Here’s a look at some Mets news on the web:
- “Back in PSL” by Adam Rubin
“If I didn’t think I’d have gotten in trouble, I would have got here an hour ago,” the always-working Murphy said upon arriving at 8:15 a.m.
- “Ben Sheets Update” by Mike Silva
Sheets may be the Mets to lose if they overpay. I am thinking guaranteed $10 plus incentives. Hard to tell, but it’s clear they want Sheets. After the Beltran fiasco, losing out on Molina, and the grief they are getting from the fans, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Sheets/Smoltz over the next week to ten days.
- “Santana, Maine attending Amazin’ 3-day minicamp” by Mike Puma
The Mets are most interested in seeing Santana, who underwent season-ending surgery last August to remove bone chips in his left elbow. Team officials have received good reports on their ace, but are anxious to get a look in person. The Mets certainly want to avoid a repeat of last spring training, when Santana was shut down early because of elbow soreness.
- “Francouer, Smoltz, and the Mets” by Mike Silva
 There seems to be enough news, even without this very unsubstantiated rumor, indicating the Mets are interested in Smoltz. I have no problem with them bringing on the 42 year old future Hall of Famer, as long as they manage their expectations. Smoltz will not give them better than league average performance out of the rotation. I would go as far to say that he is no better than the options currently in place. Out of the bullpen, however, Smoltz could be a deadly weapon, and even close on days Francisco Rodriguez is not available.
- “New York Mets might make pitch to ex-Yankee pitcher Chien-Ming Wang” by Anthony McCarron
 Aside from the Jason Bay move, there hasn’t been much for Mets fans to celebrate. Still, though, I’m excited about the upcoming season. Hopefully everything checks out well for our returning injured players. If Omar is able to bring in a combination of Sheets, Wang and Smoltz, it would give the rotation the necessary combination of depth and upside.The Mets are among 15 teams with interest in Wang, according to Alan Nero, who along with Alan Chang represents the former Yankee.
69 comments
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-10:04am at 10:04 am (UTC -4)
How about them Mets? Anyone attending Mini-Camp or Spring Training?
mrose
1/25/2010-10:23am at 10:23 am (UTC -4)
I will be going to some spring training now that I live in Florida
Anyone else?
trs86
1/25/2010-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
You got a bunch of spare bedrooms?
mrose
1/25/2010-10:38am at 10:38 am (UTC -4)
one
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
TRDMB Convention?
metsfan4decades
1/25/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
No to both, but don’t I wish.
Hope those lucky enough to be going provide some cool feedback for us here on TRDMB.
njstuckintx
1/25/2010-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
I predict good things will be announced tomorrow. It’ll be 69 days until Opening day. That should mean good things. And I’m referring to the first championship, you gutterminded people! heh.
njstuckintx
1/25/2010-10:17am at 10:17 am (UTC -4)
Ching Ming scares me for sure. I’m not even sure what he would sign at, but until he can show me he can pitch and is healthy, I would be hesitant to offer him much. At this point, though, just having bodies would be a good thing.
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-10:21am at 10:21 am (UTC -4)
I agree with Mike Silva that Smoltz should be considered as a relief option and not intitially as a starter.
But I think he’s nuts to guarantee Ben Sheets $10m.
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-10:29am at 10:29 am (UTC -4)
Come on wanny, don’t be cheap w/ your “Wilpon Bucks”.
Hmm, sounds like a good game for an iphone app.
trs86
1/25/2010-10:37am at 10:37 am (UTC -4)
Actually when I thought the Mets were going to spend on a catcher and when I expected more money spent on backup OF’s I was with you. But after reading more and more about it I think I am ok with 10 for Sheets as long as it is something like
1/8 with a 2nd year option for 14M and a 2M buyout. Yeah the 1 for 10 stinks but at this point what is it keeping us from doing? I would expect they would still have enough money for Calero or Smoltz if they wanted it.
mrose
1/25/2010-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)
I’m better with the 2nd year if its a mutual option… I hate the idea of him being able to opt out after one great year
trs86
1/25/2010-10:46am at 10:46 am (UTC -4)
True, but at least we got a great year. I guess the price you have to pay is double edged.
mrose
1/25/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
yea…i’d be ok with a higher salary for year 1 if it means a mutual option for year 2 or team option, but would prefer a lower base salary for year 1 if he has a player option only
stickguy
1/25/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
I was thinking the same thing. Treat the budget like a fantasy league auction. That is, you spend what you spend, and can’t take it with you if you don’t!
I assume they already have something budgeted (beyond what they offered Molina and Pinera) for the mythical mid-year acquisition. So, if the ~14 million they had to spend isn’t going to those players, take a shot and overpay for Sheets, since otherwise it goes into the Wilpon profit pocket.
And I would rather Sheets gets a windfall instead of the owners!
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
Who says it can’t go to a trade acquisition before or after the season begins?
And if Sheets is the guy getting overpaid, you lose your ability to replace him if/when he gets injured. He’s a particularly bad choice to overpay.
I’d be fine overpaying a healthy starter if one was available.
trs86
1/25/2010-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
Yup you do. I agree that you lose some flexibility, however, I am not as comfortable now that any of those trades happen as I was earlier. Also, I am sure there will still be some wiggle room. If the Mets had planned on Pineiro, Molina and maybe Smotlz that’s at least 16-18 that they planned to spend and most likely would have stayed true to form of having some wiggle room left after that.
Thus I would think that 10 million for Sheets and then say 4 million for Smoltz still leaves enough money for a mid-season guy. Besides how much is this mid-season guy going to make? Even if he was paid 18 a year then at the half-way point we would only owe him 9.
stickguy
1/25/2010-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
well sure, logically that makes sense. But we are dealing with the Met FO here, so logic doesn’t always apply.
I was just speculating that regardless of what they spend now, they aren’t going to be spending that much more mid season. Parly because of available players, but also because that will cost prospects too.
I would rather see them pick up a SP in a salary dump instead and spend the money that way, but who knows if any viable deals will really materialize.
I guess it really was answering the question as if you had a choice between stand pat, and overpay a little for Sheets. Then what do you do?
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
Overpay a little bit. But considering what other injury guys have received in recent years (about $5m per for guys like Penny, Wang, Jennings and Smoltz last year), $10m is more than a little bit overpaid — especially for a guy who is likely to need a replacement.
trs86
1/25/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
What I am proposing is 1/8 with 2M buyout for the next year. That is not that much out of line with what guys like Penny got. I can’t use Wang and Jennings because they don’t have the potential of Sheets. Smoltz I think is different because of age.
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
I seem to recall Wang winning 19 games two straight years with ERAs in the mid 3s while pitching in the AL East and a still lefty friendly Yankee Stadium.
Anyway, my contention is with guaranteeing $10m, regardless of how you want to structure it. If you choose not to pick up Sheets for 2011 under your proposal (likely because he got injured again), you’re still paying him $10m for this season.
trs86
1/25/2010-11:34am at 11:34 am (UTC -4)
Yup but then it’s over and done with. Also with Wang, you know that would be magical if he could maintain those types of numbers and not K anyone.
Again, I don’t like the 10M but if it took 8 would that make you say, hmmm that’s not that bad? Do we really want to lose Sheets over 2 million and go with what we have? Again this is assuming that Sheets won’t take 8 guaranteed.
metsfan4decades
1/25/2010-10:59am at 10:59 am (UTC -4)
I agree with Smoltz in the BP.
As far as the 10m…..I’m more or less resigned to overpaying by a bit if that’s what it takes….
trs86
1/25/2010-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
Agreed, I have changed my mind a little on this but not really. I said I wanted them to put up a competitive offer and not just give him anything he wants. To me 10M is just that. A VERY competitive offer but still not the 12 or more that he is seeking.
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
You really need to forget about the papers and the agents say they are seeking. Otherwise you would have paid John Lackey $100m, Matt Holliday $180m, Jason Marquis $30m, and Joel Pineiro $30m instead of the 82, 117, 15 and 16 that they actually received.
trs86
1/25/2010-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
True, we will just have to wait and see I guess. Anyway can we agree it’s somewhere between 6-12 million guaranteed?
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
yup, gotta make the best offer
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
I’d imagine $7-8M guaranteed is enough for Sheets.
Other injury guys seem to be signing for $5M plus incentives while mid-rotation guys are signing for $7-8M.
Figure Sheets has more upside than the aforementioned injured $5M injured players, so you gotta pay a couple more for the upside.
I guess you can look it as, you have $8M, do you sign a mid-rotation guy like Garland or do you sign Sheets who has injury risk but more upside?
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-11:33am at 11:33 am (UTC -4)
The $7-8m range seems much more reasonable to me than the $10m range. People are foolish for basing their offers on what their agents tell the newspapers rather than basing it on what the market dictates.
That $2-3m difference could be a solid reliever or bench player.
trs86
1/25/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
IF the Mets were going to spend it to start with Wanny. Also, as I said above IF it takes 10 instead of 8 is that enough to really walk away? I am not sure it is.
Mr North Jersey
1/25/2010-11:28am at 11:28 am (UTC -4)
I guess any hope of a trade for a Arroyo is simply just that hope.
So of the remaining available free agents which one or two is our best choice?
Bedard, Erik
Garland, Jon
Martinez, Pedro
Sheets, Ben
Smoltz, John
Wang, Chien-Ming
Washburn, Jarrod
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
Sheets and Garland for the rotation (I can’t believe I’m advocating for Garland at this point — ugh).
Smoltz for the pen.
trs86
1/25/2010-11:36am at 11:36 am (UTC -4)
I wish I could depend on the Mets doing that. I don’t see it though. I can’t imagine them getting 3 pitchers at this point. I hope I am wrong.
metsfan4decades
1/25/2010-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
I echo that sentiment. Sheets/Garland/Smoltz would be great considering what is left right now – outside of trade options.
trs86
1/25/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
I actually will be happy with 2/3 at this point.
Mr North Jersey
1/25/2010-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
I don’t remember where I read this but It was suggested that Wang would not be ready till June. I have no idea what the asking price is but having a healthy Wang available for the 2nd half of the season in NY is pretty enticing to me.
I am going to assume Minaya does not pull off a trade for a pitcher that is better than what is currently available in the free agent market so I would continue to say that I would go after Sheets and gamble on him being that front end guy the Mets desperately needed.
I don’t like Smoltz but I understand the interest in him and as long as the Mets are looking at him as a bullpen guy I would not be against it.
Garland is the guy that I would be ok to have signed to fill the back end.
I know the Mets would never do it but if it was up to me I’d sign Sheets, Wang, Garland and Smoltz but odds are they fake all of us out and sign Bedard. LoL
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
Pedro and Smoltz
metsfan4decades
1/25/2010-11:39am at 11:39 am (UTC -4)
Pedro? Haven’t heard a word about him this off season.
Will always love Pedro but I say pass at this point.
trs86
1/25/2010-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
If Pedro wants to come in for cheap and compete for the #5 spot and does not keep us from getting a real pitcher I could not care less.
stickguy
1/25/2010-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
Pedro can’t happen. Whether it should matter or not, the Mets (omar in particular) are dealing with too many baggage (“customer relations”?) issues already, and dipping a toe in the Pedro pool again is likely to be way more hassle than it could possibly be worth!
stickguy
1/25/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
of this bunch, garland if they are getting one. Washburn maybe if he comes for 1 year and not too much money.
steveo
1/25/2010-11:34am at 11:34 am (UTC -4)
If we overpay on Sheets it will probably be with what’s gaurenteed in the 2nd year and that could be really scary. That would leave us in a worse situiation for next years off season,again let’s not get to crazy with this Sheets thing. He ain,t comming here.
trs86
1/25/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
OH thanks, I was not sure yet. Topic dead.
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
the gospel according to Steveo
steveo
1/25/2010-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
Its not gospel, as mets fans we are starting to sound like a bunch of yankee fans in that we have to sign the best of the the best and quite frankly what’s left is not better than what we already have.Look when sheets was right he was very effective but to give a guy millions of dollars becuase of what he did 2 years ago when he was healthy (I say that lightly)is not a sane move even for the insane Omar. If this move. Blows up in his face this becomes real bad, that’s why I believe he won’t throw more than 5 mil at this guy and will be overbid.And I for one won’t bash him for that.
Mr North Jersey
1/25/2010-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
your opinion has been noted.
trs86
1/25/2010-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
If this move. Blows up in his face this becomes real bad, that’s why I believe he won’t throw more than 5 mil at this guy and will be overbid.
Uh… Translation please?
GravediggerHebner
1/25/2010-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
Steveo I don’t necessarily subscribe to your logic in getting there, but I appreciate your stance that you won’t bash Omar for it turning out that Sheets goes elsewhere.
Mr North Jersey
1/25/2010-12:35pm at 12:35 pm (UTC -4)
You are the ultimate diplomat.
GravediggerHebner
1/25/2010-1:05pm at 1:05 pm (UTC -4)
It’s my role and I aims ta fill it.
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-12:49pm at 12:49 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t see how it could blow up in Omar’s face. Everyone pretty much knows what we’d be getting w/ Sheets and what options are available.
trs86
1/25/2010-1:07pm at 1:07 pm (UTC -4)
This is the guy who traded for GMJR, do we think he cares what people will say if Sheets does not work out?
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-1:39pm at 1:39 pm (UTC -4)
only if those people are on a bagel line
stickguy
1/25/2010-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
at this point, I just want Sheets to sign. anywhere.
Then, 1/2 the posters here will complain he got too much, and Omar screwed up (and that is whether or not the mets get him!)
trs86
1/25/2010-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. Omar has to realize already that he can do nothing right.
Mr North Jersey
1/25/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
tsk tsk tsk, nothing good will come from these type of remarks
GravediggerHebner
1/25/2010-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
As far as Sheets goes, I have read recently that his biggest suitors are the Mets and the Oakland A’s. In that context, late Friday night I noticed these tweets from a guy who covers the A’s and posted them in the comments section here but it was late and only a few of you saw them so I share them again here.
# sorry #athletics fans, had to miss the desme call. had a bigger fish to fry for you. you might be getting some really good news next week
# #athletics fans: I know it’s a mean tease, but I’ll give u this: it’s probly what u’re thinking. No guarantees, but it looks good. I’m out!
Do you guys think he’s talking about the A’s signing Ben Sheets? That’s how I read it.
trs86
1/25/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
I would think that as well but I have no idea if this guy knows anymore than we do. Interesting with how reporting works. I could come out right now and say I have inside info that Sheets will be with the Mets in 2 weeks. If Sheets signs I look like a creditable source. If he does not then you just blame it on your “source”. All it takes is to hit more times than you miss and you could get a lot of attention to your blog.
GravediggerHebner
1/25/2010-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)
True, just ask Jon Heyman.
By the way how are we doing in your free agent “Lotto?” I only ask because I think I’m winning
trs86
1/25/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think I got one right. LOL.
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)
Perhaps Athletics fans have been anxiously awaiting Rickey Henderson’s most recent return.
Or maybe the Billy Beane is going to do something wild like acquire another 1B-DH type. Afterall, it sounds as if the move will meet the expectations of the fans. Ryan Garko perhaps? Willie Aikens?
trs86
1/25/2010-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
Don’t they have about 5 1B-DH’s?
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
I guess I failed at sarcasm.
trs86
1/25/2010-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, I did not know you had it in you. Sorry.
GravediggerHebner
1/25/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
Jeremy Giambi’s “Don’t Call It A Comeback” Tour with the A’s. And yes, I meant Jeremy.
CaseStreet
1/25/2010-12:51pm at 12:51 pm (UTC -4)
I thought it was the return of Mark McGwire
wannybackstra
1/25/2010-12:51pm at 12:51 pm (UTC -4)
Looks like MLBTR thinks it might also be Johnny Damon, who fits into the LF-DH category with Jack Cust.
trs86
1/25/2010-12:54pm at 12:54 pm (UTC -4)
If the A’s fail to sign Sheets, they might be Damon’s best hope to beat the $2MM the Yankees are apparently willing to pay.
LOL, poor Damon. For 2M I would bring him in to play OF and backup 1B. That’s less than what Garko will make most likely.
GravediggerHebner
1/25/2010-1:06pm at 1:06 pm (UTC -4)
I hadn’t seen that Wanny thanks. That bodes well for the Mets in their pursuit of Sheets I guess.