- According to ESPN, the Phillies and free agent Raul Ibanez agreed on a three-year deal today. Ibanez, who the Mets had shown great interest in, will take over for Met-killer Pat Burrell in left field for the Phils.
- The Mets are apparently targeting free agent Alex Cora to be 2009's Damion Easley. Cora spent the last few seasons with the Red Sox. He played seven games at second base and 69 games at short. Can't say I would mind Cora. How bad could a utility infielder be?
- Cole Hamels told WFAN yesterday that the Mets are "choke artists." I've heard such a hubbub over this. Too bad he's right.
Showing posts with label Raul Ibanez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raul Ibanez. Show all posts
Friday, December 12, 2008
Tidbits: Ibanez off the market, Mets look to Cora, choke artists
As I'm sitting here at a Starbucks on the corner of 40th and Lexington, piggy backing on someone's unencrypted internet, I figured I'd post a few tidbits of news from the day.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
What's next for the Mets?
With Francisco Rodriguez in the fold, Omar Minaya has cleared the first hurdle this off-season. The next question is, what does he do next?
I would hope that his next signing or transaction would be for a starting pitcher. I'm more worried about the two gaping holes at the back of the Mets rotation as opposed to who is manning left field when we already have people that can do a semi-decent job out there.
Everyone keeps talking about Jon Garland being a fallback plan for the Mets. Why? He's not going to be the ace of your staff, so you can live with his ERA over 4.00 every year. Plus, he eats innings, logging 190 IP or more every year since 2002. The Mets may need to pay him a little more than they wish, but they can. Garland is actually near the top of my wish list for starting pitchers for the team to acquire.
Minaya seems infatuated with Raul Ibanez, and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being the next New York Met. I don't necesarily hate Ibanez, but in no way would I get excited about him playing in left next year. Yes, that would move Fernando Tatis back to the bench, but that would also force Daniel Murphy either to the bench as well, or back to the minors where he can at least get regular playing time.
The Mets continue to pursue Huston Street, though it seems that Aaron Heilman may not be included in a possible deal for the ex-A's closer. The team wants a set-up man who can also fill in at closer if need be. Street would be an excellent addition to the team, but it's unknown what the Mets would have to give up.
They had offered Heilman and Pedro Feliciano, but when the Rockies called back, Minaya had changed his mind. The Rox just signed lefty Alan Embree, so their need for Feliciano is probably diminished.
Back to the starting pitching market, I keep hearing conflicting reports about Derek Lowe. First the team is courting him, then he's too expensive and then back to "the Mets are considering Lowe." I think he's too expensive for the type of pitcher he is, and looking at what the Mets need, he may not be the best option.
Ken Davidoff believes the Mets should sign Oliver Perez. I wouldn't mind that. We know what he's capable of, but Scott Boras is going to demand the bank and more for his client and I think the Mets are unwilling to pay that much for the inconsistency of Perez.
Pedro Martinez's name continues to be brought up, but as I wrote last night, I believe the team is attempting to drum up buzz about it as an act of good faith.
Oh, and don't count on Manny Ramirez coming to the Mets, as I hinted at in Minaya's notebook. I give it about a 2 percent chance of happening.
I would hope that his next signing or transaction would be for a starting pitcher. I'm more worried about the two gaping holes at the back of the Mets rotation as opposed to who is manning left field when we already have people that can do a semi-decent job out there.
Everyone keeps talking about Jon Garland being a fallback plan for the Mets. Why? He's not going to be the ace of your staff, so you can live with his ERA over 4.00 every year. Plus, he eats innings, logging 190 IP or more every year since 2002. The Mets may need to pay him a little more than they wish, but they can. Garland is actually near the top of my wish list for starting pitchers for the team to acquire.
Minaya seems infatuated with Raul Ibanez, and I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being the next New York Met. I don't necesarily hate Ibanez, but in no way would I get excited about him playing in left next year. Yes, that would move Fernando Tatis back to the bench, but that would also force Daniel Murphy either to the bench as well, or back to the minors where he can at least get regular playing time.
The Mets continue to pursue Huston Street, though it seems that Aaron Heilman may not be included in a possible deal for the ex-A's closer. The team wants a set-up man who can also fill in at closer if need be. Street would be an excellent addition to the team, but it's unknown what the Mets would have to give up.
They had offered Heilman and Pedro Feliciano, but when the Rockies called back, Minaya had changed his mind. The Rox just signed lefty Alan Embree, so their need for Feliciano is probably diminished.
Back to the starting pitching market, I keep hearing conflicting reports about Derek Lowe. First the team is courting him, then he's too expensive and then back to "the Mets are considering Lowe." I think he's too expensive for the type of pitcher he is, and looking at what the Mets need, he may not be the best option.
Ken Davidoff believes the Mets should sign Oliver Perez. I wouldn't mind that. We know what he's capable of, but Scott Boras is going to demand the bank and more for his client and I think the Mets are unwilling to pay that much for the inconsistency of Perez.
Pedro Martinez's name continues to be brought up, but as I wrote last night, I believe the team is attempting to drum up buzz about it as an act of good faith.
Oh, and don't count on Manny Ramirez coming to the Mets, as I hinted at in Minaya's notebook. I give it about a 2 percent chance of happening.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Two tidbits: Raul Ibanez and Pedro Martinez
Two little nuggets to much on as you process the Mets deal with Francisco Rodriguez.
The Mets brass in Las Vegas apparently dined with Raul Ibanez's agent at the Bellagio, reports Ken Rosenthal.
The Mets are looking into Ibanez to fill left field, which is currently being manned by a tandem of Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy.
He's a little too old for my liking, especially for the seemingly cursed left field of the New York Mets. Omar Minaya has been after him since July, so now that he's a free agent and within his grasp, I think if Omar can get a grasp on him, he'll snag him for his team.
Minaya also mentioned that the Mets remain interested in Pedro Martinez.
I have a feeling this is a good act on behalf of the Mets toward Pedro. He meant a lot to this club, even if his wins didn't show it. His signing ushered in a new era of the team. They are likely doing this to drum up some rumors and buzz about him as he tries to sign elsewhere.
I think the Mets should sign him, cheaply, to compete with Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell for a spot in the rotation. If he beats them out of spring training, but gets hurt a few weeks into the season, then the team can turn to Niese. That's instead of just handing Niese the job as it stands now. What if he falters? Then what?
Cheaply, I wouldn't mind him. Now that K-Rod is all but locked up, Minaya will begin to look elsewhere. What his first move will be in unknown. Stay tuned!
The Mets brass in Las Vegas apparently dined with Raul Ibanez's agent at the Bellagio, reports Ken Rosenthal.
The Mets are looking into Ibanez to fill left field, which is currently being manned by a tandem of Fernando Tatis and Daniel Murphy.
He's a little too old for my liking, especially for the seemingly cursed left field of the New York Mets. Omar Minaya has been after him since July, so now that he's a free agent and within his grasp, I think if Omar can get a grasp on him, he'll snag him for his team.
Minaya also mentioned that the Mets remain interested in Pedro Martinez.
I have a feeling this is a good act on behalf of the Mets toward Pedro. He meant a lot to this club, even if his wins didn't show it. His signing ushered in a new era of the team. They are likely doing this to drum up some rumors and buzz about him as he tries to sign elsewhere.
I think the Mets should sign him, cheaply, to compete with Jon Niese and Bobby Parnell for a spot in the rotation. If he beats them out of spring training, but gets hurt a few weeks into the season, then the team can turn to Niese. That's instead of just handing Niese the job as it stands now. What if he falters? Then what?
Cheaply, I wouldn't mind him. Now that K-Rod is all but locked up, Minaya will begin to look elsewhere. What his first move will be in unknown. Stay tuned!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
In honor of the Winter Meetings being held in Las Vegas
I figured I'd put a little casino themed photo together.
From top left, going clockwise: Kerry Wood, Brian Fuentes, Raul Ibanez, Derek Lowe, Jon Garland, Huston Street, Orlando Hudson, Nick Punto and Francisco Rodriguez.
From top left, going clockwise: Kerry Wood, Brian Fuentes, Raul Ibanez, Derek Lowe, Jon Garland, Huston Street, Orlando Hudson, Nick Punto and Francisco Rodriguez.Also: Check out this strangely appropriate Photoshop from a few months ago (two months to the day, exactly!).
The Winter Meetings start tomorrow. Prepare for news overload. Tune in here, as I will work as the filter between you and all the ridiculous news. If it's worthwhile, you'll read it here. If it's just rumors for the heck of rumors, I'll be sure you won't be bothered with it.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Mets might miss out on free agent market -- move on to trading
It seems the Mets might have to raise their bids for some of their free agent pitching targets -- namely Derek Lowe -- or will have to turn to trades to fill their needs.
John Harper has a column in today's Daily News highlighting the Mets mistaken gauging of the free agent market. With the Yankees and Red Sox both bidding for Lowe, who wants five-years, $15 million per, and the Mets don't see themselves outbidding.
Whew. Five years for a 35-year-old is silly. He's good, but not that good. But again, this is a Scott Boras client, so the demands will be high but will eventually come down.
Harper also notes the possibility of a trade with the Rays. They're looking to move Edwin Jackson, and sort of fancy Aaron Heilman. Still, that wouldn't be enough to get the trade done, and Ryan Church might have to get involved. Which would mean the Mets would likely sign Raul Ibanez.
I don't like the sound of this. I really think Church could be a main-stay in right field for a while for the Mets, as long as he doesn't run into anyone else. I'd love to ship Heilman elsewhere, especially for a starting pitcher, a young one at that.
I doubt the Mets make a big splash this off-season. I'd rather see them build with great situational and under the radar type players. Build from the ground up.
John Harper has a column in today's Daily News highlighting the Mets mistaken gauging of the free agent market. With the Yankees and Red Sox both bidding for Lowe, who wants five-years, $15 million per, and the Mets don't see themselves outbidding.
Whew. Five years for a 35-year-old is silly. He's good, but not that good. But again, this is a Scott Boras client, so the demands will be high but will eventually come down.
Harper also notes the possibility of a trade with the Rays. They're looking to move Edwin Jackson, and sort of fancy Aaron Heilman. Still, that wouldn't be enough to get the trade done, and Ryan Church might have to get involved. Which would mean the Mets would likely sign Raul Ibanez.
I don't like the sound of this. I really think Church could be a main-stay in right field for a while for the Mets, as long as he doesn't run into anyone else. I'd love to ship Heilman elsewhere, especially for a starting pitcher, a young one at that.
I doubt the Mets make a big splash this off-season. I'd rather see them build with great situational and under the radar type players. Build from the ground up.
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