The Mets today signed 2 pitchers lefthander Chris Capuano to a 1 year $1.5 million contract plus incentives and righthander Taylor Buchholz to a 1 year $600,000 non-guaranteed contract. To make room on the roster they designated for assignment Ryota Igarashi who is owed $1.75M in 2011 and is expected to be brought to camp as a non-roster invitee if he clears wavers.
Capuano who is interested in being a starter in 2011 had negotiations with the Brewers broken off last week after the Brewers additions of Shaun Marcum and Zack Greinke to the starting rotation made Capuano’s chances of making the rotation with the Brewers less likely.
Capuano in May will be 3 years removed from his 2nd Tommy John surgery. In his final 7 starts to end the 2010 season he went 2-2 4.14/ERA 37/IP 37/H 17/ER 13/BB 26/SO
Bucholz is considered to be a reliever for the Mets in 2011 was known for a fastball that averaged in the 92-92 mph range and a 12 to 6 curveball. Bucholz who only pitched 12 innings last year admits last season was difficult on his road back from Tommy John says “They usually say it takes that second full season for everything to get back to normal. I’m really excited about this year.”
Bucholz who grew up in Springfield, PA. said about coming to the Mets “It’s close to home, and they’re rebuilding, and there’s a good base there. It felt like a good fit,”
11 comments
njstuckintx
1/3/2011-10:43pm at 10:43 pm (UTC -4)
So, flying back from the NJ to the TX, I miss some signings for the Mets. I like the Capuano signing. Still want to see another starter signed, because I agree with MRNJ’s assessment on Bucholz’s place being in the BP. Now, to sign some Lefthanded BP guys.
BUT HEY!!!! This proves that even though no news has been leaking, the braintrust has been working.
metsfan4decades
1/3/2011-11:09pm at 11:09 pm (UTC -4)
Much discussed on the last thread but at the risk of repeating myself, Rubin is reporting:
Taylor Buchholz says Mets plan to use him as a reliever. He has a $600,000 base salary. He was an elite set-up man in ’08, before TJ surgery.
Capuano has $1.5 million base+incentives. A 2-time TJ surgery patient, Brew wasn’t option after added Greinke/Marcum since he wants to start
**************************************
As long as Sandy isn’t done signing arms yet, these are two decent pickups to add to the depth. Might get lucky with one or both as well.
What pitchers haven’t had TJ surgery yet? Seems like many have.
njstuckintx
1/3/2011-11:17pm at 11:17 pm (UTC -4)
Nice summary and when I read what the Mets are getting because the Beer Makers added Grienke and Marcum… sigh…
stickguy
1/3/2011-11:18pm at 11:18 pm (UTC -4)
If they get 1 more “real” SP,about all that is left is maybe a couple more RP ST invites.
Maybe another bench OF, but I am not that concerned about that. Let ST play out, and if they are short that last guy, you can find someone as teams shuffle around final rosters.
stickguy
1/3/2011-11:13pm at 11:13 pm (UTC -4)
I like both signings. They needed some experienced depth for the pen and the rotation, and these 2 fit the bill.
low risk, ST commitment, and plenty of potential if they get back to normal in the 2 years past TJ year.
If Buccholz can come close to what he did in 2008, you got your set up man.
kingman 26
1/3/2011-11:14pm at 11:14 pm (UTC -4)
+ lots.
Plus, we still have Duda!!
stickguy
1/3/2011-11:19pm at 11:19 pm (UTC -4)
don’t mess with my Duda.
If he goes, I may have to follow him.
njstuckintx
1/3/2011-11:27pm at 11:27 pm (UTC -4)
Nah, if Duda leaves, you’ll just need to find a new roommate.
kingman 26
1/3/2011-11:14pm at 11:14 pm (UTC -4)
Who is T. Buchholz Igarashi?
stickguy
1/3/2011-11:19pm at 11:19 pm (UTC -4)
someone that eats, shoots and leaves.
oleosmirf
1/4/2011-7:41am at 7:41 am (UTC -4)
cant complain about either moves. both might not work out due to the injuries but the only way the Mets can compete is by signing these high reward players and hoping they get their old stuff back.