This is killing me. I know the right move is for the Mets to take their time, look at all options and do what’s best for the team. But the blogger in me wants them to hurry the hell up. As you have noticed there have been very few post lately on TRDM. Some of my colleagues have been carrying the torch as well as possible but frankly in terms of the Mets there’s just nothing to write about.
Every possible GM candidate has had their 3rd grade math scores compared and mother’s maiden name traced. We have looked at what is wrong, what is not wrong with the Mets. We have talked about who hustles who does not and even the greatness of the Phillies.
We have made references to trades and FA signings but even those feel empty until a new GM is in place. Managers names have been brought up and shot down or championed but still all talks are on hold until that magical name is announced. The one we are all waiting for to save the Mets from the abyss.
So while I hope the Mets do what is best for the Mets, they could throw us a bone and give us something to talk about instead of just rooting against the Phillies and Yanks.
152 comments
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-8:20am at 8:20 am (UTC -4)
Oh, be careful what we wish for…..you know with the Mets, that bone they toss us could be something totally idiotic or embarrassing as easy as it could be – finally – the announcement of the new GM.
Actually, I’m fine with the Mets taking their time somewhat and considering all viable candidates. I know though that if the announcement hasn’t been made by the WS, or isn’t made directly after that, it’s going to go very quickly from a mindset of the Wilpons taking it seriously to the Wilpons just screwing it up – again.
TRS86
10/19/2010-8:22am at 8:22 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. I know the sensible thing to do is to be diligent but that stinks for a blog for sure.
TRS86
10/19/2010-8:22am at 8:22 am (UTC -4)
“Buster_ESPNBuster_ESPN: The Yankees now turn to Carl Pavano, who has one victory in the last 82 days. It will be a total roll of the dice.”
Uh….
rustyjr
10/19/2010-8:30am at 8:30 am (UTC -4)
It appears that buster has come down with a case of brain freeze after eating the Yankee branded ice cream from turkey hill
kistics
10/19/2010-8:50am at 8:50 am (UTC -4)
Pavano, Burnett… same dudes… one just has more tattoos.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)
Pavano’s Mustache has powers we can only hope to have ourselves!
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-9:17am at 9:17 am (UTC -4)
I wonder what DL’s Bondy thinks now that the Yankees are down 2 games to 1.
This from the other day:
Yankees’ storied postseason success matters in a series against the historically futile Rangers
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2010/10/14/2010-10-14_sad_lil_home_on_the_range.html
stickguy
10/19/2010-10:00am at 10:00 am (UTC -4)
actually, you canput this in the same catagory as Grustle and clubhouse chemistry.
A fine concept that gets trumped by talent (especially pitching).
TRS86
10/19/2010-10:02am at 10:02 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. I have battled the chemistry argument for so long that I have made it appear that it does not matter. It does matter. Heart, grit, hustle… all do matter but those things are in-fact trivial compared to talent and often come along with talent.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-9:25am at 9:25 am (UTC -4)
Hurry up and wait, I guess. Yeah, I want something done soon myself, just to know that the work can be started, as there is quite a lot to do.
kistics
10/19/2010-9:36am at 9:36 am (UTC -4)
Last night was Lee’s night. He definitely dominated the Yankees lineup. Every K he recorded we all could hear ‘cha-ching!’. The question is how big of a contract do you think he’ll get based on what he has shown this post season? Coming into work, I heard something like $23M per for 5-6 years ranging 115-138. To me, I would be hesitant to sign him more than 4 years with option 5th year. I would give him 4/96 with option to go 5/120.
But I would be very worried about his back. I’m just some Joe Shmoe that knows nothing about baseball mechanics, but looking at the way he dips down and leans back during his delivery, it must put a lot of pressure on his back. I saw his delivery has a lot of similarities as Niese’s delivery except that Lee leans back a little more and that has got to have some effect on his back. He might be fine now, but when he’s 35-36, it might not be okay.
Just my 2 cents…
TRS86
10/19/2010-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
My nickel says that there is no way in hell the Mets go after Lee.
kistics
10/19/2010-9:43am at 9:43 am (UTC -4)
I agree. I know I’ve said that I wanted to see the Mets go after him, but I agree with you.
kistics
10/19/2010-9:43am at 9:43 am (UTC -4)
Not saying that the Mets should go after him, but I’m talking about in general…
TRS86
10/19/2010-9:49am at 9:49 am (UTC -4)
It really depends on who is bidding and how this series ends up. If the Rangers win the WS on the back of Lee then their fans are gonna want them to pony up some serious cash as will the Yankees. I can also see the Angels and Sox getting in on the move.
stickguy
10/19/2010-10:03am at 10:03 am (UTC -4)
not sure if it was his back, but he has missed some time (and I believe had at least 1 cortisone shot) the last couple of years due to injury.
so, given his age, the years have to be a red flag. 5 years for any pitcher is nuts, but for Lee, right now? Insane.
unless, of course, you can just put him out on the curb for the trashmen to pick up if he breaks, and get a replacement!
I think it will be 5/125 from the Yankees.
TRS86
10/19/2010-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
Honestly why should the guy get more than Halladay? Yeah Halladay wanted to be in Philly and signed a friendly contract but to me Halladay is Halladay.
kistics
10/19/2010-10:18am at 10:18 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. But Lee does have more leverage to work with.
stickguy
10/19/2010-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
Halladay wasn’t actually a FA> he still had a year on his deal. FWTW
TRS86
10/19/2010-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
Correct but he could have waited until FA.
stickguy
10/19/2010-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
yes, but signing early was a way to mitigate risk for him.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
True but not a lot of risk in my opinion considering the reward. I think he just wanted to be in Philly.
saltygary
10/19/2010-9:48am at 9:48 am (UTC -4)
The Mets can’t say anything yet because they still need to interview a minority candidate. The tigers wouldn’t let them interview their assistant but they got a hold of the asst gm from Toronto who used to work under Omar in Montreal. So either be really terrified because they are interviewing a protege of Omar or be patient until they do the second with Sandy and then a press conference to announce him as the GM.
TRS86
10/19/2010-9:49am at 9:49 am (UTC -4)
I think they intend on doing that soon with Dana Brown of the Jays.
stickguy
10/19/2010-10:05am at 10:05 am (UTC -4)
I still think the Mets should not have to interview a minority candidate. They just have Omar for 6 years. And heck, they essentially interviewed him by deciding to let him go, so let Omar cover their nut here!
TRS86
10/19/2010-10:08am at 10:08 am (UTC -4)
For manager I know it is required so I am assuming it is for GM as well.
saltygary
10/19/2010-10:11am at 10:11 am (UTC -4)
It is.
kistics
10/19/2010-10:20am at 10:20 am (UTC -4)
How unfair is that for Dana Brown? I know the purpose of the rule, but sometimes it just doesn’t make sense. But then a lot of things in this world doesn’t make sense to me.
stickguy
10/19/2010-10:34am at 10:34 am (UTC -4)
you can certainly argue that it is a stupid/evil/silly (pick your adjective) rule. But actually, for a guy like Brown, it helps him. Considering how many assistant GM/scouting director types there are floating around that never get a shot, at least he gets to interview.
And once you are in, always the chance that you impress the hell out of a team and get the job, or at least get your name out there as a viable guy.
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-10:29am at 10:29 am (UTC -4)
Watching the way Lee owns the Yankees is there a reason why the Red Sox would not be interested in Lee other than financially?
I just think for a team that is at the door of winning a ring Lee is just what the doctor ordered.
kistics
10/19/2010-10:31am at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
If I were Twins GM, I would really think about signing him…
fongy2
10/19/2010-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
I hope watching the likes of Halladay,Lee,Oswalt,CC,Lincecum
will help the ill-informed understand that while shopping for Pitching
you just don’t get a Vasquez or Burnett type…..Or Worse……..
A Sheets or Harden type…And really believe because all are
“Top of the Rotation” types, they can be similar in stats, therefore
impact on a team.
kistics
10/19/2010-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
how about Webb?
TRS86
10/19/2010-10:57am at 10:57 am (UTC -4)
Problem is Fongy that there are few pitchers available above those types you suggested and the Mets are not really in a position to go after them for 2011.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, thats not what I meant.
There have been discussions and arguments here….And prior
on mattsblog by many fans that getting some 15game winner
can get close to making up for not paying for the likes of
guys like Doc,Oswalt, CC, Lee etc.
These guys, while just one Pitcher, change Staffs and Win
Playoff series.
There were times arguing here I thought my head would explode arguing against folks who were trying to sell the
likes of Sheets, Harden,Lilly etc as something which could help
make us a playoff team.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:13am at 11:13 am (UTC -4)
I will still disagree that a guy like Lilly can help make you a playoff team. Where I think you for sure have an argument is how serious of a contender you are when you GET to the playoffs.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
And knowing that, it still chaps my, uh, well, it chaps me that the Mets didn’t go after Oswalt (or go after him harder, as I don’t know what lurks in the mind of the Omar)
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:00am at 11:00 am (UTC -4)
I mentioned Boston above but I honestly wonder if they are in the position to get that done considering they also in my opinion have some offensive concerns of their own.
Now if they could say trade DiceK for an power bat and still have their free money?
fongy2
10/19/2010-10:34am at 10:34 am (UTC -4)
I don’t know if it’s the “right” or wrong move to “take their time” with
this GM situatation, I DO KNOW however it shouldn’t be needed.
This team’s season was long over by August and it was apparent
a move was gonna be made with our GM and Mgr.
One would think Mr.Wilpon already had a pretty good idea be season’s
end who they want to bring in and who is available.
To me it would seem pretty simple, find out who among Alderson,Ryan,
Hunsicker and Hart have interest and hire one.
I’ve always been a Fred Wilpon defender until the Bernie Madoff scandal, thinking he was a pretty sharp guy who truely cared about
winning and image BUT over the past couple years I’m really starting
to have my doubts.
fongy2
10/19/2010-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
I think it’s LOL Funny that Yankee fans are freaked out over Burnett
starting game 4. Only the yankees and their fans could b*tch and moan
about having a guy who a yr ago signed a 5yr/82.5mil deal to ride
shotgun for your Ace, the highest paid Pitcher in the game, take the
mound at home while your Billion dollar line-up gets to face Tommy
Hunter. As I told by Bro-in-law and a couple friends while up in NY this
past weekend…..THAT’S Why everyone hates the yankees and their
fans!
kistics
10/19/2010-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
To tell you the truth, I would freak out a little bit too if I were them.
metsfan4decades
10/19/2010-11:00am at 11:00 am (UTC -4)
Just goes to prove that even the Yankees and their GM can make a mistake. Omar didn’t corner the market on bad pitching signings.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
If the Mets had made the playoffs how much would you be scared and complaining about Ollie P getting a start?
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:05am at 11:05 am (UTC -4)
Dude, AJ’s been bad BUT not Ollie bad….And their line-up of
Allstar’s ain’t facing Cliff Lee again tonight.
kistics
10/19/2010-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
When you are getting paid $16.5M per and pitching for one of the best record team and have 5.26 ERA with 15 losses… he’s pretty close to Ollie bad.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
He is however their version of Ollie. Around a 6.00 ERA in the 2nd half and even worse in August/September.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
Mute-point since this-Ollie with this-group of Mets wouldn’t
have to worry about game 4 of the Championship Series.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:36am at 11:36 am (UTC -4)
That’s one way to shut us up.
Prismo
10/19/2010-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
It’s okay TRS. You don’t have to be in such a rush to get things figured out; some days (especially this time of year) there just isn’t any Mets news.
TRS86
10/19/2010-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
Agreed but it’s killing me to have nothing to talk about. What am I supposed to do? So today I am talking about not having anything to talk about.
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
Did you hear the Nats are interested in signing Lee?
Hahahahahahaha…..
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
Actually I thought about including them as a dark horse. Are you joking or is there a source?
I think it would be a great move for them to let Dunn go and use that money towards Lee somehow. Problem is I don’t see Lee taking the deal.
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
It was reported a while back but I have no idea if there was any truth behind it.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
Cliff Lee ain’t signing with The Nats…….
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
Oh I would assume so as well but again they are in position to offer him as much money as anyone else.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
No one’s in the yankees position when it comes to
money.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
True and untrue. They have mentioned they don’t want to go over their current payroll and yet they do have 23M coming off for just 2 pitchers. However, I am not sure they would be in position to pay 25-30M but who knows.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
Much depends on what they do with Jeter and Mo’s contracts.
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
Yea I don’t see it happen either Fongy I was just using it to poke fun at TRS since me mentioning the Nats in the past generated a “bah humbug” type response from him.
I guess he is really desperate for Mets talk that the Lee to Nats story actually appealed to him.
LoL Go figure
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:07am at 11:07 am (UTC -4)
If they let Dunn walk they seriously have enough money to offer him a ton of money.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tihmE1nWdS5qo3vuiUrIqTQ&output=html
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:09am at 11:09 am (UTC -4)
24M committed after a 66M payroll. Obviously much of that is taken in contracts that will be renewed and arbitration classes. However, I could still see them having 30M to spend.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:19am at 11:19 am (UTC -4)
And from Lee’s perspective, he’s gonna sign with
a team who’d being moving out their clean-up hitter,
have no tradition of winning anything, won’t have
Strasburg back for a year and just finished in last
place??? THAT’s where he’ll sign his last huge contact and tie himself down for the next five years?
Washington D.C.???….My friend, THAT ain’t happenin’
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
Most likely not Fongy. Just thinking of teams that are even in the position to offer a contract.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
To me that list only includes
Yanks, Sox, Rangers, Nats, Angels right now. Who did I miss?
kistics
10/19/2010-11:26am at 11:26 am (UTC -4)
How about the Twins? They have some money off the books plus the new ball park. The fact that Lee can shut down the Yanks. Lee could be very attractive to them.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
They would have to up payroll over 100M to do so. Remember that some of their players get BIG raises this year.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
For the right money he’d sign. And honestly, I do believe that team is on the rise. Lee is in his “lottery” phase, IE, this is him signing his retirement fund, so as much as possible is in his best interest.
Prismo
10/19/2010-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
If Lee signs with the Nationals I’ll become a Philly fan in 2011.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:22am at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
LOL.
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
hahahahha u r an idiot then hahahahahaha
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
Interesting look at the Phillies. I could get slammed for this but how much will they let their payroll balloon to? They already have 145Mish committed for next year in only 18 players on the 40 man.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
Sorry make that 16 players.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
Even filling that out with league minimum guys they would be at around 160M.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:28am at 11:28 am (UTC -4)
THAT’s why they’ll let Werth walk…..BUT in the end if they Win it all
I’m sure most will feel it will have been worth it.
stickguy
10/19/2010-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
I am wondering if they are at the point, with the payroll as high as it is, that they HAVE to make the playoffs to turn a profit now?
TV and ticket sales #s are pretty much maxed out (they sell out every game, and from some of the articles it seems that the TV shares are steady). Basically, everyone that wants to is already watching!
So, unless they jack up ticket prices (always a possibility, but how much can they?), the revenue is somewhat fixed.
Without the major cash infusion of a playoff series or 2 (or 3), it may not be a winning proposition.
The phils ownership group has always been about making a profit too, so while I am sure they are enjoying the current good run, they are enjoying cashing checks more, and no way they are going to subsidize running in the red!
The phils also make a lot less off of TV, since they don’t have a regional network like SNY.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:49am at 11:49 am (UTC -4)
All true BUT should this team show age and start to fall apart
in a year or two with Two Championships, Three NL Titles
and Four+ Playoff runs, a down seasonwith Ibanez’,Polanco’s,
Lidge’s and Oswalt’s contracts coming off the books should be
tolerable….Even for Philly fans.
Heck, what Met fan wouldn’t sign for that???
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
However, as we plan the Mets future is that not relevant?
Is it not relevant that they may have tapped themselves out financially and have also placed themselves in a position to have little if any depth? Or that they appear to have positioned themselves into a 2-3 year window?
Again, I am not debating if it is worth it or not. However, I am curious how high they allow their payroll to go because to me it is relevant to what the Mets do.
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:44pm at 12:44 pm (UTC -4)
They made their choice based on the fact that they were winning and wanted to win more and trusted the group
of guys they were winning with to con’t to do so at least for
a couple more seasons.
TRS86
10/19/2010-12:55pm at 12:55 pm (UTC -4)
Again, my question is still how much will they allow their payroll to balloon to?
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:58pm at 12:58 pm (UTC -4)
Again, neither of us know that…….But unlike us (The Mets)…I’m sure they have a plan.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:43am at 11:43 am (UTC -4)
Obviously they will let Werth walk but that’s not even including a new OF. Just wondering how high they will take the salary considering if they sign NO FA and let all of them walk they will be at 160.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
To even get below 160 they would have to let Moyer, Werth, Romero, Durbin, Contreras, Dobbs, and Sweeney all walk and be replaced by league min. while not having substantial raises for Fransisco and Kendrick.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
Ibanez and Blanton are killing them financially.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)
Dom Brown will be their RFer next season while Werth will
sign with the yankees.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
So you are predicting another 40+ M FA period for the Yankees PLUS re-signing Jeter and Mo?
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not predicting anything, just have the feeling both
Lee and Werth go to either the yanks or sox, together
or one to each. Unless theres some crazy team like
The M’s or O’s or ‘stros who blow everyone out of the water with Werth thinking he’s a Superstar and not a
great 5th or 6th best guy on a team like he is with the
Phils. I could see the yanks signing Lee, moving Granderson and signing Werth to play RF.
kistics
10/19/2010-11:51am at 11:51 am (UTC -4)
I suppose they can trade someone like Hamels or Blanton ($10.5M for next 2 season! Ouch!)
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:52am at 11:52 am (UTC -4)
Hard to trade Blanton and they don’t really have a #4 starter to replace him.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
True…..But see these are things you put on the back-burner
until AFTER you finish competing for a Championship THIS
season. It becomes cloudly to most Met fans because we’re
rarely ever in that position.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:57am at 11:57 am (UTC -4)
Nice shot Fongy.
However, their future payroll has to be a concern. All I ask was how much will they allow it to move up to. Not should they have done it.
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
Again, its common knowledge this is it for Werth and
they will likely look to move away from Blanton….
Plus, they might well shop Ibanez and the final yr of his deal…..So…..
TRS86
10/19/2010-12:02pm at 12:02 pm (UTC -4)
Blanton is signed for 10M as is Ibanez so to move either they would have to eat contract.
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe a little BUT neither is trouble off the field
and both have solid resumes on the field so is
it crazy to think one of many teams who can’t/won’t
commit to a 4,5yr/80,100mil FA would give up little
for a solid pick-up at 10mil..or less, for one season
of service???
TRS86
10/19/2010-12:54pm at 12:54 pm (UTC -4)
Even if they could trade Blanton who is their #4 innings eater then?
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:59pm at 12:59 pm (UTC -4)
When you have The Roy’s and Hamels, not much
of a worry!
TRS86
10/19/2010-1:11pm at 1:11 pm (UTC -4)
Sure it is. #4 and #5 are still very important in regular season.
kistics
10/19/2010-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
Well.. they are selling out all their games… becoming almost like the RedSox of the NL.
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
I wonder when the Mets will announce what they finally agreed on with KRod?
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
Not sure there will be an agreement until the trial is over correct>?
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-1:13pm at 1:13 pm (UTC -4)
I must of misunderstood then I though the report was they canceled the grievance hearing with the player union cause they were close to an agreement.
TRS86
10/19/2010-1:16pm at 1:16 pm (UTC -4)
I missed that.
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-1:16pm at 1:16 pm (UTC -4)
This from Rubin’s chat today.
Paul (New York, N Y)
What’s the latest on Frankie Rodriguez? His hearing was postponed and then silence.
Adam Rubin
The settlement appeared to be close, which is why the grievance hearing was tabled. I’m told the contract should go back to guaranteed, so the Mets can’t dump him in spring training for 30 days’ pay. I think he may lose $3 million or more, but that really does seem fair, since he was unable to perform down the stretch because of an injury the Mets say he acknowledged was directly caused by punching his girlfriend’s father. As for the criminal aspect, his attorney suggested it likely would be settled (I presume without jail time) by the next scheduled hearing, Nov. 10. K-Rod apparently plans to pitch in winter ball in Venezuela beginning the first few days of November, so apparently the thumb has healed from the surgery for a torn ligament.
TRS86
10/19/2010-1:18pm at 1:18 pm (UTC -4)
Thanks.
So much, IMO, for the reports of KROD WILL NOT BE A MET…
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-1:22pm at 1:22 pm (UTC -4)
taking away the financial or the criminal from Krod, he’s still the best BP arm the Mets have.
TRS86
10/19/2010-1:22pm at 1:22 pm (UTC -4)
no doubt.
stickguy
10/19/2010-1:45pm at 1:45 pm (UTC -4)
just make sure the next manager knows to keep him below 5 games finished, and see what happens.
So no more Jerry giving him a blow out just to get some work. If he feels rusty, let him pitch in the pen.
and if they bring Taka back, let him have some save ops too.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-1:50pm at 1:50 pm (UTC -4)
Just give the father in law tickets to all the home games after he’s pitched in his 45th game.
TRS86
10/19/2010-2:25pm at 2:25 pm (UTC -4)
I am just not that worried about the option year. It was put in there because he had taken such a Mets friendly deal. It was almost like back-loading his contract.
stickguy
10/19/2010-1:22pm at 1:22 pm (UTC -4)
that was the report. I wonder if the plea deal being disucssed is pretty much taken care of? Otherwise, and settlement would certainly have to be contingent on the legal procedings.
anyway, if they are this close, hopefully the particulars are announced soon. One less ball up in the air.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
Come on TRS, you know in the end the Lee-seepstakes will come
down to yanks-Red Sox.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
Most likely but looking for dark horses. I would still put the Rangers in that mix.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
Lots of guys that are young and low salary. If they make a run then I could see them giving Lee what he wants.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:33am at 11:33 am (UTC -4)
Agreed!
kistics
10/19/2010-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
I think the Rangers will be a serious player as well with the new ownership.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
Continuing down here. What other teams could afford Lee and be in the position to offer a contract.
Yanks, Redsox, Rangers, Angels, Nats, and who?
Again not likely destination but who could even offer?
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:38am at 11:38 am (UTC -4)
Astros? Ton of money off books.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)
Cubs also have cleared some room but not sure they have cleared enough or want to approach that 144M ever again.
kistics
10/19/2010-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
Orioles? They have no one on their roster.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:45am at 11:45 am (UTC -4)
True. I would think though they are in line to have a VERY low payroll next year.
kistics
10/19/2010-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
Look at the Padres salary. As of today, they have $1.1M committed to next season. Granted that some options/arbs will kick in, but it’s a bit sad.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
LOL, funny isn’t it.
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:40pm at 12:40 pm (UTC -4)
More sad is the fact that they were a far better team and
much more of a legit contender this season than we were!
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-11:48am at 11:48 am (UTC -4)
Possibly, but they are many pieces away and still have the other Lee sucking up a ton of money for them. I wouldn’t doubt if they keep the books trim and in order to have the team sold.
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:52am at 11:52 am (UTC -4)
I would think so as well.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:52am at 11:52 am (UTC -4)
Great thread BUT in the end it’ll come down to Redsox nation
or The Evil Empire……..Doesn’t it always?
TRS86
10/19/2010-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
Possibly. The Redsox I am just not sure which direction they go in. They need offense as much as pitching. To go after Lee I think they have to discard Dice K and get a hitter back in return to replace Ortiz.
fongy2
10/19/2010-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
Isn’t Beckett up?…And as far as their O, won’t they
have Youk and Pedroia for full seasons?
TRS86
10/19/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
Beckett got re-signed. Lowell and Ortiz come off the books as well as Vmart and Paps and a bunch of arbitration cases. Already over 100M committed and still need to take care of 1B/DH, catcher, closer, etc.
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)
Shame on me…I forgot that.
Closer???…They clearly need to do something about
their Catching though as VMart hurt them ALOT this
yr, the guy’s just not a very good Catcher and should be DHin’.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-12:10pm at 12:10 pm (UTC -4)
They signed Salty, no?
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-12:12pm at 12:12 pm (UTC -4)
Think the’d sign Vmart to be full time 1B, move youk to 3B? I know, this is a Mets page, but if they go big with some of those other positions, it may hinder a potential Beltran trade without sucking up almost the whole salary.
TRS86
10/19/2010-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
Vmart has to be re-signed as well and Beltre is a FA as well.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
I think the Angels, Rangers and the Nats will be players.
Regarding the Nats, They lost their $ meal ticket in Strasburg for the year, have that super hitting C prospect prob. making his debut and some other decent hitting peeps, so losing Dunn & gaining his money back + their need for a draw may equal overpaying for Lee. Likely? Prob not, but crazy stuff happens on a daily basis.
kistics
10/19/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
isn’t their super hitting C still 18? I would assume he’s still 2-3 years away from the majors.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
He’s pretty close to being called up. I think he may do the Strasburg route, start in minors and gets called up fairly early.
kistics
10/19/2010-12:26pm at 12:26 pm (UTC -4)
a kid that young? fresh out of high school? hard to believe
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:32pm at 12:32 pm (UTC -4)
They won’t see bryce Harper in D.C. til 2013.
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:36pm at 12:36 pm (UTC -4)
And when….and/or if Bryce Harper reaches D.C.,
it won’t be as a Catcher. The kid they stole from The Twins for Matt Capps is their Catching of the future…
And present.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
See Strasburg, Steven
Mr North Jersey
10/19/2010-12:39pm at 12:39 pm (UTC -4)
kistics a sign of how fast they are moving him should be that he is playing in the Arizona Fall League.
Teams don’t usually if ever send kids they just drafted off to AFL 1st. Especially when they are just barely 18 yrs old.
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:28pm at 12:28 pm (UTC -4)
I think the Redsox are too smart NOT to let VMart and
Beltran walk away.
kistics
10/19/2010-12:29pm at 12:29 pm (UTC -4)
Belrte? or Beltran?
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:41pm at 12:41 pm (UTC -4)
We’ll I wasn’t expecting to see him down here until
sometime in 2012….But maybe? second half next
season?
TRS86
10/19/2010-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)
TOO smart to LET them walk away? I am guessing you think they get re-signed. If so, and they re-sign those 2 and Paps then you have left little room for Lee or for another offensive force. Someone still needs to pick up the Ortiz slack.
fongy2
10/19/2010-1:05pm at 1:05 pm (UTC -4)
No, i said what I meant. Martinez is a DH…..Maybe
he can play 1B for another yr or 2…..As for Beltre…
I’m sure the Sox didn’t miss what happened when
The M’s signed him long-term….And THAT was when
he was 7 yr younger. Neither will get any sort of a
long-term deal from them.
TRS86
10/19/2010-1:12pm at 1:12 pm (UTC -4)
Oh well then. They will for sure have to invest a lot of money on offense.
kistics
10/19/2010-11:59am at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
Tigers seems to have lots of money coming off the books. But their payroll will probably come down significantly
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:03pm at 12:03 pm (UTC -4)
My friend the city of Detriot is in shambles….Hard to believe
their team will start bidding for a 100million dollar FA.
kistics
10/19/2010-12:20pm at 12:20 pm (UTC -4)
agreed.
fongy2
10/19/2010-12:31pm at 12:31 pm (UTC -4)
Paging Dr. Freud…..Err…Beltre.
njstuckintx
10/19/2010-1:15pm at 1:15 pm (UTC -4)
So, no Darvish Sweepstakes… He’s staying in the Orient.
Prismo
10/19/2010-1:37pm at 1:37 pm (UTC -4)
Good for him. I was hoping he’d stay there for a number of reasons.