Rumor Rundown: Why, yes! Pitching! (and other things, too)

Hopefully the Mets rehab staff isn't too tired from all the injuries last year, because it looks like they may be spending their time trying to get Chad Cordero back into shape.

According to Adam Rubin in the NY Daily News, Omar Minaya met with Cordero's agent on Wednesday.

Cordero is on his way back from shoulder surgery in July, and may not be ready for opening day. Sounds like Duaner Sanchez syndrome.

From the Daily News, a quote from Cordero's agent Larry Reynolds:

"All I can tell you is he's way ahead of schedule right now physically, and the doctors have said nothing but great stuff as far as how he's progressing," Reynolds said. "We're just going to make sure we take our time, because I don't think it's wise to jump into anything too quick when you have a guy who might have a 10- or 12-year career ahead of him."

If he can bounce back and throw like he once did, that would be great. Ease him back into the closers roll with a few innings in middle relief, then set-up man, then back to doing what he used to do best. Cordero is only 26-years-old, and could be had for a bargain, due to his injury.

Do it, Omar. Do it.

** * **

Nick Cafardo in the Boston Globe dishes two tidbits towards the Queens-faithful.

On Pedro Martinez:

Minaya said he hasn't ruled out Pedro Martínez pitching for the Mets next season, and it's his understanding that Martínez "can and wants to pitch somewhere next year."

On Julio Lugo and Javier Vazquez:

[Red Sox GM Theo] Epstein said Lugo is 100 percent recovered from his quadriceps tear and likely will play winter ball in the Dominican. There has been talk that the Mets and White Sox have interest in Lugo. The White Sox appear willing to move Vazquez. The Mets and White Sox were huddling yesterday afternoon

Again, I am not against bringing Pedro back. It may not be the best move for the Mets, but given the situation, it might be something they have to do.

A big NO THANK YOU to Julio Lugo. And I am very worried the Mets are going to give up too much for Vazquez. Tread carefully.

** * **

Oh, Manny Ramirez. He will easily be the "Johan Santana" of the 2008-2009 off-season.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers have offered Ramirez a ridiculous contract, likely ranking as the second-highest salary in MLB.

Rosenthal speculates that the deal may be worth two-years and upwards of $50 million. He also notes that there may be a team option for a third year.

Minaya on Manny, as quoted by Peter Abraham:

He’s an offensive player. He’s been a very good player. But for us, where we are right now, where is it we’re going to invest? Our priority right now is we have to address our pitching.

It makes me very happy to see Minaya have his priorities in order. Pitching wins championships.

** * **

In a separate article, Abraham also point out three pitchers that the Mets and the Yankees may be vying for, and the cross-town brethren will probably be bidding on a few of the same players.

Abraham notes that both teams will probably make a play for Derek Lowe. He also mentions Oliver Perez and A.J. Burnett as targets.

I'd take any of the three. Burnett has had some issues with his previous team (Toronto Blue Jays), so he's probably third on my list. Lowe will only require a two- or three-year deal, which would definitely be the cheapest, as Perez will be commanding a longer contract.