New York Mets Offseason WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

[cougarjake13]

Mets looking at ChiSox Jenks?

The Mets are investigating a trade for the White Sox's Bobby Jenks and also could opt for free agent Brian Fuentes, who could go as low as three years. The longer the Mets talk trade for Jenks, the lower the prices could drop for either K-Rod or Fuentes. And there's a good chance Minaya will get the opportunity to match or trump whatever offers they do get. In that sense, time is on the Mets' side here, and that should let them pick and choose the best fit. -- Newsday

[cougarjake13]

los metropolitanos continues




Luis-Alicea-hired-as-NY-Mets'-first-base-coach (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8794574/Luis-Alicea-hired-as-NY-Mets'-first-base-coach)

[spadanko]

CitiField has grass

http://imgsrv.wcbs880.com/image/DbLiteGraphic/200811/3470623.jpg


http://imgsrv.wcbs880.com/image/DbLiteGraphic/200811/3470621.jpg


http://imgsrv.wcbs880.com/image/DbLiteGraphic/200811/3470620.jpg

http://imgsrv.wcbs880.com/image/DbLiteGraphic/200811/3470627.jpg

[cougarjake13]

coming along nicely

[PD]

CitiField has grass

http://imgsrv.wcbs880.com/image/DbLiteGraphic/200811/3470623.jpg


http://imgsrv.wcbs880.com/image/DbLiteGraphic/200811/3470621.jpg


http://imgsrv.wcbs880.com/image/DbLiteGraphic/200811/3470620.jpg

http://imgsrv.wcbs880.com/image/DbLiteGraphic/200811/3470627.jpg

very nice.
now if they would only stop teasing about 15game plans and send me details.

[K.C.]

It's an interesting looking stadium.

It looks a lot further off the field than Citizens Bank Park, although in comparison to Shea (which Met fans will compare it with), it's a huge improvement.

The ball is going to fly out of left-field if they get a wind blowing across from right to left, because it's kind of open in right. Part of the reason the ball flies in Philly is because it's so open.

Otherwise, though, it should play pretty fair.


The ticket prices are outrageous, though. Basically every ticket in that stadium is double what a corresponding seat in Philly costs. They're going to freeze a lot of people out of the games.

To be fair, though, the clientele at CBP is significantly different than at the Vet. So I guess it's inevitable with new stadiums.

[Marc with a c]

http://gothamist.com/attachments/jen/2008_11_xx1117.jpg

[skyscraper]

CitiField has grass


It won't help.

[spadanko]

http://gothamist.com/attachments/jen/2008_11_xx1117.jpg

at least they approved the Willets Point revitalization.

[PD]

Mets announcing new partial plans.

Of course they screwed around with it - so Sunday plan doesn't have every sunday game, but instead has 10 games on sunday (out of 13 - not including last game) and 5 other day tickets.

http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/ticketing/season_renewals_plans.jsp

[PD]

Well, I renewed my sunday seats.
It actually costs me less- since I'm going from Loge to the tip top (I mean i row 15 when Row 17 is the last row); however it's almost right behind home plate, so it's worth a shot.

[cougarjake13]

METS SIGN K-ROD 3 YRS 37 MIL


Mets,-K-Rod-agree-to-3-year,-$37M-deal (http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8917962/Sources:-Mets,-K-Rod-agree-to-3-year,-$37M-deal)

[NickyL0885]

dont forget that 4th year option that could make the deal $51 million. based on performance i believe.

[hammersavage]

I love that its only 3 years. Whether it works out or not, who knows but it makes sense which is all I can ever ask them to do.

[PD]

K-rod is a good deal.
he's not perfect, but 3 yr plus option was best for mets.

Let's see what else happens this off season.

[BeerBandit]

I'm happy with this. 3 yrs is perfect for a closer. Now lets trade Heilman and Evans for Street and Sign O-Dog. Castillo would be a nice bench option.

[K.C.]

Now lets trade Heilman and Evans for Street and Sign O-Dog.

Why would anyone give up someone like Street for that?

Ok...the Orioles probably would.

I hate to break it to you guys, but they're not getting anything for Heilman if/when they move him. He has minimal value as a reliever, and almost no value as a potential starter.

They might be able to get a decent Double-A prospect or something for him, or someone else's trash, but moving him is basically them trying to dump a disgruntled player on someone willing to take a shot on him

And that's how the entire league will view it when dealing with the Mets.

[Bossanova]

Why would anyone give up someone like Street for that?

Ok...the Orioles probably would.

I hate to break it to you guys, but they're not getting anything for Heilman if/when they move him. He has minimal value as a reliever, and almost no value as a potential starter.

They might be able to get a decent Double-A prospect or something for him, or someone else's trash, but moving him is basically them trying to dump a disgruntled player on someone willing to take a shot on him

And that's how the entire league will view it when dealing with the Mets.

I took it as the first feeler. They got their closer. Lets see if we can get this guy for our cock sucking two pitch cunt faced cry baby, and if not we look around or throw in someone else. They don't want to lose their lefties just yet.

[Snoogans]

i thought heilman was a FA?

[cogsdoc]

i thought heilman was a FA?

Sadly he is still our problem:

2008: $1.2 million, 2009-10: Arb. Eligible, 2011: Free Agent

[hammersavage]

This is exciting though:

"In a report for the Star-Ledger, in-the-know Dan Graziano reports the Mets and Mariners are in ‘serious discussions’ on a trade that send J.J. Putz to New York in exchange for RHP Aaron Heilman and minor-league 1B Mike Carp."

[Bossanova]

This is exciting though:

"In a report for the Star-Ledger, in-the-know Dan Graziano reports the Mets and Mariners are in ‘serious discussions’ on a trade that send J.J. Putz to New York in exchange for RHP Aaron Heilman and minor-league 1B Mike Carp."

Pull the trigger

[cougarjake13]

and fucking do it quick before the mariners realize what the fuck theyre getting and back out

[hammersavage]

“The deal isn’t finalized, but Mariners and Indian sources said a deal could be completed later this evening or early Thursday,” writes M’s reporter John Hickey at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Hickey believes J.J. Putz will end up on the Mets, while Joe Smith, infielder Luis Valbuena and M’s OF Jeremy Reed will go to Cleveland.

So we'd get Putz (which would go over great with the Jewish delegation in NYC) and give up Heilman, Smith and Carp.

I assume we'd get another player back from the Indians. Who that is swings me on the deal.

[cougarjake13]

“The deal isn’t finalized, but Mariners and Indian sources said a deal could be completed later this evening or early Thursday,” writes M’s reporter John Hickey at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Hickey believes J.J. Putz will end up on the Mets, while Joe Smith, infielder Luis Valbuena and M’s OF Jeremy Reed will go to Cleveland.

So we'd get Putz (which would go over great with the Jewish delegation in NYC) and give up Heilman, Smith and Carp.

I assume we'd get another player back from the Indians. Who that is swings me on the deal.

so we give up 5 guys to get putz and whoever the indian players is ??


seems like too much

[hammersavage]

so we give up 5 guys to get putz and whoever the indian players is ??


seems like too much

"The Mets will get J.J. Putz, OF Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green; The Mariners will get Aaron Heilman, OF Endy Chavez, 1B Mike Carp and OF Franklin Gutierrez, plus minor leaguers from the Indians; The Indians will get RHP Joe Smith and infielder Luis Valbuena.

Mets reporter David Lennon of Newsday writes, ‘The three teams are currently going over the medical records and a deal could be announced shortly.’

Putz will earn $5.5 million next season, after which the team can exercise a $8.6 million option for 2010, or make him a free agent."

Don't know Green that well.

[cougarjake13]

"The Mets will get J.J. Putz, OF Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green; The Mariners will get Aaron Heilman, OF Endy Chavez, 1B Mike Carp and OF Franklin Gutierrez, plus minor leaguers from the Indians; The Indians will get RHP Joe Smith and infielder Luis Valbuena.

Mets reporter David Lennon of Newsday writes, ‘The three teams are currently going over the medical records and a deal could be announced shortly.’

Putz will earn $5.5 million next season, after which the team can exercise a $8.6 million option for 2010, or make him a free agent."

Don't know Green that well.


well at lest we're getting back more

[hammersavage]

Sean Green went 4-5 with a 4.67 in 72 games. He's 29. (Seems like a Heilman upgrade)

Reed is 27. Been up and down the past few years.

[hammersavage]

Putz is 32 on opening day. had 36 and 40 saves in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

6-5 with 15 saves this year to a 3.88 era on a terrible team.

[PD]

Sean Green went 4-5 with a 4.67 in 72 games. He's 29. (Seems like a Heilman upgrade)

Reed is 27. Been up and down the past few years.

Reed is to offset Endy, Green to offset Smith.

Carp looked nice but he's a spare
If Putz is healthy they had to do it

I think Ed Coleman said there may be MORE players involved; maybe Jason Vargas.
I actually liked Heilman, but it was time for him to go.

and this just in......


K-Rod will wear #75
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2008/12/11/alg_krod-shea.jpg

[Tenbatsuzen]

A guy named Putz on a team whose fanbase is primarily Jewish.

Yeah, that guy's jersey sales isn't going to skyrocket.

[K.C.]

Putz's agent is already bitching about the move, saying Putz doesn't want to be a setup man.

So they traded a disgruntled Aaron Heilman (with Carp, Chavez, and Smith) for a disgruntled J.J. Putz and two guys who are basically off the scrap heap.

If Putz returns to his '06 or '07 form, it's a good move, but if he pitches like last season, this is a terrible move. They gave up way too much.

[Gmann]

Endy Chavez nooooooooooooooo!!! :glurps:

[Gmann]

A guy named Putz on a team whose fanbase is primarily Jewish.

Yeah, that guy's jersey sales isn't going to skyrocket.


wait wha ? The Mets have a primarily Jew fanbase ?
Here I thought it was mostly the hispanics.

[PD]

Putz's agent is already bitching about the move, saying Putz doesn't want to be a setup man.

as I said in MLB thread, that is probably speculation (or his agent counting his money)

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/mariners/
A surprised J.J. Putz was working on his car outside his Arizona home an hour ago -- figuring he wasn't going to be traded any time soon despite the rumors here. Next thing he knew, his wife came out and told him: "Looks like we're headed to New York.''

Putz checked his cellphone and saw that he'd missed a call from GM Jack Zduriencik.

"I thought 'Uh-oh. Whoo-boy, this could be it','' Putz said.

Putz has established himself as a top closer in the majors, but goes to New York as a set-up man to Francisco Rodriguez. But for now, he's taking it all in stride.

"It's a new challenge and I'm excited about it,'' Putz said. "I'm going to a new team that's going to be very competitive. Frankie's a great closer and with Sean Green going as well, we should have a great bullpen.''

Putz said the toughest part will be spring training in Florida. He has a home close to the M's training facility in Arizona and a baby due on the way in March.

But he's already talked to Mets GM Omar Minaya about that and feels reassured.

"I'm really going to miss Seattle,'' he said. "The people I met there, the great friends and teammates. I have nothing but good things to say about my time with the Mariners.''

Sean Green seems like a right handed specialist;
last year- OPS of .527 (.294OBP/.285 slg) vs righties,
but OPS of .827 (.401 OBP/.425 slg) vs lefties.
Never have him face Howard/Utley.

[Bossanova]

I like it. Putz will not be a malcontent the first year, and he is on a contending team. Who is going to cry about leaving the worst team in baseball? I don't think we gave up that much. Heilman sucks. I'm done with Endy, he has been a nice bench guy but not worth keeping anymore. Joe Smith kind of flamed out and Carp is whatever

[BeerBandit]

Great deal! Heilman gone! Endy became exp-endy-ble with the emergence of Murphy. Joe Smith for Sean Green is a wash. Mike Carp might've been our next 1B but I guess they're going in a different direction.

Only Hudson and Garland left. Keep it up Omar!

[hammersavage]

If Putz returns to his '06 or '07 form, it's a good move, but if he pitches like last season, this is a terrible move. They gave up way too much.

How is that?

[PD]

I like Keith Law's take on ESPN
Putz fills the Mets' eighth-inning void (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3761613&name=law_keith)

If the Mets get the healthy J.J. Putz -- he missed time with rib and elbow injuries in 2008 -- they might actually have acquired the best closer of their offseason, one even better than their new capital-C closer, Francisco Rodriguez.
And most importantly, the Mets gave up little or nothing in value for them, as everyone they traded was either unlikely to contribute in New York or blocked by other players, with the exception of one minor league arm.
The last player Seattle receives is the deal's sleeper, Maikel Cleto, a 19-year-old right-hander from the Mets' system who pitches between 95 and 97 mph but whose main secondary pitch, a slider, is still a work in progress. He could end up a dominant late-game reliever if the slider comes on with more experience.

It's a quick restocking of upper-level contributors for the Mariners, although for upside in this trade, they're limited to Cleto, to some degree Carp and perhaps a rejuvenated Heilman, who could be flipped later in the year or next offseason for younger players.

[hammersavage]

Jon Heyman of SI.com believes the Cubs and Omar Minaya are discussing a trade that would send starting pitcher Jason Marquis to the Mets.

Heyman feels the Mets should send reliever Scott Schoeneweis to the Cubs, who are offering to pay a portion of Marquis’s $9–million salary in 2009, after which he will be a free agent.

[Gmann]

ooooooooooooh!
me likey!

[K.C.]

Hehehehehehehe

http://www.wfan.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=3192605

[hammersavage]

That's gonna get soooo blown out of proportion. Evan basically made him say the words.

But he'll be the most hated next year now over Rollins so congrats Cole.


More on Marquis in case you didn't know.

The 30–year-old Marquis has won at least 10 games and pitched at least 190 innings in each of the last five seasons, while posting a 4.58 ERA

[Snoogans]

That's gonna get soooo blown out of proportion. Evan basically made him say the words.

But he'll be the most hated next year now over Rollins so congrats Cole.

he is my new favorite player.

[K.C.]

he is my new favorite player.

He also said they don't like Jose Reyes, and that the Mets have no gamesmanship.

The whole interview was awesome.

Cole was enjoying himself.

[Snoogans]

He also said they don't like Jose Reyes, and that the Mets have no gamesmanship.

The whole interview was awesome.

Cole was enjoying himself.

i heard it live and posted about it then.

[cougarjake13]

That's gonna get soooo blown out of proportion. Evan basically made him say the words.

But he'll be the most hated next year now over Rollins so congrats Cole.


More on Marquis in case you didn't know.

The 30–year-old Marquis has won at least 10 games and pitched at least 190 innings in each of the last five seasons, while posting a 4.58 ERA



era is kinda high but i like the 10 wins and 190 innings

question is how well will he do in his hometown /?

[Bossanova]

era is kinda high but i like the 10 wins and 190 innings

question is how well will he do in his hometown /?

I just hope he brings the Cubs playoff winning ways to the table. Wait...................

[cougarjake13]

I just hope he brings the Cubs playoff winning ways to the table. Wait...................

well he was on the 06 cardinals

[Snoogans]

well he was on the 06 cardinals

Somewhere Carlos Beltran is hiding in a closet

[Bossanova]

Somewhere Carlos Beltran is hiding in a closet

SOmething tells me he has always been hiding in a closet

[hammersavage]

He's in the closet but the mole is out.

The mole took off of work yesterday.

[hammersavage]

"The Mets have traded Scott Schoeneweis to the D’Backs for RHP Conor Robertson.

The 27–year-old Robertson was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA in nine games with Arizona this past season.

Robertson is 29-13 with a 2.82 ERA in 217 career-minor league games, during which he struck out 382 batters in 305 innings."

So long Sho. Probably got more shit then he deserved since he was pitching hurt 2 years ago and was not THAT bad last year. I don't know too much about the kid we got back so I'll wait. Looks like a salary dump. Hope this doesn't affect the potential Marquis deal.

And Takashi Saito is a free agent. I assume the Mets will pursue him.

Also Joe Nelson (Marlins reliever) and Daniel Cabrera (Orioles starter) should draw interest. And Ty Wigginton back on the market. Who knows off the bench?

[Holes]

I have a bad feeling feeling this is the year that K-Rod gets injured. And Putz...Well, he has already been down that road.

[K.C.]

"The Mets have traded Scott Schoeneweis to the D’Backs for RHP Conor Robertson.

The 27–year-old Robertson was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA in nine games with Arizona this past season.

Robertson is 29-13 with a 2.82 ERA in 217 career-minor league games, during which he struck out 382 batters in 305 innings."

So long Sho. Probably got more shit then he deserved since he was pitching hurt 2 years ago and was not THAT bad last year. I don't know too much about the kid we got back so I'll wait. Looks like a salary dump. Hope this doesn't affect the potential Marquis deal.

And Takashi Saito is a free agent. I assume the Mets will pursue him.

Also Joe Nelson (Marlins reliever) and Daniel Cabrera (Orioles starter) should draw interest. And Ty Wigginton back on the market. Who knows off the bench?

This move was stupid, but given the good moves Omar made this week, I won't bust his balls too much.

But, Connor Robertson blows. He's a Quadruple-A player, tops.

And second, why would any team in the NL East be dumping lefty relievers now, for nothing in return?

I would want as many as possible to trot out there against the Phils if I'm a NL East team.

[Bossanova]

This move was stupid, but given the good moves Omar made this week, I won't bust his balls too much.

But, Connor Robertson blows. He's a Quadruple-A player, tops.

And second, why would any team in the NL East be dumping lefty relievers now, for nothing in return?

I would want as many as possible to trot out there against the Phils if I'm a NL East team.

True, but Sho is garbage.

[Bossanova]

Looks like K-ROd has moxy and maybe the Mets have a new team leader.

He's says they are the team to beat

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8935764/K-Rod:-'We're-going-to-be-the-team-to-beat'

[cougarjake13]

Looks like K-ROd has moxy and maybe the Mets have a new team leader.

He's says they are the team to beat

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8935764/K-Rod:-'We're-going-to-be-the-team-to-beat'

jesus christ

why cant these guys keep their mouths shut and just fucking play


they better back it up this time

[cougarjake13]

"The Mets have traded Scott Schoeneweis to the D’Backs for RHP Conor Robertson.

The 27–year-old Robertson was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA in nine games with Arizona this past season.

Robertson is 29-13 with a 2.82 ERA in 217 career-minor league games, during which he struck out 382 batters in 305 innings."

So long Sho. Probably got more shit then he deserved since he was pitching hurt 2 years ago and was not THAT bad last year. I don't know too much about the kid we got back so I'll wait. Looks like a salary dump. Hope this doesn't affect the potential Marquis deal.

And Takashi Saito is a free agent. I assume the Mets will pursue him.

Also Joe Nelson (Marlins reliever) and Daniel Cabrera (Orioles starter) should draw interest. And Ty Wigginton back on the market. Who knows off the bench?



theres plenty of teams that will make saito their closer, the rays need a closer, and maybe aki iwamura can get his countrymen on board

i loved wigginton, i thought they'd move him back to his natural position of second base when they brought up wright but they traded him

[Holes]

theres plenty of teams that will make saito their closer, the rays need a closer, and maybe aki iwamura can get his countrymen on board

i loved wigginton, i thought they'd move him back to his natural position of second base when they brought up wright but they traded him

I believe the Rays are going to roll with Wheeler. If not they have some other arms in their bullpen that can close. Their bullpen was pretty solid last year. Howell and Balfour could always step in and close if Wheeler is ineffective.

[cougarjake13]

I believe the Rays are going to roll with Wheeler. If not they have some other arms in their bullpen that can close. Their bullpen was pretty solid last year. Howell and Balfour could always step in and close if Wheeler is ineffective.

oh yeh they could do that as well

i was just repeating what i heard on the local spots talk radio

[spadanko]

Looks like K-ROd has moxy and maybe the Mets have a new team leader.

He's says they are the team to beat

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8935764/K-Rod:-'We're-going-to-be-the-team-to-beat'

they completely took it out of context... and they misquoted him. he said they "want" to be the team to beat... fucking stupid media.

and getting rid of Schowenweiss was brilliant. Dude is fucking useless.

[skyscraper]

Looks like K-ROd has moxy and maybe the Mets have a new team leader.
He says they are the team to beat.



**YYYYAAAAAWWWWWNNNNNNN**
Haven't we established who the team to beat is?

[PD]

Baseball Prospectus Top 11 Met prospects
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8376

NEW YORK METS
Team Audit | DT Cards | PECOTA Cards | Depth Chart

Four-Star Prospects
1. Fernando Martinez, CF
2. Wilmer Flores, SS
3. Jefry Marte, 3B
Three-Star Prospects
4. Brad Holt, RHP
5. Jon Niese, LHP
6. Reese Havens, SS
7. Jenrry Mejia, RHP
Two-Star Prospects
8. Ike Davis, 1B
9. Bobby Parnell, RHP
10. Eddie Kunz, RHP
11. Scott Moviel, RHP

Just Missed: Dillon Gee, RHP; Francisco Pena, C; Cesar Puello, OF

Ranking Challenges: The question of whether Martinez or Flores should be number one haunted me for a while, but in the end I saw Flores as what Martinez was a few years ago, except that Martinez has since accomplished something at the upper levels. From there it's a mix that is difficult to sort between players nearly ready and players just drafted, and there are realistically eight to ten solid candidates for the bottom three slots.

funny thing - if you click on the link that is with Ike Davis, they take you to a guy who played on the 1925 whitesox

[Marc with a c]

i hope brad holt hurries his ass up.

[hammersavage]

Here's his yearbook picture. Also uses his middle name sometimes. Looks like a HELL of an athlete.

http://www.ugo.com/versus/images/characters/gallery_Steve_Holt_1.jpg

[PD]

http://www.stadiumpage.com/SheaDemo/SheaDemo_121508_15.jpg

:glurps:
http://www.stadiumpage.com/newmets/Citi_121508_Pano1.jpg
:clap:

nice site if you like baseball stadiums
http://www.stadiumpage.com/

[PD]

WFAN has an interview with JJ Putz
http://www.wfan.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=3221204

I previously heard one on XM 175; I love this guy already. Good attitude, well spoken, but also a prankster.

[K.C.]

I previously heard one on XM 175; I love this guy already. Good attitude, well spoken, but also a prankster.

I'm sure he'll love the prank where Ryan Howard hides his fastball in the left-center field seats at Taxpayer's Stadium.

[PD]

I'm sure he'll love the prank where Ryan Howard hides his fastball in the left-center field seats at Taxpayer's Stadium.

hes already discussed throwing one under the chin of his buddy, Ibanez.

[cougarjake13]

I'm sure he'll love the prank where Ryan Howard hides his fastball in the left-center field seats at Taxpayer's Stadium.

i hope a hurricane hits the bay area and wipes out all the phillies during spring training

[Marc with a c]

baseballamerica.com

top ten prospects

1. Fernando Martinez, of
2. Wilmer Flores, ss
3. Jonathon Niese, lhp
4. Brad Holt, rhp
5. Bobby Parnell, rhp
6. Jefry Marte, 3b
7. Jenrry Mejia, rhp
8. Reese Havens, ss
9. Nick Evans, 1b/of
10. Eddie Kunz, rhp

best tools

Best Hitter for Average Wilmer Flores
Best Power Hitter Fernando Martinez
Best Strike-Zone Discipline Reese Havens
Fastest Baserunner Javier Rodriguez
Best Athlete Greg Veloz
Best Fastball Brad Holt
Best Curveball Jon Niese
Best Slider Brant Rustich
Best Changeup Dillon Gee
Best Control Dillon Gee
Best Defensive Catcher Mike Nickeas
Best Defensive Infielder Ruben Tejada
Best Infield Arm Shawn Bowman
Best Defensive Outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis
Best Outfield Arm Ambiorix Concepcion

[hammersavage]

Looks like Tim Redding is seriously in the mix. I like him for a decent price. As long as he is complimented with Derek Lowe, Ollie, Garland, or even Sheets.

[spadanko]

Looks like Tim Redding is seriously in the mix. I like him for a decent price. As long as he is complimented with Derek Lowe, Ollie, Garland, or even Sheets.

I think they sign oliver and redding... which is not too shabby.

[spadanko]

I'm sure he'll love the prank where Ryan Howard hides his fastball in the left-center field seats at Taxpayer's Stadium.

So there was no tax payer money put towards CBP?

[spadanko]

David Wright has reportedly accepted an invitation to play for the U.S. in the WBC.
With Alex Rodriguez switching allegiances, Wright will be Team USA's primary third baseman. Chipper Jones might get a start or two there, but it looks like he'll spend more time at DH.

[Snoogans]

you guys should sign Tom Glavine. What a job he did in that last game for you guys

[cougarjake13]

David Wright has reportedly accepted an invitation to play for the U.S. in the WBC.
With Alex Rodriguez switching allegiances, Wright will be Team USA's primary third baseman. Chipper Jones might get a start or two there, but it looks like he'll spend more time at DH.

as long as he doesnt get hurt in the meaningless facade of a classic im alright

[K.C.]

So there was no tax payer money put towards CBP?

The taxpayers didn't purchase the naming rights like they are with this new Mets stadium.

[spadanko]

Yahoo' Sports' Gordon Edes says the Mets and free agent Derek Lowe are now deep into talks.
It sounds like Lowe was hoping the Yankees would come through with a big offer, but there's very little chance of that now. The Red Sox aren't believed to have any interest in going past three years with him, while the Mets will probably be willing to sign him for four. He'll probably get $15 million-$16 million per year. Dec. 23 - 5:41 pm et

[hammersavage]

Let's get it done before Thursday so I have another reason to celebrate. Maybe Redding for the 5, trade Castillo for anything and get O-dog and hell, Manny if the price comes down which it looks like it will.

Sorry, I was daydreaming there...

[hammersavage]

8:19pm: Dan Graziano says Omar Minaya is unable to convince Mets ownership to allow him to pursue Manny, much to Scott Boras' chagrin. Will Manny have to go crawling back to the Dodgers, as Graziano puts it?


I don't know why!

[spadanko]

8:19pm: Dan Graziano says Omar Minaya is unable to convince Mets ownership to allow him to pursue Manny, much to Scott Boras' chagrin. Will Manny have to go crawling back to the Dodgers, as Graziano puts it?


I don't know why!


I still think they will be involved with Manny at some point. they are playing it right

[Kevin]

I still think they will be involved with Manny at some point. they are playing it right

You sure you want more players not giving a shit in September?

[hammersavage]

Only if he doesn't give a shit like he didn't give a shit last September

[spadanko]

You sure you want more players not giving a shit in September?

yeah he really didn't give a shit in LA in September

[PD]

Derek Lowe closing in on deal with Mets (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/12/derek_lowe_clos.html)
According to a baseball source, The New York Mets appear to be closing in on a deal for free-agent pitcher Derek Lowe.

The deal is believed to be four years in length, or three years with a vesting option. The contract is estimated to be worth between $14-16 million per season. Lowe just finished up a four year deal, $36 million deal with the Dodgers.

In 2008, Lowe was the Dodgers most consistent pitcher down the stretch and finished with a 3.24 ERA to go along with a 14-11 record with 211 innings pitched.


I wish he was 30, not 35, but he is solid

[cougarjake13]

Derek Lowe closing in on deal with Mets (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/12/derek_lowe_clos.html)


I wish he was 30, not 35, but he is solid



yeh it 'd be sweet if he was younger but having a johan, maine, lowe, pelfrey would be a nice rotation and i'd love to get perez back if possible to have a 2nd lefty in there

[PD]

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oh and on the actual team, it seems the mets are signing Tim Redding to compete for #5.

[RickeyHenderson]

Rickey Henderson doesn't quite understand this one. Redding is worth it. Re-sign Perez and get Lowe done. Pelfrey will be a nice no. 5

[tbagnu]

beat the mets...beat the mets!!

play for the phillies and beat the mets!!

[PD]

now Ken Rosenthal saying "Braves are all over Lowe"

I think Lowe is better fit for Mets, but I suspect that Omar & Co are split, and figure if they can't get Lowe for their money, they'll be happy back with Ollie

[NickyL0885]

now Ken Rosenthal saying "Braves are all over Lowe"

I think Lowe is better fit for Mets, but I suspect that Omar & Co are split, and figure if they can't get Lowe for their money, they'll be happy back with Ollie

I know Lowe is good an all but I dont want to commit those years to a pitcher who is 36. Id rather have Ollie. Oillie pitches well in big games, hes 27, lefty, great stuff. I gotta think he wont be a headcase forever. Once Peterson was left go, Ollie was our best pitchers for a while. Redding is not a bad 5th guy but I hear he could be a long guy in the pen. Thats fine too. I Niese pitches well, he should get the 5th spot.

[hammersavage]

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God I hope this kid can still be a good hitter this year. I want to love him.

[Marc with a c]

i love niese, he'll obviously be very inconsistent, but i think he be a very good middle of the rotation guy eventually. love that hook.

at this point perez might be a necessity.

johan
maine
pelfrey
?
redding/neise.

not gonna cut it.

[hammersavage]

i love niese, love that hook.

I think his nose is hideous.

Ben Sheets for 2 years. Have Niese fill the starts when he's hurt. It'll be a good enough workload.

[Kevin]

yeah he really didn't give a shit in LA in September



He wanted a big contract, of course he gave a shit.

[PD]

He wanted a big contract, of course he gave a shit.

I think he cares, but he's not a #1, and maybe not even a #2 really.
Ollie can pitch a shutout vs Yankees one day, get lit up in next vs Giants.

they really need him however.

I wonder what contract Sheets will wind up getting.
I hear a lot of teams are concerned about his back.

[skyscraper]

God I hope this kid can still be a good hitter this year. I want to love him.

he is a met and therefore unworthy of love.

[hammersavage]

This made me hard.

<embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:331404" width="512" height="319" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashVars="configParams=type%3Dnormal%26vid%3D331404%26uri%3D mgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A331404%26startUri=m gid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A331404" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="."></embed><div style="margin:0;text-align:center;width:500px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><a href="http://www.mtv.com/movies/trailer_park/" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://moviesblog.mtv.com/" style="color:#439CD8;" target="_blank"></a></div>

[skyscraper]

the new stadium is awful. it's trying to be ebbets field instead of having its own identity. and those raised platforms behind home plate are an eyesore.
but it's no more than the team deserves.

[hammersavage]

I agree. That new stadium that isn't done being built and you've never seen is terrible.

[CruelCircus]

I don't get why they did green seats and not blue seats. But other than that, I'm looking forward to it. Bought my 15 game pack the other day.

[skyscraper]

I agree. That new stadium that isn't done being built and you've never seen is terrible.

If it is done enough to give you a boner, it is done enough to know it will be awful. And I have been there.

[hammersavage]

I get boners easily.

Every person I've ever heard see it thinks the stadium looks great. I can't wait for it.

[skyscraper]

I don't get why they did green seats and not blue seats.

because they are trying to emulate ebbets field, which had green seats (even though the dodgers' colors were blue. the same blue the mets have ripped off to try to ride on the dodgers' coat tails. and of course they also stole the giants' orange, so they don't know who they want to be.)

[cougarjake13]

I don't get why they did green seats and not blue seats. But other than that, I'm looking forward to it. Bought my 15 game pack the other day.

a throwback to when they jets used to play at shea

[cougarjake13]

because they are trying to emulate ebbets field, which had green seats (even though the dodgers' colors were blue. the same blue the mets have ripped off to try to ride on the dodgers' coat tails. and of course they also stole the giants' orange, so they don't know who they want to be.)

is that any better than getting your name from a blunt ??

[Snoogans]

is that any better than getting your name from a blunt ??

That would kick ass.


WELCOME TO DUTCH MASTER STADIUM

[skyscraper]

is that any better than getting your name from a blunt ??

no, it would be worse, even if that were where the phillies got their name.
how's that rayhawk looking?

[NYHCmikeX]

That would kick ass.


WELCOME TO DUTCH MASTER STADIUM

From the amount of Vanilla Dutch's they sell at my local bodega, that might not be too far fetched.

I been buying a box every two weeks for the last ten years, I want season tickets!

[K.C.]

Every person I've ever heard see it thinks the stadium looks great. I can't wait for it.

Are they comparing it to Shea? Because they could play in a swamp in Jersey and it'd look great compared to Shea.


From what I've seen, it's a definite upgrade, but in comparison to the other newer stadiums, there's not a lot that really jumps out. But I'll reserve judgment for when I roll up there later this year, along with thousands of other Phillies fans, and all of our 2008 World Champions gear in tow

:thumbup:

[cougarjake13]

no, it would be worse, even if that were where the phillies got their name.
how's that rayhawk looking?




dont know

never got one, being that i'm a mets fan and all

[PD]

the new stadium is awful. it's trying to be ebbets field instead of having its own identity. and those raised platforms behind home plate are an eyesore.
but it's no more than the team deserves.

I've heard that before - I don't get all of the "oh its going to be another ebbets field so it will be awful" talk.

Shea was a cesspool. It was my baseball home, but that doesn't make it physically better.

If the new park looks good, feels good, I'm happy. Yes, as cruel circus said, I'd like Blue seats; yes, I'd like a casey stengle reference. but those are all minor points.

I'm more interested in if I will be able to see the game well - both in my seat and while getting food. I'd like to hear the game in the bathroom. I'd like to know the escalators work. I'd like to park in a place that my car doors aren't bashed in.

that will be what makes me happy.

oh and the Colbert report once again succeeds.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/215975/january-15-2009/tip-wag---monkey-on-the-lam

[hammersavage]

Colbert rules. I guarantee that will not be the patch when its said and done though.

[cougarjake13]

Colbert rules. I guarantee that will not be the patch when its said and done though.

yeh i think with all the bad pub they'll change it

[K.C.]

Mets sign Casey Fossum!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Please, let this be Omar's answer to not signing Ollie. I never thought I could laugh any harder at the Mets than I did in '07, but if Casey Fossum is in that rotation, they just moved the bar a little higher for embarrassment.

[NickyL0885]

Mets sign Casey Fossum!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Please, let this be Omar's answer to not signing Ollie. I never thought I could laugh any harder at the Mets than I did in '07, but if Casey Fossum is in that rotation, they just moved the bar a little higher for embarrassment.

its a minor league deal. cant hurt to have insurance in Buffalo.

[K.C.]

its a minor league deal. cant hurt to have insurance in Buffalo.

It can when it's Casey Fossum.

And just because it's a minor league deal, doesn't mean he won't get consideration for the rotation. As it stands right now, him and Niese are battling it out for the #5 spot, unless they make a move.

Better back up a truckload of money to Ollie's house.

[cougarjake13]

its a minor league deal. cant hurt to have insurance in Buffalo.

or another lefty in the pen



he wont be starting

[NickyL0885]

It can when it's Casey Fossum.

And just because it's a minor league deal, doesn't mean he won't get consideration for the rotation. As it stands right now, him and Niese are battling it out for the #5 spot, unless they make a move.

Better back up a truckload of money to Ollie's house.

I think Oillie will be resigned, Redding and Niese battle for the 5th spot. They will sign a starter. Be it Ollie, Sheets, Wolf etc.

[cogsdoc]

Mets sign Casey Fossum!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Please, let this be Omar's answer to not signing Ollie. I never thought I could laugh any harder at the Mets than I did in '07, but if Casey Fossum is in that rotation, they just moved the bar a little higher for embarrassment.

minor league contract you tool

get your own thread

[cougarjake13]

minor league contract you tool

get your own thread

he's just trying to find some solace after watching his iggles lose to the fucking arizona dont call me chicago, st louis, or phoenix cardinals

[K.C.]

I think Oillie will be resigned, Redding and Niese battle for the 5th spot. They will sign a starter. Be it Ollie, Sheets, Wolf etc.

I wouldn't sign Sheets, unless it was a incentive laden one-year deal.

Wolf....meh....I've seen enough of Randy Wolf over the years to know that he's pretty soft. When he's had decent numbers, it's usually him feasting on bad teams.

Honestly, if I were them, and I didn't get Ollie, I'd almost just say forget it and go with both Redding and Niese.

Really, it's not worth bringing in someone like Wolf, if that's your option. Give Niese a shot to win it.

And Sheets...I'm firmly convinced something is seriously wrong with him.

[K.C.]

he's just trying to find some solace after watching his iggles lose to the fucking arizona dont call me chicago, st louis, or phoenix cardinals

Hey, when in doubt, just beat up on the Mets.

I've learned this well from Yankee fans over the years.

[K.C.]

minor league contract you tool

get your own thread

I have one. It's the one with 'World Series Champions' in the beginning.

[hammersavage]

Tonight on the MLB Network’s Hot Stove Show, which airs every night at 7 pm, SI.com’s Tom Verducci said:

“The Mets like Ben Sheets, but they want to make this heavily loaded with incentives based on starts or innings pitched… Sheets says, ‘Hey, I pitched 198 innings last year, I should be guaranteed more money.’”

Verducci believes the Mets want Sheets, but they need to ‘bridge that gap,’ and, right now, ‘they’re just not close.’

…from what i can gather, the Mets are thinking of a deal like Brad Penny signed in Boston, i.e., one-year, $5 million, lots of incentives including an option for the following season, while sheets is thinking of a two-year deal, worth roughly $9 million per season, with incentives and an option for a third season…so, verducci is correct, that is a pretty big gap…

Pretty big gap indeed, hehe

[hammersavage]

The final piece of the puzzle!


Cory Sullivan, arguably one of the best defensive center fielders in Rockies’ history, has caught on with the Mets, signing a one-year, $600,000 major league deal with $300,000 in incentives.

Sullivan was a career .279 hitter with the Rockies in four seasons, splitting time as a starter and reserve beginning in 2005. He was squeezed out of the picture last season, appearing in only 18 games after losing his roster spot to Scott Podsednik in spring training. Sullivan figures to be strongly in the Mets’ outfield mix in the corner spots. The team traded valuable reserve Endy Chavez this winter to land reliever J.J. Putz.


The new Endy I guess. They needed a defensive replacement outfielder.


And there's this:
The Daily Herald believes free-agent RHP Freddy Garcia will sign a contract by the end of this week, and has narrowed his decision down to the Mets, White Sox and Rangers.

Last week, however, the same newspaper said the White Sox were not inclined to sign Garcia, because they recently acquired Bartolo Colon.

This one I don't get. I guess he'd be the 2nd pitcher to go along with Sheets. That would work.

[BeerBandit]

This one I don't get. I guess he'd be the 2nd pitcher to go along with Sheets. That would work.

Please sign Ben Sheets. Take a chance on him. If you're going to get Garcia, then we still don't have a #2/#3 (whatever Pelfrey isn't). That's not Garcia. That's not Redding. Take a Chance on Sheets and if he does break down as the season goes on, you've got the extra arms and a young Niese ready to take over. Fuck Perez.

[PD]

The final piece of the puzzle!

The new Endy I guess. They needed a defensive replacement outfielder.

And there's this:

This one I don't get. I guess he'd be the 2nd pitcher to go along with Sheets. That would work.

stockpiling 4th/5th OF guys; competition good. Jeremy Reed is also a defensive guy; I just wish these guys were righties (like Gabe Kapler)

for Garcia, a lot depends on what is guaranteed. These guys to compete for #5 are good- they still need a #2 though.

As cougar said, Fossum will either be AAA depth, or compete for Lefty specialist.

[K.C.]

Freddy Garcia

hehehehehe

Maybe the Mets can do better than the one win for 10 million dollars that the Phillies got out of him a couple years ago.

hehehehehehe

[hammersavage]

It couldn't possibly be a bad move unless they think they are done. Get Sheets to go along with him and its a very good signing with huge upside.

[hammersavage]

And for anyone who doesn't know:

Adam Rubin of the Daily News reports the Mets and free-agent RHP Freddy Garcia have agreed on a minor-league contract.

According to Rubin, the deal could reach as much as $9 million due to incentives.

Key words: minor league contract

They could sign anyone to a minor league deal and it wouldn't be bad. I hope he hits all of those incentives.

[K.C.]

Key words: minor league contract

They could sign anyone to a minor league deal and it wouldn't be bad.

It's bad when you're expecting that guy to win a spot in your rotation. They obviously are with the contract structure.

If they had five starters and then signed Garcia...yeah, who cares...but I'd almost guarantee that this is Omar's answer.

They're not getting Sheets....and I'd really be pretty surprised if they landed Ollie at this point.

[spadanko]

It's bad when you're expecting that guy to win a spot in your rotation. They obviously are with the contract structure.

If they had five starters and then signed Garcia...yeah, who cares...but I'd almost guarantee that this is Omar's answer.

They're not getting Sheets....and I'd really be pretty surprised if they landed Ollie at this point.

you are right... Mets won't sign anyone else. They will have garcia and redding in the rotation..

now back to reality, they gave him a minor league contract. he is insurance. You guarentee this is omar's last move? you are not smart. i think the championship has taken away all your baseball knowledge.

At least they didn't have to give up Gavin Floyd for him (but seriously, did they really only get 1 win out of him? I forgot about that)

[K.C.]

you are right... Mets won't sign anyone else. They will have garcia and redding in the rotation..

now back to reality, they gave him a minor league contract. he is insurance. You guarentee this is omar's last move? you are not smart. i think the championship has taken away all your baseball knowledge.

At least they didn't have to give up Gavin Floyd for him

That's right...I forgot about reality. Where the Mets sign Sheets and Ollie, trade for Peavy, and then dump Carlos Delgado on the Angels for John Lackey and Ervin Santana.

Then they up the payroll to 300 million to sign Manny, Abreu, Hudson, and Pudge

And then trade Luis Castillo straight up for Dan Uggla.


I forgot about the GOLD STANDARD Mets...the franchise of all franchises, that gets whatever they want by any means necessary!

[Kevin]

Come on, Castillo for Uggla? Don't be silly. Its Chase Utley and Omar might think about it.

[spadanko]

That's right...I forgot about reality. Where the Mets sign Sheets and Ollie, trade for Peavy, and then dump Carlos Delgado on the Angels for John Lackey and Ervin Santana.

Then they up the payroll to 300 million to sign Manny, Abreu, Hudson, and Pudge

And then trade Luis Castillo straight up for Dan Uggla.


I forgot about the GOLD STANDARD Mets...the franchise of all franchises, that gets whatever they want by any means necessary!


Nope.. never said any of that.. said that they will sign another pitcher. They wouldn't be relying on a guy they gave a MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACT to.

Will they overpay someone? Probably yeah. But they will get another pitcher

[K.C.]

Nope.. never said any of that.. said that they will sign another pitcher. They wouldn't be relying on a guy they gave a MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACT to.

Will they overpay someone? Probably yeah. But they will get another pitcher

They have no money.

They're already right around their payroll threshold limit. They're not in a position to overpay anyone.

[weekapaugjz]

They have no money.

They're already right around their payroll threshold limit. They're not in a position to overpay anyone.

when did you become the mets top accountant?

[spadanko]

They have no money.

They're already right around their payroll threshold limit. They're not in a position to overpay anyone.

That's why I don't get why Mets fans think they're getting another big signing.


well, i am pretty sure they will be able to scrounge up some cash to sign another pitcher. If they want to put any product out there that will compete, they need another starer. I am pretty sure the front office and owners know that

[Marc with a c]

They have no money.

They're already right around their payroll threshold limit. They're not in a position to overpay anyone.

ugh.

what is the mets payroll threshold limit mr. wilpon?

[K.C.]

when did you become the mets top accountant?

Doesn't take a genius to look up the payroll numbers.

And I did that quite a while ago.

And the Mets, themselves, said they aren't raising the payroll this year. Omar's said it at last twice in interviews.

But keep believing that big signing is around the corner...

[weekapaugjz]

Doesn't take a genius to look up the payroll numbers.

And I did that quite a while ago.

And the Mets, themselves, said they aren't raising the payroll this year. Omar's said it at last twice in interviews.

But keep believing that big signing is around the corner...

i do not believe the mets will pick up anyone else, but who knows if they could. and if you believe anything an owner or gm says to the press, you are truly a rube.

[spadanko]

im not believing anything. and if you believe anything an owner or gm says to the press, you are truly a rube.

this

[Kevin]

ugh.

what is the mets payroll threshold limit mr. wilpon?



225 Million less, thanks to his awesome investing.

[K.C.]

i do not believe the mets will pick up anyone else, but who knows if they could. and if you believe anything an owner or gm says to the press, you are truly a rube.

What could he POSSIBLY be lying about?

If he was going to lull the competition into thinking they wouldn't spend money, only to swoop in at the last second and pry away top players....yeah...he kind of missed the boat on that one. They're pretty much all gone.

But no, I don't think this, because I believe Omar.

I think it, because I believe the numbers.


It's possible they get another ridiculous bargain on a guy like Sheets, or Garland, or Abreu, and stretch a little to bring one in.

But barring something unforeseen, like a huge bargain, I don't see it in the numbers.

The one bright spot, though, is that the Phils are done...they're at their limit. The only team that might drop a little more cash is Atlanta.

[spadanko]

What could he POSSIBLY be lying about?

If he was going to lull the competition into thinking they wouldn't spend money, only to swoop in at the last second and pry away top players....yeah...he kind of missed the boat on that one. They're pretty much all gone.

But no, I don't think this, because I believe Omar.

I think it, because I believe the numbers.


It's possible they get another ridiculous bargain on a guy like Sheets, or Garland, or Abreu, and stretch a little to bring one in.

But barring something unforeseen, like a huge bargain, I don't see it in the numbers.

The one bright spot, though, is that the Phils are done...they're at their limit. The only team that might drop a little more cash is Atlanta.


No one is spending money... no one (except the Yanks)... there is no need to go crazy with huge contract offers because no one is giving them out. no need to outbid yourself by 20 million. The lowe situation was strange, because the Braves got desperate after Smoltz left. Chipper started chirping to the media and the fans got irritated, they had to do something, and they overpaid for Lowe. If Smotlz waited a week or 2, i think the mets get lowe for 3/42 because the Braves would still be focusing on Smoltz. Maybe i'm crazy, but that is how it seemed to have played out to me. Like I said, no one is making offers to anybody. Why go nuts just yet. He played it perfectly with johan last year. Everyone said they'd have to give up reyes... and they gave up practically nothing. I trust Omar. He only has 1 blemish in my book, and that's Castillo. those other minor trades don't bother me.

[K.C.]

No one is spending money... no one (except the Yanks)... there is no need to go crazy with huge contract offers because no one is giving them out. no need to outbid yourself by 20 million. The lowe situation was strange, because the Braves got desperate after Smoltz left. Chipper started chirping to the media and the fans got irritated, they had to do something, and they overpaid for Lowe. If Smotlz waited a week or 2, i think the mets get lowe for 3/42 because the Braves would still be focusing on Smoltz. Maybe i'm crazy, but that is how it seemed to have played out to me. Like I said, no one is making offers to anybody. Why go nuts just yet. He played it perfectly with johan last year. Everyone said they'd have to give up reyes... and they gave up practically nothing. I trust Omar. He only has 1 blemish in my book, and that's Castillo. those other minor trades don't bother me.

The thing that might hurt them pulling in another pitcher is that you're getting down to the end of free agency.

Teams are going to start to get desperate. It wouldn't surprise me to see a team like Texas overpay for Sheets, or the Dodgers overpay for Ollie, because they're running out of options.

The Mets are in an odd position. You could make the case that they have close to enough talent already to win their division this year, or at the very least the Wild Card.

So there's no real desperation there, that you may see with some of the other teams, where they feel the pressure to pull the trigger on a move.

It wouldn't be terribly difficult to sell two out of Garcia, Redding, and Niese for the fourth and fifth spots to a fanbase.

Obviously, people who look a little closer see the red flags, but all Omar really has to do is sell it.

[hammersavage]

They have no money.

They're already right around their payroll threshold limit. They're not in a position to overpay anyone.

This is not factual. Jeff Wilpon himself has said that he would allow the Mets to sign Manny for instance. Omar doesn't think the commitment is a good idea for a guy who is 36 and has his baggage but the money is there to be had. They definitely have a little more money to spend, I'd say about $10 million.

I don't know what numbers you crunch. Stick to the Phillies. Raul Ibanez was a great signing.

[K.C.]

This is not factual. Jeff Wilpon himself has said that he would allow the Mets to sign Manny for instance. Omar doesn't think the commitment is a good idea for a guy who is 36 and has his baggage but the money is there to be had. They definitely have a little more money to spend, I'd say about $10 million.

I don't know what numbers you crunch. Stick to the Phillies. Raul Ibanez was a great signing.

Omar said twice (off the top of my head), during radio interviews, that he wasn't really going to spend more than last season.

I wouldn't say it, if I didn't see it...I have no reason to.

Now, maybe Omar was confused about what he was saying...maybe they have built in flexibility, despite not wanting to raise their payroll...that's stuff I have no way of knowing.

Even if it they have an extra 10 million, like you think...it's not going to get you Abreu...it's probably borderline on Sheets, and borderline on Garland. It won't get them Ollie.

They could get a guy like Wolf for 7-8 mil.

[hammersavage]

I agree that Omar may have misspoke cuz I've read Wilpon say there is money to spend for the right player. Another starter is the right player. They have no interest in Abreu (thank god) and Garland is probably out of it.

With the money they have, Sheets with an incentive laden contract still fits. Omar has flexibility and prefers to sign Ollie (depending on price) so that could fit as well. So we'll see what wins out.

And Wolf is Dodger bound.

[NickyL0885]

Sad site to see

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2091/7/100/779780556/n779780556_5575328_3260.jpg

[cougarjake13]

mets sign rob machowiak to a minor league deal



horray !!!!!!!!!!!:clap::clap::clap:

[hammersavage]

This is getting harder to watch then I thought. So many memories (even though it was a dump) from my life. What a sap!

http://www.metsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/dsc-2211.jpg

I just wish it could be gone in one day instead of slowly watching it die.

[cougarjake13]

This is getting harder to watch then I thought. So many memories (even though it was a dump) from my life. What a sap!

http://www.metsblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/dsc-2211.jpg

I just wish it could be gone in one day instead of slowly watching it die.



agreed


its excruiating

[Marc with a c]

shea stadium is like will hunting and we are bena fleck.

[hammersavage]

The D’Backs and free-agent RHP Jon Garland have agreed on a one-year deal, worth between $6 and $8 million, according to the Arizona Republic.

That's about the money I thought. I heard the Mets gave Ollie til the weekend to accept the deal. I hope he doesn't and they go hard after Sheets for a similar deal to Pettites with a little more base salary.

[cougarjake13]

That's about the money I thought. I heard the Mets gave Ollie til the weekend to accept the deal. I hope he doesn't and they go hard after Sheets for a similar deal to Pettites with a little more base salary.

from what epo posted in the other thread it doesnt look like sheets will accept that deal

[BoondockSaint]

shea stadium is like will hunting and we are bena fleck.

I'm all citifieldish

[hammersavage]

from what epo posted in the other thread it doesnt look like sheets will accept that deal

What does that midwestern hack know?

[hammersavage]

According to the Marketing Arm’s Davie Brown Index, Mr. Met is the Top Sports Mascot of 2008, beating out the Phillie Phanatic and Wally the Green Monster, among others, for the top spot.

Finally got one over those Phillie bastartds.

[hammersavage]

The buzz online is that a group of Mets fans, who organized through some message boards, will be meeting at Radio City around 6:30 pm, then heading over to the SNY studios for 7 pm for what is being described as a, “Bring Manny to the Mets Rally,” to take place outside and on-air during the network’s Mets Hot Stove show.


This could be really funny. I hope it happens and they make it on air. I read they could all be wearing Manny wigs too. I love the passion.

[FezsAssistant]

I can see the Mets getting Manny. They NEED him and Omar is obsessed with hispanics.

[Bossanova]

Alright, one of two things needs to happen. Wilpon has to admit they have no money because of that fuck who ran off with 300 million of Freds cash or stop being faggots and offer Manny a nice deal. They need that man, especially with the same starting rotation

[foodcourtdruide]

The buzz online is that a group of Mets fans, who organized through some message boards, will be meeting at Radio City around 6:30 pm, then heading over to the SNY studios for 7 pm for what is being described as a, “Bring Manny to the Mets Rally,” to take place outside and on-air during the network’s Mets Hot Stove show..

Sorry, I'm not really interested in seeing 12 fat, 35 year-old virgins on television.

[hammersavage]

Sorry, I'm not really interested in seeing 12 fat, 35 year-old virgins on television.

It was 30 fat, 35 year-old virgins.

[Bossanova]

I'll watch as many fat virgins as it take to get this fuck on the Mets

[Bossanova]

And can a mod please take Wheeeeeee out of the fucking title already

[BeerBandit]

Shouldn't we start a new thread, this one's from '07.

[Kevin]

Alright, one of two things needs to happen. Wilpon has to admit they have no money because of that fuck who ran off with 300 million of Freds cash or stop being faggots and offer Manny a nice deal. They need that man, especially with the same starting rotation



Good point, Boss. I was thinking the same thing. There is no other reason i can think of for not getting Manny. He is perfect for that team.

[hammersavage]

Good point, Boss. I was thinking the same thing. There is no other reason i can think of for not getting Manny. He is perfect for that team.

They need another starting pitcher and wouldn't have enough money left over if they got him. That's one reason.

[Kevin]

They need another starting pitcher and wouldn't have enough money left over if they got him. That's one reason.



Come on, Hammer. They are a NY team going into a new park. They can afford both. Whats their payroll now, 130? You are telling me they can't afford 165 for Manny and the SP?

[Bossanova]

The only two pitchers that I would bother signing are Perez or Peavy. Neither one is going to cost more than 15 mil a year. Its def possible to sign Manny as well

[hammersavage]

Come on, Hammer. They are a NY team going into a new park. They can afford both. Whats their payroll now, 130? You are telling me they can't afford 165 for Manny and the SP?

I'm pretty sure they can't afford that. Wilpon lost a ton of money on the Madoff scandal. They only have about $10 million left to spend.

The only two pitchers that I would bother signing are Perez or Peavy. Neither one is going to cost more than 15 mil a year. Its def possible to sign Manny as well

Peavy isn't a free agent so he can't be signed. Perez will get 11-12 a year which is what they have left to spend. It's possible to sign him and Manny but then their payroll will be up +30 million over last year. It doesn't make that much sense for them.

[Bossanova]

I'm pretty sure they can't afford that. Wilpon lost a ton of money on the Madoff scandal. They only have about $10 million left to spend.



Peavy isn't a free agent so he can't be signed. Perez will get 11-12 a year which is what they have left to spend. It's possible to sign him and Manny but then their payroll will be up +30 million over last year. It doesn't make that much sense for them.

I know Peavy would have to be traded for, I was going on an assumption what his contract would be. They need to sign Manny. He can bring them to the next level. Do you want to watch the exact same lineup fail again? They need to upgrade more than two bull pen spots. They still dont score as much as they should

[hammersavage]

They have nothing to trade for Peavy. I don't think they need Manny. It was their bullpen that let them down last 2 Septembers. They went a long way to address that.

[Kevin]

They have nothing to trade for Peavy. I don't think they need Manny. It was their bullpen that let them down last 2 Septembers. They went a long way to address that.



You think you are getting the same Delgado year? If not, that offense is pretty meh. Plus you would only have to over extend 1 year for Manny. Delgado and others are off the books after the year.

[hammersavage]

You think you are getting the same Delgado year? If not, that offense is pretty meh. Plus you would only have to over extend 1 year for Manny. Delgado and others are off the books after the year.

I don't. I would have traded Delgado to an American League team if there was any value out there at all. I would have signed Adam Dunn and started Murphy at 1st base right after last offseason. And spent money on pitching like they have and should continue to do.

I understand Manny is one of the greatest ever, but you only have a point if he actually does sign a 2 year deal which I'll believe when I see. I'm not that big of a fan of giving the guy 25 million a year for 3 years with his past. If they get him, I'll be happy and hope for the best, be he is by no means a bargain with that kind of deal.

Especially considering the money they said they are spending.

[Snoogans]

Manny will end up in Washington

[spadanko]

from rosenthal

The Mets, pushing to solidify their starting rotation, are moving closer to re-signing free-agent left-hander Oliver Perez, according to major-league sources.

The team is "trying to hold the line" on a three-year deal for Perez, one source said, but a vesting option for a fourth year remains possible.

The Mets, however, are only cautiously optimistic on Perez, recalling that they were confident of landing free-agent right-hander Derek Lowe before losing him to the Braves earlier this off-season.

Lowe, like Perez, is represented by Scott Boras. The Mets were confident of landing Lowe, but the Braves won him over with a late, four-year, $60 million offer.

The difference with Perez is that there are no other apparent suitors -- at least none who seem ready to top the Mets' initial three-year, $30 million offer.

Perez, 27, was 25-17 with a 3.91 ERA the past two seasons with the Mets. He would rejoin lefty Johan Santana and righties John Maine and Mike Pelfrey in the team's rotation.

The Mets earlier signed free-agent right-hander Tim Redding as a potential No. 5 starter. Free-agent righty Pedro Martinez also remains a possibility to compete for that job.

Mets general manager Omar Minaya met last week with Martinez in the Dominican Republic. Martinez plans to pitch for the Dominican in the World Baseball Classic, showcasing himself for potential suitors.

[spadanko]

Update, 1:41 pm:

I believe there is a fourth year option, like Rosenthal first suggested, though I am not yet sure if it’s a vesting option, as I hope it is.

Update, 1:38 pm:

According to an e-mail from Will Carroll, of Baseball Prospectus, the deal will be for three years and $36 million.

[spadanko]

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2009/02/mets_reach_term.html

METS REACH TERMS WITH PEREZ

By JOEL SHERMAN

The Mets have reached agreement with Oliver Perez on a three-year, $36 million contract that will be finalized when the left-hander passes a physical, the Post has learned.

The Mets know now the likely composition of their rotation with Perez joining Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, and either Tim Redding or Freddy Garcia, who is trying to work his way back from injury. This all but assures that Pedro Martinez will not be returning to the team.

The Mets had been haggling for a while with Perez's representative, Scott Boras. But in the end, Perez received neither a fourth year on the contract nor even an option year for a fourth year.

[PD]

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2009/02/mets_reach_term.html

METS REACH TERMS WITH PEREZ

By JOEL SHERMAN

The Mets have reached agreement with Oliver Perez on a three-year, $36 million contract that will be finalized when the left-hander passes a physical, the Post has learned.

The Mets know now the likely composition of their rotation with Perez joining Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, and either Tim Redding or Freddy Garcia, who is trying to work his way back from injury. This all but assures that Pedro Martinez will not be returning to the team.

The Mets had been haggling for a while with Perez's representative, Scott Boras. But in the end, Perez received neither a fourth year on the contract nor even an option year for a fourth year.

there are some who still think there is vesting for a 4th.
http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=6912

I like this- Perez was better/safer than other options.
Now if they can steal Ben Sheets for a year, I'll be truly happy.

[hammersavage]

I like the years and the money if its 3 years and optional 4th.

[BeerBandit]

ok, rotation's done. now let's go get Manny!

[hammersavage]

Enough with the Manny talk. It is and never was a possibility from day 1.

Now, people who actually talked themselves into believing it are gonna be pissed they don't get him. So stupid.

[spadanko]

Enough with the Manny talk. It is and never was a possibility from day 1.

Now, people who actually talked themselves into believing it are gonna be pissed they don't get him. So stupid.


the Manny talk will not end until he has signed with a different team

[hammersavage]

It's just that they always said from the beginning that they weren't interested. Just start saying outrageous things that aren't happening either like 'Let's trade for Pujols' and if they don't do it, get pissed.

[spadanko]

It's just that they always said from the beginning that they weren't interested. Just start saying outrageous things that aren't happening either like 'Let's trade for Pujols' and if they don't do it, get pissed.

they have never said they are not interested. Wilpon said Omar never came to him about Manny, and Omar said he was concentrating on pitching.

[hammersavage]

Listen, I'm going to justify in my head, by any way possible, that there is no chance for Manny.

I'm just gonna pretend its not happening so I'm not disappointed when it doesn't happen.

[PD]

they have never said they are not interested. Wilpon said Omar never came to him about Manny, and Omar said he was concentrating on pitching.

Jim Duquette translated that.

If they (Wilpons) say in informal conversation "oh that Manny Ramirez is such an ass- he killed the Red Sox with his antics" Omar isn't going to bring it up.

The only way Manny becomes a Met is if his price is very cheap- and even then, remember last year they could have had him for free.

its more likely they will sign Orlando Hudson and waive Castillo than sign Manny.
(and i dont think that will happen either)

[hammersavage]

Fuck it. Sign Manny.

He gets a 1 yr $25 million offer from LA. Give him 2 years, he'll take it.

[BeerBandit]

It's just good tactics to openly say that you're not interested in a player. The more interest, the higher the market. Manny's pricetag has come way down since last fall because of a perceived lack of interest. You can't tell me that there are only two teams, LA and SF, that are in the Manny game. But you don't hear about anybody else because they are driving down the price. Did you really think that the Mets were going to wind up with Johan last year until it all went down? But in the end, Omar pulled it off pretty much under the radar.

I'm not a delusional Mets fan. I understand the market, Fred Coupon, the offseason after offseason of missing out on the big guy. I also believe that they really don't need Manny. It wasn't the offense that was the problem last season. The big four put up monster numbers as a group last year. And I realize the problem that Manny could become. But until he signs somewhere else, I'm going to hope that my team, the team that I'd love to see win the World Series, can bring in a guy who hits 35, .320 and 120 and plays a position where we don't have a guy, that we know of yet, that can do that.

Excuse me for being a dreamer.

[spadanko]

Fuck it. Sign Manny.

He gets a 1 yr $25 million offer from LA. Give him 2 years, he'll take it.

he rejected the 1 year deal.. dodgers may move on... now is the time to attack

[King Hippos Bandaid]

For Senor Ramirrrrrrrezzzzz

2 years with an Behavior motivated option for a 3rd Guaranteed as long as he doesn't bring down the clubhouse or stops trying, you know "Being Manny"

maybe for the 3rd year something similiar to Delgado, with a low price option for the third year, where manny gets a small fraction in the 3rd year if he retires or is not up to the level that his high salary requires

do something Wilpons, I like the photo part of the Daily News, not a few words on the top

[hammersavage]

he rejected the 1 year deal.. dodgers may move on... now is the time to attack

You assholes got me suckered in.

[Jujubees2]

For Senor Ramirrrrrrrezzzzz

2 years with an Behavior motivated option for a 3rd Guaranteed as long as he doesn't bring down the clubhouse or stops trying, you know "Being Manny"

I would love to see the Mets present Boras with a contract with that option. How in the world do you figure out if he meets the qualifications? What if he "injures" his knee(s) again? Do you consider that to be "stop trying"?

[hammersavage]

I would love to see the Mets present Boras with a contract with that option. How in the world do you figure out if he meets the qualifications? What if he "injures" his knee(s) again? Do you consider that to be "stop trying"?

The legally couldn't put that in his contact anyway. You can't even be statistical like a '30 home runs' clause. It has to be at bats or along those lines.

[foodcourtdruide]

he rejected the 1 year deal.. dodgers may move on... now is the time to attack

I have no idea what Manny is thinking. If the Dodgers are no longer an option for him, where could he possibly go? I don't blame the Mets for not going after him, but I'd honestly be very happy to see him in the lineup.

Are the Mets the most logical team for him at this point?

[spadanko]

I have no idea what Manny is thinking. If the Dodgers are no longer an option for him, where could he possibly go? I don't blame the Mets for not going after him, but I'd honestly be very happy to see him in the lineup.

Are the Mets the most logical team for him at this point?

I think so. He plays in his home town, in teh biggest market. he'd be a star here.

Slot him in between wright and delgado, or beltran and wright.. my Lord...

[cougarjake13]

would i love to get him .. absolutely


if we dont .. no big deal ... theyre saying since the beginning that they werent goin for him

[PD]

from last week:

http://imgsrv.wcbs880.com/image/DbLiteGraphic/200902/3849775.jpg

makes me shed a tear.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2009/02/top-30-prospects.html
Adam rubin has top 30 mets prospects.

[cougarjake13]

a lot SS in that list


a few trades may be in order if they get good enough to get to the show

unless the mets convert them to 2nd

[hammersavage]

I suppose this can be locked since the offseason is just about done.

and no more 'wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee'. I mean it!

[cougarjake13]

but the weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee is the fun part

[hammersavage]

I think we went 5-19 in the wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee era.

[cougarjake13]

I think we went 5-19 in the wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee era.

i thought it wasnt changed to whee until the season was over