Minor League Free Agents Signed So Far This 2012/2013 Off Season

45 comments

1. 

   Stick

   11/30/2012-12:01am at 12:01 am (UTC -4)

   Reply

   wait, you mean the Mets aren’t the only team signing these guys? I could have sworn they were, and the other teams were all signing top shelf FA superstars.

   seriously though, it seems the Mets tend to be on the older side, but that was from a real quick skim through.

   and out of 144 guys, how many will actually make an impact in the majors? 2 or 3?

   1. 

      Mr North Jersey

      11/30/2012-12:10am at 12:10 am (UTC -4)

      Reply

      This is not even fully updated. Notice the absence of Recker for the Mets. Also the Tigers in 1 day announced the signing of 19 players to minor league contracts.

      http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121126&content_id=40420658&vkey=news_det&c_id=det

      http://www.freep.com/article/20121126/SPORTS02/121126056/detroit-tigers-toledo-mud-hens

      On the Hot Stove Tracker I am only listing minor league contract signings of players that have at least made their debut in MLB and I am up to 72 so far.

      1. 

         Bryan

         11/30/2012-9:16am at 9:16 am (UTC -4)

         Reply

         I don’t think Recker counts as a minor league signing, he’s on the 40.

         1. 

            Stickguy

            11/30/2012-9:21am at 9:21 am (UTC -4)

            Reply

            I assumed he was a ML FA signing.

2. 

   wanny

   12/20/2012-8:00pm at 8:00 pm (UTC -4)

   Reply

   Mets are only team not to sign a MLB free agent according to Joel Sherman. Of course, this is utterly meaningless.

   1. 

      Mr North Jersey

      12/20/2012-8:01pm at 8:01 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      This.

   2. 

      Stick

      12/20/2012-8:06pm at 8:06 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      some of the people on the list barely qualify as a ML player at this point. So just semantics about what kind of contract your craptistic new players signed.

      But, it is something new on the day for the downtrodden fans to piss and moan about.

   3. 

      Saltygary

      12/20/2012-8:17pm at 8:17 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      In one regard it is meaningless and in the other it’s a bummer. Never want to be last on a list.

      1. 

         Stick

         12/20/2012-8:37pm at 8:37 pm (UTC -4)

         Reply

         last team eliminated is always good.

   4. 

      srt

      12/20/2012-8:43pm at 8:43 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      Thank you.
      As someone pointed out earlier, sometimes the best deals are the ones you don’t make.

   5. 

      kingman 26

      1/16/2013-12:48pm at 12:48 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      Not at all utterly meaningless.

      Clearly shows the financial state of this team.

3. 

   Stick

   12/20/2012-8:36pm at 8:36 pm (UTC -4)

   Reply

   saw a piece over at AA about the latest cuban defector, Dariel Alverez. After looking at the #s and reports, I say go after him. Relatively small money (less than Ross most likely) and vastly more upside, and LT potential if he clicks.

   Of course, I wanted that Cepades guy last year for what he went for, and really thought the mets should have been all over the Lefty dude that went to Cinci.

   Mets need something, and this might be a risk, but not one that can break them, and it shows some thought about building that 2014 juggernaut.

   http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/12/20/3770980/international-free-agent-profile-dariel-alvarez

   1. 

      srt

      12/20/2012-8:54pm at 8:54 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      I say go for it – if we can get him on like a 5 year contract.

      I know some of these Cuban players don’t always translate to US MLB, but I’d rather take a chance on him than Sizemore, for crying out loud….

      Of course there’s not chance we actually do sign him.

   2. 

      darknova306

      12/20/2012-9:12pm at 9:12 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      After reading the AA article about him, I’d say he sounds like an interesting investment. It’s still hard to know what to believe about how much money is available, and this just doesn’t seem like a “Sandy move” (not that that statement really means anything), but it’s something that could help for several years and solidify the outfield so we don’t need to rely on chumps like Sizemore.

      It won’t happen, though, so meh.

      1. 

         Stick

         12/20/2012-9:27pm at 9:27 pm (UTC -4)

         Reply

         never know. But even sandy claims there is some budget (though of course, if you aren’t going to use it, can’t prove it is really there!). And this would be a relatively low budget move, when guys like Demster are getting 2/26, and Vickey 3/36 and Pagan 4/40 or so.

         Better to spend the money on him and take a chance of real upside than on Ross and know the declining mediocrity you are getting!

         anyway, if they desperately need position talent to build around for the next 5 years, and can’t afford (or are leery of) the big name FAs, this is absolutely the type of moves they should be going for.

         1. 

            darknova306

            12/20/2012-9:44pm at 9:44 pm (UTC -4)

            Reply

            Yes! They absolutely should! It kills me that we seem to be stuck praying for Sandy to sign chumps like Cody Ross or Grady Sizemore. Ugh. Bleh. Vomit.

   3. 

      TRS86

      12/21/2012-8:55am at 8:55 am (UTC -4)

      Reply

      I agree, imagine right now if they had signed Cespedes and Chapman instead of FFF, Rauch, Carrasco and Bay.

4. 

   Mr North Jersey

   12/20/2012-9:14pm at 9:14 pm (UTC -4)

   Reply

   Came across this exclusive video of the SNY Crew Holiday Party.

   1. 

      Stick

      12/20/2012-9:29pm at 9:29 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      I launched this and it woke my dog up, and he ran around the house barking. I think he thought it was someone at the door.

      And that was an odd video, to say the least.

   2. 

      darknova306

      12/20/2012-10:09pm at 10:09 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      That’s… odd in a slightly creepy way.

   3. 

      Saltygary

      12/20/2012-10:32pm at 10:32 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      Poor Gary. Too fugly to be in the video. Doesn’t Darling look like Nic Cage?

   4. 

      srt

      12/21/2012-9:19am at 9:19 am (UTC -4)

      Reply

      Took a couple of tries to get this going. I think that’s an indication of my almost 7 year old desktop than the link. I’m hoping Santa is bringing me a new PC…

      And LOL…someone has entirely too much time on their hands.

   5. 

      gategem

      12/21/2012-5:41pm at 5:41 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      Mr North Jersey I initially lost all respect for you until I spied the Sherlock Holmes reading. I now realize that your intention was to bring culture to this website. I have misjudged you and hereby apologize.

      1. 

         Mr North Jersey

         12/21/2012-7:58pm at 7:58 pm (UTC -4)

         Reply

         I’m speechless.

5. 

   wanny

   12/21/2012-8:27am at 8:27 am (UTC -4)

   Reply

   So has anyone decided who signed the beat and worst scrubs from this list?

   Speaking of scrubs….pass on pavano please.

   1. 

      srt

      12/21/2012-9:20am at 9:20 am (UTC -4)

      Reply

      This.
      We have to have enough money and/or trade chips to do better than this.

      I understand they’re probably looking for a back end of the rotation or reclamation project for this 5th starter but Pavano??? I say pass.

6. 

   Stick

   1/15/2013-7:37pm at 7:37 pm (UTC -4)

   Reply

   finally, the list where the mets are actually competitive!

7. 

   wanny

   2/1/2013-10:33am at 10:33 am (UTC -4)

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   According to Rubin, the Mets have an offer extended to a late inning type and are also considering Jose Valverde.

   Valverde’s K rate from last season combined with his postseason performance have me really concerned that there is something wrong with his arm. His K-Rate has gone in each of the last few years from 9.3/9 to 9 to 8.6 and now 6.3.

   Major red flag for me.

   1. 

      TX

      2/1/2013-10:39am at 10:39 am (UTC -4)

      Reply

      Yeah, look at his career k/9. It’s almost a complete downhill trend.

      12.7
      11.5
      10.2
      12.6
      10.9
      10.4
      9.3
      9.0
      8.6
      6.3

      1. 

         SaltyGary

         2/1/2013-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)

         Reply

         He was struggling big time last year. Too much mileage, all set.

         1. 

            wanny

            2/1/2013-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)

            Reply

            I’d bring back Rauch before any of Valverde, Cordero, K-Rod or an injured Brian Wilson.

            1. 

               TX

               2/1/2013-11:00am at 11:00 am (UTC -4)

               I wanted Capps, myself, but that ship has sailed. No issues in bringing back Rauch, though I would prefer to see Lyon get a shot.

            2. 

               SaltyGary

               2/1/2013-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)

               Would not mind Rauch back at all. I would also like to grab Wilson as well. Not to count on him in anyway for this year, but more to take a shot in the dark.

            3. 

               greggofboken

               2/1/2013-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)

               My only concerns with Rauch were the issues with his knee that seemed to grow and fester last year. A big man to be putting all that weight on a balky knee. Somewhat high risk — but given the other recent signings, that just means he’ll fit right in. Though the other guys all signed for discount rates.

            4. 

               wanny

               2/1/2013-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)

               I like Lyon too (I don’t really but the fact is he’d be this team’s best and most reliable reliever).

            5. 

               TX

               2/1/2013-11:41am at 11:41 am (UTC -4)

               Yeah, looking at the list of what this team has and what is out there, Lyon is probably one of the better options to close, considering sign-ability and, uh, actual ability.

               Maybe Leathersich can be the guy. Kind of like rags to riches, has no clue he should be nervous and just bring the heat. I joke, but there is 1% hope that it could happen.

      2. 

         greggofboken

         2/1/2013-12:06pm at 12:06 pm (UTC -4)

         Reply

         The K’s per 9 decline is scary. Still….his FIP has been relatively consistent, if middling (between 3.5 and 3.75 since ’09, w/a 3.62 last year) and Fangraphs shows a modest decline of his fastball — from a high of 95.7 in ’09 to 93.3 last year.

         His save percentage tanked as did his inherited runners scoring (50% last year, vs 0% in 2011). As I look at it, it seems like a lot of the issue may be his confidence is shot.

8. 

   TX

   2/1/2013-11:50am at 11:50 am (UTC -4)

   Reply

   Completely off topic:

   I cannot stop watching the Men who made America.

   1. 

      Stick

      2/1/2013-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      Is that like “Girls gone wild?”

      1. 

         TX

         2/1/2013-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)

         Reply

         Kinda, but the camera is steadier.

9. 

   Stick

   2/1/2013-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)

   Reply

   I really don’t want to see Valverde. Wilson though, if there is a real chance he can come back slowly but be ready for normal use (or close to it) by say May, could certainly be worth a shot. if nothing else, it give the young guys a net to work over as they try and develop into the role.

   and who knows, maybe he could become a serious trade chip at the deadline?

   but I am cool with letting the young live arms have a chance. And even if it means someone comes up from way down low, if they look like the real deal (leatherpants, tapioca, any of those big arm guys). Not worried about jumping a guy to close or set up, if they really seem to have the stuff, control, and mental state to do it.

   and yes, I remember Mejia. But IMO the problem was not his age, or experience, it was that he was far from ready on those criteria I listed.

   screw it, you heard it here first. in 2013, the pen is going to become like 2006, and out of the blue WTF did that come from, strength of the team! Book it! Guaranteeed!

   1. 

      darknova306

      2/1/2013-12:46pm at 12:46 pm (UTC -4)

      Reply

      Given how volatile bullpens are, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them succeed this year. It’s always hard to predict relievers.

10. 

    Stick

    2/1/2013-12:15pm at 12:15 pm (UTC -4)

    Reply

    pretty sure it isn’t the camera jiggling, but sounds like you are pretty familiar with it, so I defer to your expertise.

    1. 

       Stick

       2/1/2013-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)

       Reply

       this of course was a response to Tex and his GGW comment!

    2. 

       TX

       2/1/2013-12:19pm at 12:19 pm (UTC -4)

       Reply

       My expertise is based on hearsay and stories from the Onion.