I Like Dotel, But We Have Bigger Fish To Fry

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that reliever Octavio Dotel would like to play for the Mets (or the Yankees) again. Hmm… Why does it seem like every pending free agent past his prime or unemployed player wants to play for the Mets?

Anyway, the 35-year-old reliever says that the Mets are his first choice, and that’s all fine and dandy, but Dotel probably won’t be the Mets first choice.

The White Sox have told Octavio Dotel that he’s no longer in their plans and they have no intentions of seeking a contract extension with him.

Dotel has had a solid season pitching 61 innings and allowing 54 hits and 36 walks. He still has a great strikeout rate as evidenced by his 74 K’s.

He projects as a Type A free agent, but he’d only cost the Mets a second round pick rather than a first round because of their woeful record. He was making $6 million this season which sound like a bit much to chew on for the Mets.

Plus, given all the other work the Mets have to do this offseason, signing Octavio Dotel amounts to buying the window blinds and curtains before you even found and purchased the new house.

Check back in January Dotel, but if I were you I’d take the first offer that comes along.