The case for Tim Redding

Back on Thursday Dec. 16, I proposed a plan for the Mets to sign Tim Redding. Not only would he help the back of rotation if he has a strong spring training, but he could also serve as the long man out of the bullpen if need be.

I was also tickled by his relation to a character on The Honeymooners and had a whole host of ideas planned out for him.

Well it seems like this Redding-Mets thing is gaining steam. I present the case for Tim Redding.

In the Major League Baseball System the players are influenced by two separate, yet equally important groups. The teams that want to sign the players and the agents who represent them. These are their stories.

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Exhibit A: Jon Heyman links the Mets and Redding as a "Category B" type starter. Filed Dec. 19 at 2:45 pm.

Pitchers on that list include free agents Freddy Garcia and Tim Redding, plus Cubs starter Jason Marquis.

Exhibit B: Ken Rosenthal makes a similar claim, as the Orioles are attempting to sign Redding as well. Filed the same day, a few hours later.

The Mets and several other clubs also are interested in Redding, who is seeking a two-year contract. The Orioles likely will be reluctant to go two years, but that might be the only way for them to get him to Baltimore.

Exhibit C: Rosenthal has a new lead, citing sources, he claims the Mets will make a push to sign Redding.

The Mets, trying to create additional options for their rotation, are attempting to sign free-agent right-hander Tim Redding, major-league sources say.

Rosenthal goes on to confirm my statement of having Redding possibly challenge and compete with Jon Niese for the 5th spot in the rotation.

And finally, Exhibit D: Peter Botte spoke to Redding's agent. Filed Saturday Dec. 20, 1:51 am.

"The Mets are very much in the mix for Tim, he's a Northeast guy and loves the city," agent Tom O'Connell said of Redding, who is from Rochester. "We're still relatively early in the process, because Tim just got on the market, but we definitely are considering New York, 100%."

The case is not closed yet. The teams have a chance to make closing arguments and offers to Redding before he chooses.

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