but he pointed out that the pitcher certainly considers Atlanta to be a possible fit and was never limiting his options to teams closer to his home in Maryland.”
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Sources: Pads, Yanks had ‘numerous’ Peavy talks
November 15, Foxsports.com

“The Yankees’ Brian Cashman and Padres’ Kevin Towers discussed Padres right-hander Jake Peavy at the general managers’ meetings earlier this month in Dana Point, Calif. “Right now, I need to stay focused with National League clubs,” Towers told Cashman. “If I’m not able to get close with any of them, I’ll circle back to you.” Well, Towers is officially circling, and the Yankees remain interested in Peavy, despite their apparent plan to buy every top free-agent pitcher by the end of the weekend. The teams already have had “numerous discussions” about Peavy, according to a major-league source. A Peavy trade, however, would be more complicated for the Yankees than it would be for his preferred …”
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Yanks Make First Pitch To Sabathia
November 14, New York Post

“The Yankees officially began the work today to assemble their dream rotation of CC Sabathia, Derek Lowe or A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain and Andy Pettitte. As the Post reported Thursday, the Yanks skipped the appetizers and moved straight to the main course with Sabathia and offered the largest pitching package in history as an opening strike to land their No. 1 target. No Yankees official would firmly define the bid, but sources said it was for more than the $137.5 million over six years that the Mets gave last year to Johan Santana.”

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Yankees will offer CC, Burnett, Lowe
November 14, SI.com

“The Yankees will make an offer to exceed Johan Santana’s $137.5-million contract today to top target CC Sabathia and closely follow that bold first strike with proposals within the next day or two to two more star free-agent pitchers, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe, SI.com has learned. The Yankees’ aggressive three-pronged free agent pitching approach puts them in position to dominate the free-agent market. The three offers together are expected to total in the $250 million range. The Yankees are hoping to blow away the field for Sabathia, who prefers to play in California if all things are equal, then fashion the rest of their rotation from a very strong free-agent market for pitchers. The …”

Despite all the BiG HiTs Aaron Heilman has surrendered since game 7 of the 2006 NLCS he’s still Mets Property. With nasty movement on his fastball, and a above average change why have his results left so much to be desired.

#1) Over a 450 game span, Aaron logged more innings than any other reliever which hampered his command, hammered his stats, and oblidererated his confidence.

#2) After watching countless hours of film megamets noticed that Aaron’s movement on his fastball is breaking to early and it moves right into the wheelhouse of both lefties and righties. If Aaron started his fastball more in the center of the plate to lefties than he would be getting swing’s and misses on balls that eventually would dart outside. With the righties he should either try to bury it inside and belt high or paint black on the outside corner.

#3) Aaron Heilman had been predominately a starting pitcher throughout his career, with his best outings being in his last 10-15 starts, and it is no secret that Aaron desperately wants to start as he’s much more comfortable in that role. From an organizational standpoint it makes sense to start Heilman, because with as much as Aaron has to prove, his fierce competitiveness and a potentially big pay day in his near future, Aaron just may come up Aces.

With all that said The New York Mets can’t count on Aaron because of his track record alone, but spring training games don’t really count so that’s where Omar can take 1-more look at the former first round draftpick and decide whether or not there’s a spot for Aaron on the team.

Personally I’d give him one more chance in either long relief/spot starting or the 5th spot in the rotation, depending on how he performs this spring. Obviously you need somebody like Neise, Parnell, or a guy like Paul Byrd waiting in the wings as an insurance policy if Omar does decide to give Aaron the 5th spot.

Absolutely not: Never want to see Aaron in a set up role as a Met ever again. Not to say he’s incapable but we’ve been there and done that and it’s clearly time to turn the page on Aaron being a set-up guy in the Mets bullpen.

2009 Top 50 Free Agents
By Tim Dierkes posted November 3, 2008 at 2:00pm CST.

It’s time for the third annual MLB Trade Rumors Top 50 Free Agents list! The entire list of available free agents can be found here.

A note before we begin - this is a complicated puzzle, and I’ll be satisfied if I’m correct on a quarter of these guesses. If your favorite team seems under-represented, keep in mind that the list doesn’t account for trades or every single free agent.

1. C.C. Sabathia - Yankees. The guess here is that the Yankees will make C.C. an offer he can’t refuse, and he’ll sign a seven-year deal. Sabathia is the key to the Yankees’ offseason.

2. Mark Teixeira - Angels. The Angels can probably afford one of Sabathia, Teixeira, and K-Rod. They need Tex the most.

3. Manny Ramirez - Dodgers. I think Manny will ultimately sign a deal in the four-year, $100MM range.

4. Francisco Rodriguez - Mets. The buzz at the time of this writing is that the Mets will pass on K-Rod and look to sign Fuentes. However, there aren’t many big-money teams with closer vacancies, and I can see Rodriguez’s price dipping down to the four-year, $56MM range.

5. A.J. Burnett - Orioles. I am uneasy about this prediction. We know Burnett would like to play there, but will the O’s even enter the bidding? They do need starting pitching badly, and theoretically Burnett will still be effective when they are ready to contend.

6. Derek Lowe - Yankees. This would set up a rotation of Sabathia/Wang/Lowe/Pettitte/Chamberlain. Very solid on paper.

7. Orlando Hudson - Cardinals. Hudson, the top free agent second baseman, would be a large upgrade over Adam Kennedy.

8. Adam Dunn - Nationals. The Nats attempted to make a free agent splash last year with Torii Hunter. They’re known to be looking for a cleanup hitter.

9. Ryan Dempster - Cubs. Seems to be Jim Hendry’s top offseason priority. The two have a strong relationship, but Dempster may still score a competitive four-year contract. It should be noted that Hendry has a strong record of keeping his own free agents when he wants to, despite much hand-wringing leading up to each signing.

10. Ben Sheets - Braves. Under this scenario, the Braves are unable to land Jake Peavy via trade. Sheets is one of many possible free agent pitchers the Braves may consider. The Red Sox or Dodgers could be other suitors.

11. Mike Mussina - Retirement. I will go with the media sentiment that Moose is set to retire despite such a strong 2008.

12. Raul Ibanez - Braves. Even after bringing in two starters, they’ll have money left over for left field.

13. Pat Burrell - Rays. Burrell belongs in the AL, and the Rays have an open DH spot and the need for a righthanded hitter.

14. Bobby Abreu - Cubs. His defense isn’t a perfect fit at Wrigley, but they do crave a left-handed middle of the order bat. Fitting his salary in could be tricky.

15. Brian Fuentes - Brewers. If C.C. signs elsewhere, the Brewers will be able to spread their cash to fill various needs.

16. Andy Pettitte - Yankees. Once again, it’s Yankees or retirement for Pettitte.

17. Rafael Furcal - Dodgers. The interest is mutual. Furcal is the top free agent shortstop.

18. Casey Blake - Twins. If the Twins don’t like the asking prices for Garrett Atkins and Adrian Beltre, Blake may be the best third baseman on the free agent market.

19. Milton Bradley - Blue Jays. The buzz is that the Jays will take a look at Giambi, but Bradley is a nice fit as well at DH.

20. Jason Giambi - Athletics. The A’s are looking for a power hitter on a short-term deal, so a reunion makes sense.

21. Orlando Cabrera - Twins. Completing the Twins’ new-look infield. Blake and Cabrera should be capable of league-average production.

22. Jamie Moyer - Phillies. The seventh-best free agent starter, based on 2008 numbers. The Phils may look to add an additional starter for depth.

23. Kerry Wood - Cubs. A longtime Cub with a strong relationship with Hendry. Moving Marmol to the closer role would weaken the Cubs’ pen overall, so they’ll try to hammer something out.

24. Kenshin Kawakami - Red Sox. Signing Kawakami for the rotation would allow the Sox to keep Masterson in the pen and let Bowden and Buchholz come along at their own pace.

25. Randy Johnson - Angels. An improvement on Garland, and they get the bonus of his 300th win.

26. Oliver Perez - Dodgers. One possible fit for Perez, who is just 27 years old. There is a strong San Diego connection, but you have to figure money will get in the way (Perez is represented by Scott Boras).

27. Randy Wolf - Astros. Ed Wade has long been a fan of Wolf, and hopes to re-sign him. There won’t be much money left over after that.

28. Mark Grudzielanek - Indians. Grudz only makes sense here if the Indians miss out on bigger infield targets and shift Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera.

29. Ray Durham - Diamondbacks. The D’Backs figure to add one of the veteran second basemen on a short-term deal.

30. John Smoltz - Braves. I see no reason Smoltz would leave after all these years.

31. Ivan Rodriguez - Mets. Omar Minaya seems to be a fan, and Pudge may provide an upgrade behind the plate on a one-year deal.

32. Freddy Garcia - Indians. Not sure if he’ll sign for one year, but Garcia could stabilize a shaky rotation.

33. Trevor Hoffman - Padres. Can you picture him playing anywhere else?

34. Brad Penny - Blue Jays. Not that the Jays need more injury risk, but they’ve been connected to Penny in trade talks before.

35. Jeremy Affeldt - Indians. Affeldt could be a creative closer candidate for the Tribe. He may jump at the opportunity to pitch the ninth inning.

36. Jon Garland - Brewers. If Sabathia and Sheets leave, Garland can step in to eat some innings.

37. Paul Byrd - Pirates. The Pirates are said to want to add a veteran starter to the rotation. Neal Huntington knows Byrd from his Cleveland days.

38. Braden Looper - Giants. If Jonathan Sanchez is traded for a power hitter, the Giants might want a veteran to soak up innings.

39. Edgar Renteria - Cardinals. The American League hasn’t worked out for Renteria. If he’ll take a one-year deal, the Cardinals could bring him back. Pairing him with a (hopefully) strong defender like Hudson could work.

40. Joe Crede - Dodgers. If Crede can get past back problems, he might be a bargain on a one-year deal.

41. Koji Uehara - Royals. The Royals were interested in Hiroki Kuroda last year. Maybe they’ll add some rotation depth with Uehara.

42. Nick Punto - Rays. Cork Gaines suggested this idea to me. Seems feasible, unless Punto craves a starting job.

43. Damaso Marte - Cardinals. I thought the Yanks would exercise his $6MM option, but a recent report indicated otherwise. The Cardinals appear willing to spend some coin on a lefty reliever.

44. Juan Cruz - Tigers. A dark horse closing candidate, if he can improve his control. The Tigers don’t have much money to work with this winter.

45. Mark Kotsay - Reds. Kotsay can step in at center field for a year to allow younger players to come along.

46. Jason Varitek - Red Sox. Tek may find that no team is willing to give him an acceptable multiyear deal.

47. Garret Anderson - Angels. The Halos will decline his $14MM option, but may look to bring him back at a lower salary.

48. Odalis Perez - Nationals. They need a veteran to eat innings, and Perez is as good as any. If he demands multiple years, the Nats may choose to move on.

49. Felipe Lopez - Orioles. Lopez mashed with the Cards, though it was a short stint. If Scott Boras doesn’t get crazy over those 169 plate appearances, the Orioles could give him a shot on a one-year deal.

50. Jim Edmonds - Mariners. On a one-year deal, Edmonds could play center or DH against righthanders.

megamets commentary: I’d roll the dice and overpay for Wood and Smoltz (shorterm obviously) and aggressively pursue Brian Fuentes, Jamie Moyer, Randy Johnson, Randy Wolf, Trevor Hoffman, Brad Penny, Jeremy Affeldt, Paul Byrd, Braden Looper, Juan Cruz. “You can’t have enough good pitching” being the theory behind the thought process.

Mets won’t battle Yankees for Sabathia
BY DAVID LENNON | david.lennon@newsday.com
November 15, 2008

The Mets were content to watch Friday from their Citi Field offices as the Yankees made good on their promise of a shock-and-awe first offer to free agent CC Sabathia.

With a starting point of six years and roughly $140 million, the Steinbrenners need not worry about any competition from Flushing on this one. A person familiar with the situation said Friday that the Mets will not be involved in the bidding war for Sabathia, whose preliminary offer already has broken the record set last February by Johan Santana’s six-year, $137.5-million contract.

It’s not that the Mets don’t like Sabathia. Who wouldn’t? And his stated preference to pitch in the National League would seem to favor them. But the Mets do not have an operating budget of infinity for this offseason, and having one pitcher at the very top of the pay scale is enough for now. Plus, they have their spending cash targeted for other needs, specifically a closer.

To that end, the Mets did not make any offers Friday, the first day teams were allowed to do so, because there’s no rush to sign what they’re looking for. The agents for Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes know the Mets would trump any competing offer for the pitcher they want.

What do you expect from the Mets when free agency begins? A huge splash and a big name closer (K-Rod?) They’ll make a trade and maybe one or two bullpen signings They’ll make some additions to the bullpen, but not much else They’ll try to go with cheap options and hope for the best

Though general manager Omar Minaya is not reluctant to act quickly for his top choices, in this case, he’s better off waiting to see where the market goes. With a glut of closers available, that could force the prices to drop. Aside from K-Rod and Fuentes, the Padres have cut ties with Trevor Hoffman and the Cubs with Kerry Wood.

Neither Hoffman nor Wood seems like a great fit for the Mets, but they also have discussed potential trades for the White Sox’s Bobby Jenks and, to a lesser extent, the Rockies’ Huston Street. At this stage, however, K-Rod and Fuentes remain at the top of the list, though it is difficult to determine who is 1-A and 1-B.

Another person familiar with the club’s thinking indicated that the Mets are not completely sold on K-Rod, but that could have more to do with the agent’s early talk of a five-year deal. With injured closer Billy Wagner still collecting $10.5 million this season as he rehabs from elbow surgery and the Mets’ reluctance to go long-term on pitchers, they’d happily sign Rodriguez to a three-year deal and increase the annual salary to make it more palatable for him.

megamets commentary: You can’t have enough good pitching, so if The Mets do find themselves with an excess of good arms they’ll easily be tradeable mid-season for above market value.

If The Mets fail to sign one or more of the following big-money guys (Sabathia, Lowe, Rodriguez, Burnett, Dempster, Sheets) then Omar needs to sign approximately 4 to 6 of the following pitchers including at-least 3 with an asterisk next to their name in order to field a team worthy of contending for a championship.

*Brian Fuentes, Jamie Moyer, *Kerry Wood, *Randy Johnson, *John Smoltz, *Randy Wolf, Trevor Hoffman, Brad Penny, Jeremy Affeldt, Paul Byrd, Braden Looper, *Juan Cruz.

Here’s a couple scenario’s that will seriously bolster our staff.

#1) Sign Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood, John Smoltz, Randy Wolf, Juan Cruz.

This would give the Mets a rotation of Santana/Smoltz/Pelfrey/Wolf/Maine.

Bullpen: Wood/Fuentes/Cruz/Parnell/Kuntz/Feliciano

#2) Sign Fuentes/Wood/Hoffman/Cruz/Wolf/Byrd

This would give the Mets a rotation of Santana/Pelfrey/Wolf/Maine/Byrd.

Bullpen: Wood/Fuentes/Hoffman/Cruz/Parnell or Kuntz/Feliciano

#3) Sign Brian Fuentes, Juan Cruz, Randy Johnson, Paul Byrd, Randy Wolf.

This would give the Mets a rotation of Santana/Pelfrey/Johnson/Wolf/Byrd.

Bullpen: Fuentes/Maine/Cruz/Parnell/Kuntz/Feliciano

megamets will be releasing ten teams over the next month. The proposed team will include 1-2 trades and include 5+ free agents. We will keep it as realistic as possible with the assumption that a 155 million dollar payroll is feasible. Expect this team to be the weakest and the 10th team to be the strongest, with just a little tweek in between.

LINEUP:
1–LF, Eric Burns
2–SS, Jose Reyes
3–CF, Carlos Beltran
4–1B, Carlos Delgado
5–3B, David Wright
6–2B, Daniel Murphy
7–RF, Fernando Tatis
8–C, Ramon Castro

BENCH: 1) Chavez 2) Easley 3) Church 4) Schneider 5) A. Reyes

ROTATION: 1) Santana 2) Sabathia 3) Smoltz 4) Pelfrey 5) Wolf Spot Starter) Neise

BULLPEN: 1) CLOSER-Maine 2) Fuentes 3) Juan Cruz 4) A. Rhodes 5) Bobby Parnell 6) Eddie Kuntz 7) LONG RELIEF-Brian Stokes

Trade Proposal: Since Arizona is going to lose 2B, Orlando Hudson, and is looking to dump Eric Burns’ 22 million dollar contract, I think we should offer Castillo + 12 million to Arizona for Burns. I do not think that Castillo is a cancer in the clubhouse yet and feel sorry for the fact that he gets booed and blamed for practically everything including issues and problems that Luis is clearly not responsible for. However, if Luis replicates anything resembling last year I think he will become a cancer in the clubhouse even if he does work hard and have a good attitude. I believe that the proposed trade could easily be made and benefit both teams. Omar may have to sweeten the pot a bit, but oh well you can’t win em all.

The acquisition of Burns would allow New York to drop Jose and his 72 XBH to the 2-spot effectively strengthening the core, but more importantly it will take pressure of Jose as his numbers will compile faster and more furiously than ever before.

The Above team should include another starter like Paul Bird, and another reliever like Jason Johnson(as insurance) with roles to be defined as needed and considering both Parnell and Kuntz have options available finding a spot for them will be easy.

Options: megamets would like to see Joe Smith revert back to his Quisenburry like delivery, as he was more effective before Rick Peterson felt the need to change his mechanics.

Here’s a potential team, with options, the Mets could field next year.

LINEUP: 1) Orlando Hudson/Rafeal Furcal 2) Reyes 3) Beltran
4) Delgado 5) Wright 6) Murphy 7) Church .8) Castro/Schneider

BENCH: 1) Chavez 2) Easley 3) Tatis 4) Evans

ROTATION: 1) Santana 2) Sabathia/Perez/Smoltz/Burnett/Pelfrey
3) Pelfrey/Jennings/Lowe 4) Maine/Wolf/Moyer/Garland 5) Neise/Bird/Martinez

BULLPEN: 1) K-Rod/Maine 2) Fuentes/Affeldt/Rhodes 3) Maine/Juan Cruz/J. Johnson/Lyon 4) Parnell/Kuntz/Smith 5)Ayala/Stokes/ 5) Feliciano/W. Ohman

Trade Propasal: Since Arizona is going to lose 2B Orlando Hudson, and is looking to dump Eric Burns, I think we should offer Castillo + 10 million and Ryan Church for Eric Burns.

Now that Manuel is locked up, it’s time to put together a new team. Here’s the List Omar has to work with, what would you do?

2009 Free Agents
Catchers
Brad Ausmus (40)
Paul Bako (37)
Rod Barajas (33) - $2.5MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Michael Barrett (32)
Henry Blanco (37) - $3MM mutual option for ‘09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Johnny Estrada (33)
Toby Hall (33) - $2.25MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Jason LaRue (35)
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM mutual option for ‘09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Mike Redmond (38) - $0.95MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Javier Valentin (33)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)

First basemen
Rich Aurilia (37)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (37)
Carlos Delgado (37) - $12MM club option for ‘09 with a $4MM buyout
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for ‘09 with a $5MM buyout
Wes Helms (33) - $3.75MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.75MM buyout
Eric Hinske (31)
Doug Mientkiewicz (35)
Kevin Millar (37)
Richie Sexson (34)
Mark Teixeira (29)
Daryle Ward (34)

Second basemen
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Jamey Carroll (35) - $2.5MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Craig Counsell (38)
Ray Durham (37)
Damion Easley (39)
David Eckstein (34)
Mark Ellis (32)
Mark Grudzielanek (39)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Orlando Hudson (31)
Tadahito Iguchi (34)
Jeff Kent (41)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Mark Loretta (37)
Nick Punto (31)

Shortstops
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Orlando Cabrera (34)
Alex Cintron (30)
Alex Cora (33)
Craig Counsell (38)
David Eckstein (34)
Adam Everett (32)
Rafael Furcal (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Cesar Izturis (29)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Edgar Renteria (33)
Juan Uribe (30)
Ramon Vazquez (32)
Omar Vizquel (42) - $5.2MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.3MM buyout

Third basemen
Rich Aurilia (37)
Casey Blake (35)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Aaron Boone (36)
Russell Branyan (33)
Craig Counsell (38)
Joe Crede (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Wes Helms (33) - $3.75MM club option for ‘09
Mark Loretta (37)
Fernando Tatis (34)
Ramon Vazquez (32)

Left fielders
Moises Alou (42)
Garret Anderson (37) - $14MM club option for ‘09 with a $3MM buyout
Milton Bradley (31)
Emil Brown (34)
Pat Burrell (32)
Carl Crawford (27) - $8.25MM club option for ‘09 with a $2.5MM buyout
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Luis Gonzalez (41)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Raul Ibanez (37)
Gabe Kapler (33)
Kevin Mench (31)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for ‘09
Craig Monroe (32)
Greg Norton (36)
Jay Payton (36)
Wily Mo Pena (27) - $5MM club option or $2MM player option for ‘09
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Fernando Tatis (34)

Center fielders
Rocco Baldelli (27)
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Mike Cameron (36) - $10MM club option for ‘09 with a $750K buyout
Jim Edmonds (39)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Gabe Kapler (33)
Mark Kotsay (33)
Corey Patterson (29)
Scott Podsednik (33)

Right fielders
Bobby Abreu (35)
Casey Blake (35)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Brian Giles (38) - $9MM club option for ‘09 with a $3MM buyout
Ken Griffey Jr. (39) - $16.5MM club option for ‘09 with a $4MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for ‘09 with a $3MM buyout
Gabe Kapler (33)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for ‘09
Fernando Tatis (34)
Brad Wilkerson (32)

DHs
Milton Bradley (31)
Pat Burrell (32)
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for ‘09 with $5MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for ‘09 with a $3MM buyout
Raul Ibanez (37)
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Mike Sweeney (35)
Frank Thomas (41)
Jose Vidro (34)

Starting pitchers
Kris Benson (33)
A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after ‘08 season
Paul Byrd (38)
Roger Clemens (46)
Matt Clement (33)
Bartolo Colon (36)
Ryan Dempster (32)
Shawn Estes (36)
Josh Fogg (32)
Freddy Garcia (33)
Jon Garland (29)
Tom Glavine (43)
Mike Hampton (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Livan Hernandez (34)
Orlando Hernandez (43)
Jason Jennings (30)
Randy Johnson (45)
John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Jon Lieber (39)
Braden Looper (34)
Rodrigo Lopez (33) - club option for ‘09
Derek Lowe (36)
Greg Maddux (43)
Pedro Martinez (37)
Sergio Mitre (28)
Jamie Moyer (46)
Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for ‘09 with a $1.5MM buyout
Mike Mussina (40)
Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for ‘09 with a $1.95MM buyout
Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for ‘09 with a $2MM buyout
Odalis Perez (32)
Oliver Perez (27)
Andy Pettitte (37)
Sidney Ponson (32)
Mark Prior (27)
Kenny Rogers (44)
Glendon Rusch (34)
C.C. Sabathia (28)
Curt Schilling (42)
Ben Sheets (30)
John Smoltz (42)
Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option
Kip Wells (32)
Randy Wolf (32)

Closers
Brian Fuentes (33)
Eric Gagne (33)
Eddie Guardado (38)
Trevor Hoffman (41)
Jason Isringhausen (36)
Brandon Lyon (29)
Francisco Rodriguez (27)
Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Kerry Wood (32)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (30)
Luis Ayala (31)
Joe Beimel (32)
Joe Borowski (38)
Doug Brocail (42) - club option for ‘09
Shawn Chacon (31)
Juan Cruz (30)
Alan Embree (39) - $3MM club option for ‘09
Scott Eyre (37)
Kyle Farnsworth (33)
Casey Fossum (31)
Keith Foulke (35)
Tom Gordon (41) - $4.5MM club option for ‘09 with a $1MM buyout
LaTroy Hawkins (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Matt Herges (39) - club option for ‘09
Bob Howry (35)
Jon Lieber (39)
Jason Johnson (35)
Damaso Marte (34) - $6MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Trever Miller (36) - $2MM club option for ‘09 with a $0.4MM buyout
Guillermo Mota (35)
Will Ohman (31)
Darren Oliver (38)
Chan Ho Park (36)
Horacio Ramirez (29)
Al Reyes (38)
Dennys Reyes (32)
Arthur Rhodes (39)
Juan Rincon (30)
Glendon Rusch (34)
Rudy Seanez (40)
Brian Shouse (40)
Russ Springer (40)
Mike Timlin (43)
Ron Villone (39)
David Weathers (39)
Kip Wells (32)
Matt Wise (33)
Jamey Wright (34)