According to Ken Rosenthal, the Brewers are making a push for Randy Wolf. In case you are wondering, the Mets are going to meet with the agents of Randy Wolf, Joel Pinero, Jason Marquis and John Lackey according to Jon Heyman
Update
According to a Tweet from Jon Heyman, Brew crew made a 3yr offer to Wolf. Mets were told Pinero wants 4yrs.
Update 12/8/09 @ 9:59 am
According to several tweets and Metsblog, Wolf’s agent is still talking with other teams but it is believed the Brewers offer is in the area of $28/3yrs. Mets trying to snag wolf for 2yrs.
165 comments
GravediggerHebner
12/7/2009-5:02pm at 5:02 pm (UTC -4)
GravediggerHebner tweets: Bratwurst, Miller Beer and a Wolf sounds like a party I’d rather skip.
stickguy
12/7/2009-5:08pm at 5:08 pm (UTC -4)
I will take the brats and wolf please. Just something better in beer.
although it does make me nostalgic for my teen years, when we bought Schmidts for $4/case, since it was the best bang for your buck, and once in a while someone felt rich and we sprang for Millers.
wait, this sounds like Omar! J/K, I hope.
stickguy
12/7/2009-5:06pm at 5:06 pm (UTC -4)
stuff is heating up, baby!
In some ways, I hope the Mets really aren’t in on the big FAs. Why, you may ak? Well, let me tell you!
My fear is that Omar will get fixated on the big name (I guess that has to be lackey or Holliday thi syear), and want to play his waiting in the weeds game.
Well, that is fine, but if all the better fall-back options start getting snapped up 9especially if they go for a good price), you just might get hung out to dry.
I worry that it ends up being Lackey and say Pinero left on the market, and a team like the Yankees sneaks in to grab lackey, so Omar panics (again, just like last year) and signs Pinhead to a 3/36 deal (hey, sound familiar?) just to get somebody.
GravediggerHebner
12/7/2009-5:09pm at 5:09 pm (UTC -4)
Then you will be pleased to know that according to various tweets, Omar Minaya says the trade market is “very lively” this year, the free agent market not so much.
stickguy
12/7/2009-5:23pm at 5:23 pm (UTC -4)
my guess of the moment is that a few of the mid-tier but desirable guys (like Wolf) grab an early offer, not wanting to risk a repeat of last year.
Then, the FA market will kind of collapse from over supply (especially if a slew of non-tenders happens) and under talent, again with the few “plums” getting snapped up quickly.
So if you want to bottom feed, should be able to wait on that!
It will be interesting to see lots of trades happening. Even if they don’t involve the Mets, I always like to see big trades going down. Much more fun the FAs signing ridiculous contracts with teh Yankers.
stickguy
12/7/2009-5:20pm at 5:20 pm (UTC -4)
I need to stay away from MBLTR. Between Molina rumors, and now this: “Seven teams are in on injury-prone on-base machine Nick Johnson, tweets ESPN’s Jayson Stark: the Mariners, Giants, Mets, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Orioles, and Yankees.”
It is just giving me a headache.
Nick Johnson? He barely outslugs Luis at this piont, and has no range left. Him and Luis on the right side will terrify any GB pitcher.
GravediggerHebner
12/7/2009-5:24pm at 5:24 pm (UTC -4)
Jason Marquis fans take note: Brian Cashman flew to the GM meetings on the private plane of Marquis’ agent. per Ken Davidoff tweet
GravediggerHebner
12/7/2009-5:31pm at 5:31 pm (UTC -4)
Attention Stickguy: you’ll be pleased to know that multiple twitterers note that Omar Minaya is really talking up Luis Castillo, “he was probably our MVP last year” said Minaya. All the various tweet authors then editorialize that this reinforces how much the Mets are trying to move Castillo.
metfreak
12/7/2009-5:41pm at 5:41 pm (UTC -4)
Thats great that it sounds like they are working hard in getting rid of Castillo but I hope they are working hard on players this team needs like a Holliday or a Lackey because Castillo was not the only problem last year
GravediggerHebner
12/7/2009-5:47pm at 5:47 pm (UTC -4)
Please understand that I’m just a guy sitting at a computer reading some twitter tweets, but with that disclaimer what I can tell you is this:
Various tweets have said contradictory things about the Mets and Lackey. My wild guess based on the multiple contradictory reports is that the Mets were supposed to be meeting Lackey’s agents tonight, for whatever reason that is now not happening, and they will instead be meeting tomorrow or later in the week.
I have read zero on the Mets and Holliday.
stickguy
12/7/2009-5:56pm at 5:56 pm (UTC -4)
I wonder if this falls into the “we are interested, so get back to us before you make a decision” catagory?
Maybe they collect the offers, and give him a chance to beat the best?
Or maybe Omar didn’t shower today. Who really knows at this point?
metfreak
12/7/2009-6:08pm at 6:08 pm (UTC -4)
LOL I loved that yes we are all reading twitter feeds and rumors and I hope its only rumors that the Mets are not after Lackey or Holliday
stickguy
12/7/2009-5:59pm at 5:59 pm (UTC -4)
I guess that $20 I slipped him at the bagle shop is paying off!
As much as I want Luis gone, I do have limits on what I take back. ANd I am not a big fan of Hudson, unless he comes cheap. and not for very long.
really want the dam to burst soon though. I can still dream about the Reds deal to bring in philips!
GravediggerHebner
12/7/2009-6:07pm at 6:07 pm (UTC -4)
Regarding Phillips I can tell you I read an interview that took place today with Dusty Baker.
He was asked about what the Reds might be doing on the trade front and responded roughly (not a direct quote) “we want to strengthen the team without taking away from our young core.”
He was then asked who that young core is and mentioned Phillips along with a few others. The name that he did NOT mention that surprised me was Edinson Volquez but then later in the interview he spoke about how Volquez is expected to be out with an injury until mid-season.
charlie_s
12/7/2009-5:48pm at 5:48 pm (UTC -4)
I simply cannot remember a more pathetic crop of FA’s. How will the slim pickings not get overpriced?
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-5:56pm at 5:56 pm (UTC -4)
You are correct on how pathetic this crop is…my answer to the question would be that the economy still is off, and the Yanks might not be bidding on the 3 big names.
charlie_s
12/7/2009-6:42pm at 6:42 pm (UTC -4)
I think you are right about the downward pressure on overall spending, but I think for the two or three top guys, the competition for their services will inflate their prices. Especially, when you consider the Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, Cubs, and Mets are all in the market for an outfielder and there are two in the top tier.
As for pitching? Lackey and everyone else. Bay, Holliday, and Lackey are getting paid this winter.
fongy2
12/7/2009-6:21pm at 6:21 pm (UTC -4)
Stupid owners and GMs
combined with smart agents???
charlie_s
12/7/2009-6:39pm at 6:39 pm (UTC -4)
Precisely. A very small group of top talent, garbage front offices, and brilliant agents makes for a very bad combination for teams.
fongy2
12/7/2009-6:48pm at 6:48 pm (UTC -4)
Especially for the likes of
GMs such as
our brilliant
Omar……..
Juunowatemsayin?
GravediggerHebner
12/7/2009-5:54pm at 5:54 pm (UTC -4)
Anything I write here I’m pretty much getting from one of two places, either this live webcast from the winter meetings:
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=6261176
or this constantly updating twitter feed:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/index.jsp
GravediggerHebner
12/7/2009-6:08pm at 6:08 pm (UTC -4)
GravediggerHebner tweets: I’m signing off for the night. Let’s go Mets!
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-6:12pm at 6:12 pm (UTC -4)
Before you go Grave, I want to send a general thank you to you and all of the posters here—I just checked out some comments at Metsblog and the Star Ledger, and this place is like the Einstein family compared to those dumps.
Seriously—the comments here are wiser, better thought out, and more logical than the posts and stories on most sites, let alone the comments.
THANK YOU readers and commenters at TRDMB!
fongy2
12/7/2009-6:19pm at 6:19 pm (UTC -4)
I for one am all in on Jackson,Granderson&Kennedy.
I’d be a happy camper if this
time tomorrow Omar acquired
any two or all three of them
while dumping Castillo.
Don’t want: Willingham, DL placing waiting to happen with
back problems, Nick Johnson who I always liked but is clearly on the wrong side of
his career and not much,if any improvement over Danny Boy,…Most of all, as I’ve
said for days here, want no
part of Molina, for the ten or so reasons I’ve explained.
Go Omar!!!…Lets Go Mets!!!
fongy2
12/7/2009-6:36pm at 6:36 pm (UTC -4)
So, you’re sayin’ we shouldn’t just post:Trade the
farm for Halladay, give Lackey
and Holiday whatever they want, get someone else’s closer and force him to set-up KRod…or even get a better closer and make KRod
the the 8th inning guy,get rid of Castillo for anything
even if it means paying the rest of the contract,convince
the Phillies Polanco is never
gonna work @3B, so they should trade Utley to us for
a player to be named later,
sign Molina for 3yrs & an option so no one else gets him, then give Omar an extention but if we lose opening day fire him,….oh,
and fire Jerry now because he’s too stupid to know what
to do with all these new players, name John Kruk the manager ’cause he’s funny and
I like him,…plus it would piss-off phillie fans.
And if we lose the first series of the year, Freddy Coupons should sell the team
’cause he was too dam cheap to sign Jason Bay in addition
to those we did sign. Allowing him instead to sign
with BrockKingman’s Mariner’s
and now look how good they appear on paper!
Because, it sounds dumb?…..
or too similar to many of
Case’s posts?…..Zing!!!
CaseStreet
12/7/2009-7:18pm at 7:18 pm (UTC -4)
I expect nothing less from a closet Phillie fan. Double Zing!!!
fongy2
12/7/2009-7:37pm at 7:37 pm (UTC -4)
Hey!… Wait..
A second!….
I thought I’d
prove my Met-
fan-ness by
trying to get us Utley for
a player to be
named later…
Damn,….I can’t fool you,
Case.
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-7:34pm at 7:34 pm (UTC -4)
Hey now, my email was meant to foster togetherness and mutual respect!!
oleosmirf
12/7/2009-6:30pm at 6:30 pm (UTC -4)
i just dont have faith that Omar will finally get it. Its been 2 offseasons of disappointment (at least from my point of view). Omar does get the big player, I will credit him for that but its the secondary players he never gets right.
You cant sign 1 star player and then fill the rest of the spots with backups. We’re too top heavy…
fongy2
12/7/2009-6:39pm at 6:39 pm (UTC -4)
I for one, have no faith in
Omar BUT do still hope!
I’ll have the rest of the off-season to sh*thammer him
after we leave these meetings
paying for Castillo’s contract
while ending up with either Bradley,Burrell or Guillen in LF, Molina for the next 3 yrs
under contract and Hudson
under contract for 4.
oleosmirf
12/7/2009-6:44pm at 6:44 pm (UTC -4)
to me Castillo is the least of our worries. Our SP is the real problem here
fongy2
12/7/2009-7:02pm at 7:02 pm (UTC -4)
One of you should reach out to your old friend matt the blognazi and
let him know that, with the new format, there’s no need to use
AM and PM when noting the time of his
latest posting when you use military
time as the clock indicator.
Jeez…..(as I shake my head)…..
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-7:19pm at 7:19 pm (UTC -4)
LOL!
Your above post is a good summary of the complete idiocy at the other sites!
Steelers-Dolphins that last week might be for the last playoff spot after all…or we might both be out of it by then.
And I sure would rather Bay go to the Mariners than the damn Red Sox or Yankees! If they get him, they are going to be damn good next year, for real.
fongy2
12/7/2009-7:33pm at 7:33 pm (UTC -4)
’09 steelers are on deaths door my friend.
I’ve been a fan about as long as I’ve been
a Met fan and it is
one of the worst months Ican recall.
My team looks old,fat and happy…hey wait,
sounds like Bengie Molina.
And after last night’s
NBC game,its looking more and more like
the Rooneys hired the wrong coach a couple years ago.
I can’t root against the Steelers BUT if the game has no meaning for us and your(and my brother in law’s)Dolphins are
still alive, I won’t be rooting against them. I’d rather have
the chance to move up a spot or two in the
draft instead of a getting a meaningless
win to spoil Miami’s chances. I like and respect Parcells too
much for that. Although, it is a little tough to take
watching JLo and Marc Anthony celebrate in
the owners box.
On Bay though, if not
Seattle, I wouldn’t mind seeing him return
to Boston. I kinda root for them because I know how much the yanks and their phoney
fans hate them.
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-7:39pm at 7:39 pm (UTC -4)
Nice thoughts on the Fish, and I must say, the Steelers are one of the teams I most respect in all sports. Great franchise for the most part since we were kids. I rooted hard for them last year in the SB.
They do seem to be strangely disintegrating though. Must say, Chad Henne has been surprisingly decent. Our defense is going to be amazing next year, the o-line will be better, and if we can FINALLY get a few damn receivers who can catch (shouldn’t Duper or Clayton have a kid just about ready to step in?) we will be fantastic next year.
Gotta root for Bay to go to Seattle though. With King Felix, their pen, and their young talent, Bay could be the piece that really makes them contenders.
Seeing the Mariners lose to the Mets in the WS would be just beautiful!
fongy2
12/7/2009-7:53pm at 7:53 pm (UTC -4)
I’m with you on that!
BUT I’d have to start taking naps now because
there would be some late endings
to THOSE W.S.gms
next November.
As you know,I’m never optimistic about the teams I’ve been rooting for during the past 35+yrs,
Mets,Steelers,NYRangers&Knicks HOWEVER
this season,I saw the Steelers as 12-4/13-3
and atleast in the AFC championship gm.Easy schedule, all but 1 starter
returning,O-line getting
better,
our outstanding young Punter back from
injury,
Ravens down a little,same with the Patriots AND anothert year under the young Coach’s belt..
BUT the worst special teams play I’ve ever seen, No Polomalo,My wife being absolutely correct in her criticism of O-coordinator Arians(an old Temple U. HC,
shes a graduate) AND
a few other injuries have now left us
Die-hards pretty worried about the future.
The drafts since Tomlin arrived have been bad and
much of this group is looking old.
b/t/w,your
QB was very impressive yesterday. I’m surprised,never thought he’d be more than a back-up
having seen him a bit in college.
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-8:02pm at 8:02 pm (UTC -4)
I think Polamalu is so key to them. And they do seem to be getting old pretty quick, much like the Patriots, I am happier to say.
And Henne has been a huge surprise. He could actually be a decent starter if they could catch the damn ball with consistency.
And as a lifelong Net, Dolphin, and Met fan (just never that into hockey) I can relate to disappointment!
wannybackstra
12/7/2009-8:12pm at 8:12 pm (UTC -4)
As a suffering Raiders fan there are few consolation prizes better than beating the Steelers in a game with meaning for Pittsburgh. Sorry, Fongy.
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-8:23pm at 8:23 pm (UTC -4)
Just as that win against the Pats yesterday was SO sweet.
As was watching the Giants beat the Cowgirls and that piece of sh*t Flozell Adams.
rustyjr
12/7/2009-7:41pm at 7:41 pm (UTC -4)
hey guys – iiiiiim baaaack !!! hope ya missed me – ill be crankin out new stuff starting tomorrow!!
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-7:45pm at 7:45 pm (UTC -4)
The site has not been the same without the Infamy!!
Glad to have you back, and just in time; Omar is just about to sign Lackey, Holliday, Molina, Hudson, Wolf, Marquis, Soriano, AND Ron Hodges!!
rustyjr
12/7/2009-7:49pm at 7:49 pm (UTC -4)
no alex trevino or junior ortiz? btw been following the site on my phone while my pc was down – great job guys !!
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-7:58pm at 7:58 pm (UTC -4)
Oh yeah, I just ran out of space—to go along with Santos, Blanco, Coste, Thole, and Molina, Omar does have offers out to Hodges, Trevino, Ortiz, Ronn Reynolds, Duffy Dyer, Barry Lyons, Kelly Stinnett, John Gibbons, Alberto Castillo, Jorge Fabregas, Mike DeFelice, and Hobie Landrith, who will be 80 on Opening Day.
fongy2
12/7/2009-8:14pm at 8:14 pm (UTC -4)
No Charlie
O’brien
or Rick
Cerone?
And Brock,
I’ve thought
the reach for Ted Ginn would haunt the Dolps for yrs.
Also, it is amazing how much I’ve fallen away from the Knicks and Rangers
the past 5 yrs.Combo of living where I do, refusing to pay for
the NBA or NHL package
and the mess Thomas
and Sather
made at the Garden under Sonny Boy Dolan’swatch.
Glad to see your Nets finally Win one BUT
I think it’s shameful Frank was made the fall guy out
there in the swamps.
wannybackstra
12/7/2009-8:16pm at 8:16 pm (UTC -4)
Frank may not have been the best coach in the NBA. But no one is going to win with the current Nets team, much less with the injured version Frank had.
Hell, this story sounds familiar (except for that Frank is not a clueless gangsta when it comes to Xs and Os)!
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-8:21pm at 8:21 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, the Ginn pick was a really bad one.
The Nets’ lame duck owner Ratner has been destroying the team little by little since refusing to pay Kenyon Martin. KMart is not a perennial all-star, but he was perfect for those teams, and we have not had an inside presence since the day he left.
Maybe the Nyets’ new Russian owner will move the team to Newark where they belong and pony up for a big FA this summer, like Bosh.
With Lopez, Harris, CDR, Lee, a lottery pick, and a huge budget for FAs this summer, at least we will be back to being better than the Knicks next year!
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-8:11pm at 8:11 pm (UTC -4)
Has anyone noticed that in Mattsblog’s new format, he is now using military time, AND putting “PM” after it??
19:46 PM??
He really does not stop giving us fodder, does he?
wannybackstra
12/7/2009-8:14pm at 8:14 pm (UTC -4)
From what I can gather that site can really use an editor. I mean it’s like reading a little girl’s diary entries.
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-8:18pm at 8:18 pm (UTC -4)
HAHAHA!!
A little girl with bad grammar, and no knowledge of baseball before about 1999…
metsfan4decades
12/7/2009-8:21pm at 8:21 pm (UTC -4)
hahahaha – I noticed when he put up that new format, a couple of readers complained about not having the time of the posts. Cerrone said it wasn’t by design, it was an oversight and he would correct that.
Take it from someone who has worked for DOD Navy for 30 years……you never use AM/PM when dealing with military time. I’m surprised whatever format he’s using even offers that as an option when using military time vs. standard.
Also, it would never be 19:46 but just 1946.
Isn’t this what started the revolt last year? He started playing with his format during winter meetings and never could get it right. Played with it for months until he shut it down for a week and banned just about all of us.
No matter. From that mini revolt, this blog was born. Hats off to all authors/posts b/c I get so much more from this site.
dirtysanchez
12/7/2009-8:27pm at 8:27 pm (UTC -4)
hahaha yes! Thats how it started. If he wouldnt have messed with his format, TRDMB would not be here right now
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-8:33pm at 8:33 pm (UTC -4)
I am sending him a thank you note right now!
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-8:30pm at 8:30 pm (UTC -4)
Haha! I forgot that this was EXACTLY the same time he messed with the comments last year!
And thanks for the confirmation about military time…I was pretty sure, and am glad to know that we have another thing to chuckle at.
And I could not agree more with your last sentence—I made a comment before about how this comments section is like a baseball Mensa meeting compared to his comments section!
fongy2
12/7/2009-8:38pm at 8:38 pm (UTC -4)
As I stated above,
theres no need to
when using Military
time. Thats the reason
for it.
fongy2
12/7/2009-8:30pm at 8:30 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah Homey,I did above.
See my post @7:02PM.
And Wanny, no problem w/your
Raiders,the only grude I hold
against them is for beating us
in the playoffs in the winter of ’76/’77. THAT Steeler Defense was the best ever.
No hard feelings. Your owner
has destroyed that team and
their future isn’t bright,bad
drafts,lackey coaches who garner no respect from the
players and FAs in their prime won’t sign there and
no decent young coach will
take that job as long as Crazy-Al is still alive.
So, Steeler fans aren’t angry
with Oakland BUT mostly our own Coaching staff.
Kingman 26
12/7/2009-8:35pm at 8:35 pm (UTC -4)
Oops, missed that Fong; you got it first!
Al Davis has written the book on destroying a good franchise…no way they recover while he is still around.
fongy2
12/7/2009-8:44pm at 8:44 pm (UTC -4)
Spent to much
time i/f/o my computer today!
Getting nothing done BUT searching stories all over the country on
rumors involving the Mets.
So,natually I
went a couple times to the
Nazi’sblog
and like you Brock can’t believe some
of what he posts and what
some of his
posters state.
wannybackstra
12/7/2009-8:40pm at 8:40 pm (UTC -4)
thanks, fong. salt…wounds.
fongy2
12/7/2009-8:46pm at 8:46 pm (UTC -4)
Sorry…I was
just….well..
sayin’…….
metsfan4decades
12/7/2009-8:16pm at 8:16 pm (UTC -4)
Mets Hot Stove tonight on SNY….
Heyman was talking that the Molina signing is just about a done deal. Only question is on how many years.
Sigh…..
metsfan4decades
12/7/2009-8:31pm at 8:31 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, and hats off to Bobby Cox. He’s a classy guy. They asked him how he sees the division this year with the Braves and the moves they’ve made so far along with the Phillies and the Nats. First thing he says is the Mets should be so much better in 2010 just as a result of getting all their guys back healthy. Said he’s never seen anything like the injury bug that hit the Mets in his 10 years of managing….
Also, he flat out said the Braves would not be in on the big FA/trade names, mainly Bay, Holliday or Halladay. Said they’re looking for a bat and the fact that they have 6 very good pitchers would allow them to trade for that bat they need. He hated to ever give up pitching but knows they’ll probably have to trade one of them to acquire the offense they believe they need.
fongy2
12/7/2009-8:40pm at 8:40 pm (UTC -4)
God No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
metsfan4decades
12/7/2009-8:54pm at 8:54 pm (UTC -4)
Latest on MLBTR:
‘MONDAY, 7:44pm: Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that the Mets are considering offering Molina a deal that would pay him $6MM next year and include an option for 2011. It’s not clear what kind of option they’re considering. The Mets would prefer not to offer Molina a two-year deal, but they haven’t ruled such a deal out.’
Yesterday, I was convinced the Mets weren’t really looking to sign Molina. Apparently, I’m going to be proved wrong on that.
If they really are going to sign him, I sincerely hopie it’s only for one year.
oleosmirf
12/7/2009-9:01pm at 9:01 pm (UTC -4)
one year at 6 mil isn’t so bad. The only question is who will be throwing the ball to him
fongy2
12/7/2009-9:04pm at 9:04 pm (UTC -4)
No, it’ll be bad.
Offensive stats like the’02
Bengie
and defense
worse than last yrs.
This equals
real bad news for us.
oleosmirf
12/7/2009-9:29pm at 9:29 pm (UTC -4)
i think thats a bit pessimistic even for me. Dont get me wrong i’d rather they sign someone else or stick with what they have but even so as long as its one year he cant be that bad…
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
I am going to be wrong too…but for one year and an option is far different than three years.
And again, Blanco and Molina might get a lot more from our pitchers.
Blanco was Maddux’s catcher in ATL and they say Johan loved him in MN.
And SF has had some good results form pitchers lately.
stickguy
12/7/2009-11:41pm at 11:41 pm (UTC -4)
starting to get a bad vibe about this off season. I really thought they were going to get away from ancient guys like this.
It better be only 1 year guaranteed, and even 6 mill, considering how many other catchers are available, seems like a waste.
But, 1 year guaranteed and stick him in the 7 hole? Could be worse I guess.
2 year guarantee? I might just give up hope, unless Omar pulls off some kind of miracle trade. And no, Castillo for Bradley or Pierre, followed by a 3/18 deal for Hudson, doesnt qualify!
CaseStreet
12/7/2009-11:53pm at 11:53 pm (UTC -4)
not to worry, if Yanks pull the Granderson trade, Omar will overpay for Holliday. 6/100
stickguy
12/8/2009-12:56am at 12:56 am (UTC -4)
actually, with some of the crazy rumors floating around (Bradley? Burell? Pierre?) I am starting to think that if Omar just says screw it and gives Holliday the 6/100, and he takes it, that might just be the best thing that canhappen right now.
Is he really “worth” it? Probably not, but it isn’t that much overboard. Plus, he is at least a really good player (if not quite a star).
I am also resigned to Molina, just still praying it is 1 year guarantee.
And I do expect Castillo will be moved, for something. And will not be surprised to see Hudson brought in.
So, that leaves a normalline up of: Reyes, Hudson, wright, beltran, holliday as the top 5. Not shabby.
6-8 right now frenchy, molina, Murphy? Not really liking this (molina is a clogger), but at least there is pop down there.
Now, of course, if they really go “all in” and stuff Delgado in too somehow for 1year (not likely IMO), that certainly changes the dynamics!
or, say the quick classic-omar moves are made (holliday, molina, hudson).Maybe he can throw in a couple of other upgrades? Pena? Cantu? Beuller?
oh, might want to throw in a pitcher or 2 also!
holliday + molina = 23m/year. Hudson vs. castillo a wash.
So, 10mill left give or take. Marquis and that’s it? squeeze in Harden or sheets too?
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
The Burrell thing is made-up nonsense.
The Pierre thing probably is too—he is the same player as Slappy, and isn’t he owed a lot of $$$?
Don’t let the nonsense get you down.
oleosmirf
12/8/2009-12:42am at 12:42 am (UTC -4)
i’ve had a bad vibe since last offseason. The moves (or non moves) Omar made in the latter part of the offseason were mindboggling.
stickguy
12/7/2009-11:45pm at 11:45 pm (UTC -4)
oh yeah, if Omar gives Pinero a 4 year deal, I may have to switch and root for another team (or at least go on strike until their is a new regime in place!)
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
I will be right behind you.
The Mariners are going to be VERY good without Bay, and if they do get him, watch out.
stickguy
12/8/2009-12:59am at 12:59 am (UTC -4)
so whatdo you like better for creative trades?
the reds deal – harang/philips
the royals deal – meche and calspo
someone postulated a prososed deal with KC. Meche and Calspo for Castillo, pagan santos.
whataputz
12/8/2009-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
I’m sure Wolf wants nothing to do with the Brewers, but with that deal and with no pitchers yet signed, this is the definition of a deal you can’t refuse. Plus Scott Boras will egg his house if he declines.
dirtysanchez
12/8/2009-11:12am at 11:12 am (UTC -4)
Yea, no reason for wolf not accept the brewers deal…i just hope the mets arent stupid enough to try and beat the deal
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-11:12am at 11:12 am (UTC -4)
So assuming for the sake of discussion that Omar has identified Wolf as a ‘must-have’ player, how is Omar going to get him, by increasing the number of years or the average annual value (or both) of the alleged Milwaukee offer?
dirtysanchez
12/8/2009-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
I have no idea. Either way its not a good idea. If they go for less years, most likely its goign to be more money. The brewers are basically offering 10 per, so ya gotta think the mets gotta up the ante if they want less years…im already getting sick lol
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
Personally, as Met GM I walk away knowing he’s got the 3 year offer in hand from Milwaukee, but if I believe what I read the Mets are still pursuing. So in that context:
If I’m Randy Wolf I’m not taking fewer years unless the offer is nutty like 2yr/$30 (which damn well better not be happening) because if I’m him I’m not walking away from money.
So if the offer that the Mets are ‘bidding against’ is the 3 yr/$28 published above, do the Mets go 3/$30 or do they go 4/$32-36? It’s not like the Mets can just extend the same offer as the Brewers and say “c’mon, it’s New York or Milwaukee.”
trs86
12/8/2009-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
Why can’t they do that Grave? I am sure that plays a part. Offer the same and see which one he wants. If he chooses the Brewers then they don’t want him anyway.
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-11:36am at 11:36 am (UTC -4)
They can do it, I think if they really want him it would be a dumb move, unless they knew of some pre-disposition on his part to come to NY.
Unfortunately I have read repeated reports that A). the Mets are not respected as a franchise or considered a contender, and B). that Wolf prefers the West coast.
So based on a lot of reading that may or admittedly may not be accurate, if I wanted Wolf (which I don’t) I would not use “c’mon it’s NY” as a selling point. If anything that might convince his agent to give the Yankees a call.
trs86
12/8/2009-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
But I think based on multiple reports the Mets are interested in multiple type B pitchers so they are in the position to say here is what we would offer…
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
I think you’ve boiled it down to it’s essence.
I was framing my thoughts in a “they want HIM” context.
If they truly consider him interchangeable they will hopefully stick to what they deem a reasonable offer.
trs86
12/8/2009-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
I agree. To me they WANT Lackey the most and will offer him a contract as well but if it is not in their range with so many holes I think they will pass.
stickguy
12/8/2009-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
he seemed to be fine with Philly when he was here (from what I recall). ANd Wisc. is sure the heck not on the west coast!
At least NY is much more cosmopolitan if that is what he is looking for.
I also think the “respected organization” bit is overblown, and only boobs and writers with an agenda don’t think they wil lbe contenders.
trs86
12/8/2009-11:52am at 11:52 am (UTC -4)
Exactly. Not that much has changed from the team that was contenders for 3 straight years and was leading the race before injuries this past season.
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
I can’t speak specifically about Randy Wolf, but generally baseball players don’t strike me as the brightest guys, they could be swayed by the boobs with agendas.
Mmm, boobs.
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
Mmm, agendas.
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
I’d walk away too. Any time a pitcher signs with another team for big money, it likely eliminates a John Lackey suitor.
trs86
12/8/2009-11:46am at 11:46 am (UTC -4)
True, if we really assumed the Brewers were in on Lackey. To me the Cards signing Penny was a bigger gain for the Mets in the Lackey race.
However, I just don’t see the Mets matching the Angels if they did (who really knows?) offer 5/82.
trs86
12/8/2009-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
I would guess the Mets offer something like 2/20 with a 3rd year option to make 3/30 or match the 3/28 and say pick which team you want to be on.
No one says that if you are in the race you have to exceed the contract to get the player. It’s not an auction.
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
Of course no one says you have to, but we can count on one hand the number of major leaguers in the FA era that walk away from guaranteed money (or their preferred code word, ‘security’).
trs86
12/8/2009-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
But why can’t you just match it or change the years or options Grave? Again, I just don’t feel it’s a cut and dry auction. OK Brewers are offering 3/28 we will go 3/30.
Why could it not be 2/20 with an easy to obtain 3rd year at 10? Which one do you chose if you are Wolf? To me that’s a hard decision. Is it worth the extra 2 million and chance to enter the market again in 2 years to chance getting injured.
stickguy
12/8/2009-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
well, wisc. is very nice in the summer, and the baseball sason is only played in 2 months of winter up there, so it might not be too bad.
As long as you don’t have to spend th rest of the winter, why not?
fongy2
12/8/2009-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
Lots of Beer and Cheese!
Yum-friggin-O!
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
From a baseball perspective only, Milwaukee should be an attractive destination for a free agent pitcher with an offense led by Prince Fielder and the Hebrew Hammer Ryan Braun with guys like Alcides Escobar, Rickie Weeks and Mat Gamel/Casey McGehee as potential breakout players.
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-11:52am at 11:52 am (UTC -4)
But, but the Mets have Carlos Beltran and David Wright, with guys like, umm, yeah nevermind.
trs86
12/8/2009-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
Come on Grave, we have our share with the core guys
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
I was searching for the so-called ‘potential breakout players.’ I think for the Mets that type of player exists, but is a bit farther away from the breakout as they were mostly in A & AA last year.
fongy2
12/8/2009-12:02pm at 12:02 pm (UTC -4)
Good chance
FMart will break something this
season.
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, the record for most time disabled for a player his age.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah, injured again and taking advice from Alou.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
I guess technically Pagan had one last year? Niese could have one this year I guess.
stickguy
12/8/2009-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
wolf is what, 34? 32? Given his history, this deal certainly has to be considered quite possibly his last one.
so he is most likely going to grab the biggest guarantee he can, and that 3rd year (that I would not do) could be huge for him.
trs86
12/8/2009-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
True, but no harm in meeting with the agents. We were told last year that years did not matter with Lowe but then years did matter with Lowe. Who knows?
fongy2
12/8/2009-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
Told ya already
my friend’cause
Omar can’t multitask and
times-a-wastin’
trs86
12/8/2009-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
That’s bull crap so I will just let you keep spewing that one and move on.
fongy2
12/8/2009-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
Smile
Iwas just joking.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
I know but that one is about as tired as the Latin jokes. I don’t think Omar is incompetent at all. Maybe not the best but for certain flat out average. Average is not incompetent.
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
He is better than average, even if just slightly.
Show me a team other than the Yanks who have added the big players he did from 2005–2008.
And as you have pointed out, we may not have won it all, but from 2006–2008 we were one of the most competitive teams in baseball.
trs86
12/8/2009-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
True but you also have the uncertainty of what they will do with some of those players in the next few years and the fact that they have admitted to not being able to really address all of their future payroll needs.
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
From which team can you not pick a few key players about whom there will be “uncertainty” in the “next few years?”
trs86
12/8/2009-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
True but there has been many more rumors about Fielder and the Brewers than say Beltran or Wright and the Mets? At least from my perspective.
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
Beltran has no uncertainties? How about the fact that he has a degenerative knee condition which forced him to miss substantial time this season? Plus, he would only be signed for two of the three seasons for which Wolf is signing.
Can a player not deem Wright’s power outage and all of the talk about Citi wreaking psychological damage as an uncertainty?
How about the uncertainties of the team’s managerial and GM situation?
So Fielder’s status beyond this season is questionable. Who are the others in the category “some” Milwaukee players with questionable status?
trs86
12/8/2009-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
Wanny I hoped you knew I was referring to cost and not question marks in performance. If not I appologize.
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
It reads to me that you were not talking about costs but rather whether certain players would be with the team.
There’s no risks to the costs of any of the players I mentioned other than Fielder. They’re mostly rookies or guys (Weeks) who likely won’t break anyone’s bank.
Anyway, Randy Wolf doesn’t have to pay Prince Fielder out of his pocket. He just needs Prince around to bash some of his 40+ HRs while he is on the mound.
If I’m looking for a couple of hitters to support me, Milwaukee is an attractive destination, which was my original point.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with that point. That’s all I got to say about that.
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
Thank you Forrest.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
Those must be comfortable shoes.
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-12:55pm at 12:55 pm (UTC -4)
When I got tired, I slept. When I got hungry, I ate. When I had to go, you know, I went.
fongy2
12/8/2009-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
Wait a second! According to mlbtraderumors, The Mets have signed
Howard Hessman from WKRP in Cinncinati???…What?….Who?…Why?
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-11:56am at 11:56 am (UTC -4)
Venus Flytrap better be next!
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
I’m hoping for Bailey Quarters.
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
I am with you on that one.
stickguy
12/8/2009-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
You must be a Betty man too then.
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
Rubble or Boop?
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
Or from the Archies?
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
If we’re talking The Archies, I’m going with Veronica.
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:13pm at 12:13 pm (UTC -4)
Betty White, maybe.
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-12:17pm at 12:17 pm (UTC -4)
LOL!
fongy2
12/8/2009-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
Lori Anderson,circa mid 70s, Yum-friggin’-o!
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
iRod signs for two years in Washington — which may push Molina to seek two years, as well.
Rafael Soriano accepts arbitration, which causes a logjam of expensive relievers in Atlanta.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
I think that’s funny for Atlanta. Also he expects to force a trade.
fongy2
12/8/2009-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
He’ll be their closer just as soon as Billy
Wags and Saito hit the
DL!
trs86
12/8/2009-12:08pm at 12:08 pm (UTC -4)
LOL true enough. I guess they did not want a hitter. Maybe the Mets can get LaRoche for cheap now. Atlanta can’t afford him. I would love to have seen Gonzalez accept it too.
stickguy
12/8/2009-12:04pm at 12:04 pm (UTC -4)
But, it takes 1 dumb GM out of the mix!
ALso, I saw that Soriano got smart. Accepted arb to get his paycheck, then requested a trade (which he knows he is likely to get since the Bravos can’t afford that pen!)
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:08pm at 12:08 pm (UTC -4)
I would like to have obtained Soriano for just money and the second round draft pick. Now he will cost a reasonable sum of money and players.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
Well his cost won’t go up much and now who knows if you even have to give up as much as the 1st round pick it would have taken. I would bet the Braves dump him for almost just salary now.
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)
If his cost is as affordable as you think it will be, why wouldn’t teams offer up a real prospect (which more valuable than a second round or late round draft pick)?
trs86
12/8/2009-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
Uh…. let me concentrate on the question….
What do you think he would get in arbitration? I would guess about 7.25 million.
I think the Braves would not be in much of a power position with teams knowing they have to dump him. So say the Mets might be able to offer (I don’t want them to) say Niese and it be a good return as long as they are paying all the cash. However, some teams would rather give up Niese than their 1st round pick?
Now I am confused.
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:22pm at 12:22 pm (UTC -4)
The Braves leverage will be determined by the number of teams interested in Soriano.
Not sure what your question means. But if you’re asking if other teams would prefer to give up a draft pick than to give up a kid whom they believe is major league ready and has a solid minor league track record, then there answer is an emphatic yes.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
But would they give up a 1st round draft pick for a guy that has back end of the rotation stuff? I don’t know, perhaps you are right. I guess until baseball can trade draft picks we don’t know and of course it would be based on team.
But this is all hypothetical anyway because the fact is now that he will be arbitration eligible and most likely will be traded. You are right his market will be determined based on interest but I also believe that it will be determined some what by the fact that the Braves have to trade him.
stickguy
12/8/2009-12:00pm at 12:00 pm (UTC -4)
Pitching is such a tough call.. So much uncertainty, and you need so many guys to get through a season.
I have waffled a bit on lackey, but I have settled on liking him, but not at the contracts thrown about (5/90, 6/100). He is good, but no where near as good as some people are making him out to be. Just fortunate to be the best of a weak FA class?
Plus, being 31 with his 2 year in a row arm problems is a huge red flag.
if they could get him for Ollie money? Sure. 3/45? worth that risk.
but if he is pushing past AJ money (17mill/per), that is silly.
I would rather spread the wealth. Garland + harden for 2/24 + harden incentives (combined) to me is a much better way to go.
Then put the rest of the savings into a bat.
if they really have a limited budget, 17 mill can be spent a lot better than 1 SP.
Heck, I would rather have Holliday (17), Garland (8) and harden (7?) if they only have 32mill to spend
trs86
12/8/2009-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
I would much rather have Lackey instead of Garland and Harden in a vacuum. However, it does not work that way. If it does work out that Lackey is going to get that type of money and those guys end up being bargains than I would rather go that direction as well.
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
Bob Melvin signs with Mets as ML scout.
stickguy
12/8/2009-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
Mets cornering the market on BU catchers and former ML managers.
Jerry better keep a bag packed.
fongy2
12/8/2009-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
And Manager by the All-Star break!
trs86
12/8/2009-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
Incredible move. But interesting that they continue to make the Dbacks connection.
fongy2
12/8/2009-12:38pm at 12:38 pm (UTC -4)
Don’t you know by now,
Omar loves bringing in guys from losing
orgs?!
trs86
12/8/2009-12:43pm at 12:43 pm (UTC -4)
Hmmm, when was the last time they won the WS?
trs86
12/8/2009-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
And I thought there was someone brought in from the Redsox? Of course we could go with Willie, he came from a winning organization.
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
These guys are getting hired to tutor Teufel or Backman, not to replace Jerry.
I hope.
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-12:18pm at 12:18 pm (UTC -4)
This is going to be somewhat ignorant but when has that stopped me before.
Anyway, I don’t know honestly what guys like Krivsky, Collins and now Melvin really bring. What I DO know is that I’ve heard of them before, and that alone gives me some hope that they’ll be improvements over whoever formerly had their respective roles.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
Very true, if nothing else they seem to bring respected name recognition.
Kingman 26
12/8/2009-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, and that is why I wrote that piece the other day….Krivsky seems to have some sort of great reputation, but an examination of his record does not justify it.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:27pm at 12:27 pm (UTC -4)
I think his record is decent. Certainly not as long as Omar but to me some of his moves have been good.
fongy2
12/8/2009-12:35pm at 12:35 pm (UTC -4)
Limited time as a GM
and w/o
unlimited funds to spend(and at times throw away).
The Phillips and Arroyo deals are pretty impressive.
trs86
12/8/2009-12:37pm at 12:37 pm (UTC -4)
True Omar has had both. VERY limited funds and a lot of funds. Has made very good moves in Santana and bad ones in Perez. To me average.
fongy2
12/8/2009-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
Omar’s had times of limited funds?
When was that? The Expo years?
trs86
12/8/2009-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
Yup.
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:50pm at 12:50 pm (UTC -4)
Krivsky has received credit for rebuilding the Reds farm system. I don’t know specifically whom he has earned credit for but they do have a nice stock of guys led by Bailey, Alonso, Cueto, Votto (graduated), Heisey, Valaika and Fraser among others. And if Volquez was his trade (have no idea if it was) he will ultimately receive a high score for that, as well. Even Hamilton is everything he could be, you can never discredit a guy for trading for a great pitcher.
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
The two talking heads on mlb.com video feed were just talking about the Cards and Matt Holliday, with one guy saying essentially ‘no way they can afford Holliday’ and the other guy saying ‘I think they just have to find some way to make it happen’ to which the first guy replied ‘what, give him a Bud distributorship? What Holliday is going to get and what Pujols next contract will be is too much for that franchise.’
wannybackstra
12/8/2009-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
I’d guess that you’re probably a Talking Heads fan. Seems to be from the early to mid 80s genre that you had previously expressed interest in (at least as in your clubgoing years).
GravediggerHebner
12/8/2009-12:33pm at 12:33 pm (UTC -4)
I am a fan, have most of their catalog on CD or computer, up to/including “Little Creatures.” After that I sort of lost interest.
And that off-shoot Tom Tom Club “Genius of Love” is good stuff.