The New York Mets have signed starting/relief pitcher Aaron Laffey (LHP) to a minor league deal with an invite to major league spring training.
Laffey pitched 100.2 innings last season for Toronto to a 4.56 ERA. He made 16 starts and 8 relief appearances, however in 2011 Laffey came out of the Mariners and Yankees’ bullpens 47 times with no starting opportunities (3.88 ERA). Laffey is the holder of a lifetime 1.501 WHIP, which is to be frank – terrible. The 27 year old will surely compete for a spot on the roster, however it’s yet to be known whether that may be a starting or bullpen role.
The Mets are still the last remaining major league team to ink a player to a major league contract.
15 comments
Prismo
12/27/2012-1:55pm at 1:55 pm (UTC -4)
Sigh.
I usually don’t complain about minor league signings. But I’d feel better if the Mets had signed anyone for the actual major league roster.
Mr North Jersey
12/27/2012-2:04pm at 2:04 pm (UTC -4)
I think your not alone in your sentiments about that. I’ll just add that I don’t expect the Mets to come to camp having not added a player either via free agent to a pro contract or trade from now until camp opens.
Stick
12/27/2012-2:20pm at 2:20 pm (UTC -4)
They did. You just don’t know who they are yet, since probably 3-4 of the MiL pickup types will be on the roster.
Plus, they did bring in a new ML player via trade (COwgirl), so you can always hold onto that.
My guess, you are going to see Hairston back (there is your ML FA baby!) and one more pitcher signed (Javy Vazquez?). ANd that will be it.
Prismo
12/27/2012-2:23pm at 2:23 pm (UTC -4)
So remind me why Wright agreed to take less pay in 2013? And why Bay agreed to defer some of his 2013 salary?
Stick
12/27/2012-3:06pm at 3:06 pm (UTC -4)
nominally, it was so that they could afford some real players for 2013.
realisticlaly, probably because the team is still broke, and this was an alternative to having to float another loan from the bank of Bud.
still time to snag Alvarez though!
srt
12/27/2012-2:03pm at 2:03 pm (UTC -4)
ST looks like it’s going to be quite crowded with all these minor league invitee signings.
Stick
12/27/2012-2:22pm at 2:22 pm (UTC -4)
If I had the time (or masochistic tendancies) I would cruise the blogs for all the obligatory “gonna order my playoff tickets now!” posts.
as far as MiL depth signings go, this guy actually looks better than most.
greggofboken
12/27/2012-3:15pm at 3:15 pm (UTC -4)
i agree. Whle that WHIP is horrible, it was somewhat better last year (1.361)….and the 100 innings says something. If someone went down or a spoit start was needed and my choices were Schwinden, Hefner, or McHugh…..I’d rather have Laffey.
Stick
12/27/2012-2:23pm at 2:23 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, I almost forgot. There is still 1 last “big” move the Mets could (and frankly, absolutely should) make.
Sign that Alvarez dude for the OF. Do it Sandy. You know you want to.
darknova306
12/27/2012-3:09pm at 3:09 pm (UTC -4)
Yes! Do that and they’ll:
A) Give the team some high upside in the OF
B) Prove that the Bay/Wright contract restructurings and deferrals weren’t strictly to cover Sterling Mets’ operating expenses
srt
12/27/2012-3:59pm at 3:59 pm (UTC -4)
Signing Alverez is exactly the type of move/chance this team should be making right now.
gategem
12/27/2012-11:05pm at 11:05 pm (UTC -4)
Look, there’s a new 2013 BP Cap Featuring Mr. Met!
Just how much can you ask from the FO. Mets fans are never satisfied.
gategem
12/27/2012-11:02pm at 11:02 pm (UTC -4)
Most important, it’s a crying shame his first name is not Daffy otherwise I can imagine the PA announcer saying “now coming in to pitch for the Mets, Daffy Laffey.”
TRS86
12/28/2012-8:55am at 8:55 am (UTC -4)
I like the signing. Darren Oliver type that can be long man and LH guy. If not needed then heads to Vegas as backup.
Stick
12/28/2012-9:39am at 9:39 am (UTC -4)
I think you are seeing with some of these signings that they are guys experienced playing in VEgas. Not sure if that is the Mets wanting it, or guys that liked it there and figured if they are going to AAA, might as well stay in the same place another year.
Plus the Mets should be attactive, given the lack of ML talent, it means a better shot to at some point make it to the show!