Mets nix Andruw
There's probably a better chance of Cleon Jones playing for the Mets next season than Andruw Jones.
Andruw Jones sucks!Although an ESPN report last night indicated the Mets and Dodgers were in trade discussions that could potentially make Jones the Mets' new right fielder, a person familiar with the situation said it won't happen.
Jones' name was mentioned to Mets GM Omar Minaya several weeks ago, but the discussions never intensified.
Jones, the biggest bust in baseball not named Barry Zito, is due $15 million in 2009 after batting .158 with three homers and 14 RBIs last season.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Mets hoping to get Lowe for three years
Now that Mark Teixeira has agreed to terms with the New York Yankees, the New York Mets intend to see whether they can slide Derek Lowe right behind Johan Santana in their rotation, according to the New York Times.
The Mets have had Lowe and Oliver Pérez, also represented by Scott Boras, atop their off-season wish list for starting pitching. They had feared Lowe would price himself out of their range, but the Yankees' withdrawal and the softening market have made him much more of a possibility. Lowe, who reportedly had been seeking $18 million annually and a five-year deal, may settle for three years with a vesting option. That is a much more palatable contract for the Mets.
At 35, Lowe, a right-hander, is eight years older than Pérez, a left-hander. But he has proved durable throughout his 12-year career and has been more consistent than Pérez.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Chris Carlin joins SNY Met lineup
SportsNet New York is set to debut a new Mets pre and postgame studio team in 2009.
Chris Carlin will replace Matt Yallof as host of the show. Carlin, who was a floating fixture at WFAN radio, will likely be joined by former Mets pitcher Bob Ojeda. SNY did not renew analyst Lee Mazzilli's contract, which expired at the end of last season.
Carlin's move into another prominent role at SNY was expected. After Carlin was passed over for marquee gigs at WFAN, including morning drive and the mid-day show, it was only a matter of time before he would find another permanent place to land.
The move into the Mets studio will likely not preclude him from continuing his partnership with Adam Schein on SNY's "Loud Mouths" or his role on SNY's "Beer Money." Carlin, who has ended his association with WFAN, will also continue as the radio voice of Rutgers football and basketball.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Mets introduce the Putz
J.J. Putz was honest: He would like to be closing games next season rather than setting up someone else’s saves.
Mets' pitcher J.J. Putz, center, poses for a picture with New York Mets' CEO Jeff Wilpon, left, and Mets' general manager Omar Minaya during a press conference at the new Citi Field Stadium in New York, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008. “It wasn’t the ideal situation. I really loved closing. But I’m just going to take it an inning earlier, so it’s not going to be that big of an adjustment,” Putz said Thursday. “I’m fine with the role. Like I said, bottom line, I just want to win. I hadn’t had a chance to really do that in Seattle. To come to a team that’s built to win right now, I’ll pitch in the sixth, seventh— whatever it takes to get us a championship.”
The Mets held a news conference to introduce Putz in their plush, empty clubhouse at new Citi Field, still under construction adjacent to Shea Stadium.
Before fielding questions, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound right-hander pulled on a blue cap and No. 40 jersey while posing for pictures with general manager Omar Minaya and chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon. Putz’s face was posted on video boards at Citi Field with a sign that read: “Welcome J.J.”
Few setup men receive such fanfare when joining a new team, but Putz is no average reliever. He saved 76 games for the Mariners from 2006-07, earning an All-Star berth and establishing himself as one of baseball’s most dominant closers.
“It doesn’t change the way I’m going to pitch or it doesn’t change my job,” he said. “My job is to get guys out in the eighth inning right now. Nobody’s perfect. I know everything’s a little heightened here, but I’ve never had a problem with dealing with failures—just bounce back the next day.”
Hampered by injuries this year as Seattle sank to 61-101, Putz knew he might be traded in the offseason by the Mariners’ new front-office regime.
Due to earn $5.3 million, he was aware the Mets were interested in him as a replacement for injured All-Star Billy Wagner. But when they agreed to a $37 million, three-year contract with Rodriguez at the winter meetings, Putz was sure he’d wind up elsewhere.
Mets GM Minaya says Phillies are still the better team
The New York Mets, even after adding two terrific arms to their bullpen, still aren't as good as the Philadelphia Phillies, their own GM said, according to the New York Daily News.
"We're not better than them, no," Minaya said of the Mets' NL East rivals. "Right now, they're world champions. The only way you get to be better than them is to beat them. You've got to go out there and get it done. You don't win championships on paper. I've never believed in that. Do I think we've improved our club? Yes. But the bottom line is the Phillies have won the World Series and they won the division twice. They have a good team and the experience of being in playoffs and World Series — that is huge. So we have a lot of work to do."
Minaya may have been simply paying his respects to the team with the rings or perhaps challenging his own club to forget consecutive nightmare finishes. Either way, the Mets-Phillies rivalry has taken center stage recently — at least on days the Yankees aren't signing another giant free agent pitcher — with World Series MVP Cole Hamels calling the Mets "choke artists" on the radio last week and both teams scoring big prizes at the winter meetings.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mets still weighing rotation options
Re-signing Oliver Perez, which New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya called "50-50" at the winter meetings, seems to be their first choice, but the Mets have inquired about several other pitchers, as well, and there are other intriguing names available since last week's non-tender deadline.
The Mets are interested in Derek Lowe, although Minaya has acknowledged that he is likely to soar out of their price range. Still, if Lowe's price doesn't get too exorbitant, the Mets would be a suitor.
Others in the mix include lefty Randy Wolf, whom the Mets have shown interest in, according to a baseball official. They also have expressed interest in Tim Redding, who was non-tendered by the Nationals last week. Japanese import Kenshin Kawakami might be a fallback option, too, and the Mets have long admired Freddy Garcia.
Ben Sheets, a high-reward, high-risk free agent, is not on the Met radar, according to a baseball official.
Daniel Cabrera, who was not tendered a contract by the Orioles last week, was slated to pitch in a winter-league game in the Dominican Republic last night and could be a possibility. With teams eyeballing him in person, bidding could heat up quickly for Cabrera.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Diamondbacks acquire LHP Schoeneweis
The Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday acquired lefthander Scott Schoeneweis and cash considerations from the New York Mets for righthander Connor Robertson.
Schoeneweis, 35, appeared in 73 games for the Mets last season, going 2-6 with a 3.34 ERA while holding lefthanded hitters to a .178 batting average.
“We feel that Scott will help balance our bullpen,” Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes said. “Given his success against lefthanded hitters over the last several seasons, he provides us another weapon late in games.”
Schoeneweis has appeared in 517 games over parts of 10 seasons, going 45-55 with a 4.91 ERA for the Anaheim Angels, Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds and Mets.
Robertson, 27, appeared in nine games for the Diamondbacks last season, going 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Mets get a Putz for Heilman
J.J. PutzHours after completing a $37 million, three-year contract with Rodriguez, New York dealt seven players—six to the Mariners and one to Cleveland—to get three back in a huge swap at the winter meetings.
“All I kept on hearing in the streets of New York when you go get bagels in the morning was, `Omar, please address the bullpen,”’ Mets general manager Omar Minaya said. “Well, to all you Mets fans, we’ve addressed the bullpen.”
Endy ChavezPromising outfielder Franklin Gutierrez was sent from the Indians to Seattle. Cleveland got reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and 23-year-old second baseman Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.
An All-Star in 2007 when he saved 40 games, Putz was 6-5 with a 3.88 ERA and 15 saves in 23 chances last season when he missed long stretches with ribcage and elbow injuries. But Minaya wasn’t concerned about the pitcher’s health, saying New York had a scout at his final game of the season and Putz maintained a 98-99 mph velocity.
Aaron HeilmanHeilman was inconsistent in his setup role with the Mets and would prefer to be a starter. He was 3-8 with a 5.21 ERA last season and was among the bullpen culprits as New York folded in September for the second straight season.
The three minor leaguers New York sent to Seattle were first baseman Mike Carp, right-hander Maikel Cleto and outfielder Ezequiel Carrera.
Putz will earn $5.3 million next season, and the Mets inherit an $8.9 million option for 2010 with a $1 million buyout. New York had 29 blown saves in 72 chances this year, and its 4.25 bullpen ERA ranked 13th in the NL.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
AP sources: K-Rod, Mets agree at $37M
Desperate for a closer, the New York Mets landed the top one available: Francisco Rodriguez. Now, they have to figure out how to hand him the lead.
Coming off a record-setting season, Rodriguez reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday with the Mets on a $37 million, three-year contract.
The sides still have to work out a written agreement and the pitcher must pass a physical, two people familiar with the negotiations said. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been completed yet. The agreement was reached Tuesday about 5 a.m., but the contract probably won’t be finalized until next week at the earliest.
Rodriguez saved 62 games for the Los Angeles Angels this year, five more than the previous big league mark set by Bobby Thigpen of the Chicago White Sox in 1990, and then filed for free agency. Rodriguez’s agent, Paul Kinzer, had hoped to get a five-year contract, possibly equaling the $15 million average salary Mariano Rivera is earning from the New York Yankees.
All-Star Billy Wagner is expected to miss all of next season following elbow ligament replacement surgery.
Ibanez's agents seen talking with Mets' brass
The New York Mets, having addressed their top priority with the addition of free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez, are increasing their efforts to sign free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez, according to Foxsports.com.
Raul IbanezMembers of the Mets' front office were spotted meeting with Ibanez's agents at a restaurant inside the Bellagio hotel on Tuesday afternoon.
Ibanez also is an option for the Cubs; he broke in with the Mariners under Cubs manager Lou Piniella, and the Cubs are seeking a left- handed hitter to play right field.
The Angels, Phillies, Braves and Nationals are among the other teams interested in Ibanez. The Nationals, who are chasing every big left-handed hitter on the market, presumably would use Ibanez at first base as well as in the outfield. The Braves' interest appears to be minimal at best.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Rodriguez meets with Mets
Francisco RodriguezComing off a record-setting season for the Los Angeles Angels, Rodriguez came to Las Vegas and got together with New York general manager Omar Minaya. The Mets are looking for a closer following elbow surgery on Billy Wagner, who likely will miss all of next season.
K-Rod set a major league record with 62 saves last season, and his agent has talked about seeking a five-year deal worth about $65 million. But it is questionable whether Rodriguez will receive a contract of that length and average salary, especially given baseball’s worries about the national recession.
Mets want K-Rod, but don't want to establish market value
Make no mistake, the New York Mets' first choice is Francisco Rodriguez and not merely because he passes his 27th birthday next month. Younger, more accomplished and seemingly more ready to embrace a hire-wire role in a big market, K-Rod is what the Mets see. And the only reason they haven't pushed more to this point is that they have seen no reason to do so. They don't want to extend an offer and be the ones to establish the first parameter of the K-Rod market, according to MLB.com.
The Mets don't anticipate returning from Vegas with Putz, or any other closer, for that matter, on their roster. They view Putz and free agent Brian Fuentes are comparables and not merely because each has passed his 30th birthday. Neither is comparable, in the Mets' view, to Francisco Rodriguez.
Jenks to Mets talks never progressed
Another major-league source told the Chicago Tribune that talks linking Chicago White Sox reliever Bobby Jenks and the New York Mets never progressed. Chicago general manager Kenny Williams scouted Mets pitching prospect Bobby Parnell at an Arizona Fall League game last month, but New York is disinclined to trade Parnell, the source said.
The Sox don't have a bona fide backup to Jenks, who has 117 saves in 3½ major-league seasons and has an 87.9 career save percentage.
Jenks is expected to increase his salary to at least $5 million in his first year as an arbitration-eligible player.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Pedro Martinez has plans to pitch in 2009
Pedro Martinez told the New York Daily News that he still wants to pitch next season and is working out in preparation for helping a major-league team. Will it be a return to the New York Mets? Perhaps the Boston Red Sox?
Martinez wasn't tipping his hand and said he hasn't even talked with agent Fernando Cuza about baseball since the end of this season.
"I haven't really thought about baseball. But I do want to play. I'm not going to talk about it until January. I'm away from all that. I know I'm a free agent. One thing - I'm getting ready because I know how long it takes to get ready. I'm working out. I'm doing everything I have to do," said Martinez. "Right now, I'm fishing, training and at home with the family."
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Mets sign RHP Figueroa, invite him to spring camp
The New York Mets signed pitcher Nelson Figueroa and three other minor league free agents Wednesday.
Figueroa, a 34-year-old righty, was 3-3 with a 4.57 ERA for the Mets this season. He made six starts for New York.
Figueroa is 10-20 lifetime with a 4.64 ERA with Arizona, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and the Mets.
The Mets gave Figueroa, lefty pitcher Adam Bostick, infielder Andy Green and catcher Rene Rivera non-roster invitations to spring training.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Heilman working himself into starter
Aaron Heilman was attempting to disguise himself with a ski mask while developing arm strength in the West Bank.
Concerned about his role for next season, Aaron Heilman called general manager Omar Minaya back in November to talk about possibly moving back into the rotation for the start of spring training. But Minaya stayed firm in his position that Heilman again will be a reliever - at least for the immediate future - and that now seems to be an issue that is only going to get worse as long as Heilman remains a Met.
Heilman is determined to become a starter again, like he was when the Mets brought him up in 2003. Heilman started 25 games between 2003-05 and career as a starter was similar to his appearances out of the bullpen in 2008. He posted poor numbers with a record of 3-8 and an earned run average (ERA) of 5.21 in 76 innings pitched. He walked 46 and struck out 80 in the same timeframe.
Heilman has secretly been in the volatile West Bank town of Hebron supporting extremist Jewish settlers by tossing rocks and other objects at Palestinian houses and Israeli troops. Heilman wants to develop better arm strength before he gets to spring training.
One reporter covering the clash said that riot police used their rifles as bats and crushed several throws by Heilman, deep over Palestinian homes several blocks away. There were jeers heard throughout the West Bank after Heilman missed a Israeli tank 60 feet away with a throw.
The Mets are considering using ski masks as part of their new look in Citi Field for all pitchers coming out of the bullpen in 2009.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Citi Field will remain name of new ballpark
Citi Field will remain the name of the New York Mets’ new ballpark following a government bailout the team believes will help the struggling bank survive its economic crisis.
Citigroup agreed in 2006 to pay the Mets $400 million over 20 years for naming rights to the stadium, scheduled to open next year. Two New York City councilmen said last week that the $800 million ballpark’s name should be changed to Citi/Taxpayer Field.
“The company is still an ongoing company and a vital company that is doing business around the globe,” Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said Tuesday. “The taxpayers are backstopping what’s going on in the global economy. It’s not really Citi’s fault that they’re in this problem. There are a lot of other banks in the same situation—with naming-rights deals, also.”
After Citigroup’s shares lost 60 percent of their value within a week and dropped as low as $3.05, the government agreed last month to give the company a $20 billion cash injection—following an earlier $25 billion infusion. As part of the plan, the government agreed to assume possible losses on risky loans in exchange for $7 billion in preferred shares.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Mets offer salary arbitration to LHP Oliver Perez
Free-agent pitcher Oliver Perez was offered salary arbitration Monday by the New York Mets, who would receive two compensatory draft picks if the left-hander signs with another team.
Perez was 10-7 with a 4.22 ERA in 34 starts this season. He had 180 strikeouts and 105 walks in 194 innings.
Oliver PerezPerez has until Sunday to accept the arbitration offer.
In other news, outfielder-first baseman Nick Evans has a strained right quadriceps and will stop playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. He will undergo three to four weeks of therapy at home in Arizona and is expected to be ready for spring training.
Evans was examined Monday in New York.
Henderson heads baseball Hall of Fame ballot
Rickey Being Rickey! He'll be playing cards at the induction ceremony.Others eligible for the first time are David Cone, Ron Gant, Mark Grace, Jay Bell, Jesse Orosco, Dan Plesac, Greg Vaughn, Mo Vaughn and Matt Williams.
Henderson, a 10-time All-Star and the American League Most Valuable Player in 1990, played from 1970-2003 and seems a top candidate to make to be elected on the first try. He owns career records for steals (1,406) and runs (2,295), and his 2,190 walks are second only to Barry Bonds's 2,558.
Holdovers on the ballot include Jim Rice, Mark McGwire, Harold Baines, Bert Blyleven, Andre Dawson, Tommy John, Don Mattingly, Jack Morris, Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, Tim Raines, Lee Smith and Alan Trammell.
Rice received 392 votes last year, just 16 short of the 75 percent needed to gain entry.
McGwire ranks eighth on baseball's all-time career home runs list with 583, but continues to be hurt by allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs. McGwire received just 128 votes in each of the last two years, and his 23.6 percent of the vote was well short of the requirement.
Results of the voting will be announced on January 12, and those elected will be inducted on July 26 in Cooperstown, New York.