27
2009
Darren Oliver or Takashi Saito?
An article by 
Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker reports that the New York Mets are among eight teams that have interest in Japanese reliever Takashi Saito.
According to Sponichi, Takashi Saito has eight teams interested, including the White Sox, Cubs, Braves and Mets. The Braves had some interest in Saito way back in 2002 but he wound up remaining with Yokohama.
Saito turns 40 in February, and had a solid season for the Boston Red Sox in 2009. In 55 innings pitched he had a 2.42 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP, while striking out 52 batters.
Saito became a free agent when the Red Sox declined his $6 million dollar option last month.
As much as I commend Saito for a fine season coming off an elbow injury in 2008, I don’t believe he’d be a good fit for a team that has plenty of less riskier and much better options available to them in free agency.
The Mets would probably be better off signing Darren Oliver who had a better season and is a year younger, but more importantly he has proven to be very durable. Additionally, Oliver is lefthanded and fills a more significant need for the Mets bullpen.
Oliver, who has already had some success with the Mets, appeared in 63 games last season for the Angels and had a 2.71 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP in 73 innings. He struck out 65 batters while walking just 22. He shows no signs of slowing down.
If I’m laying out $3 million bucks for a reliever, I think I’d rather have Darren Oliver instead of Saito.
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
Went to my first Mets game, a Mayors Trophy game at Shea, in '73. We beat the Yankees 8-4 and I was hooked. I marched in two Banner Day parades, and before the Grand Slam single, there was the "Hendu Can Do" grand slam - I was there. I've collected Mets memorabilia all my life and started Mets Merized Online to feed my addiction.
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Darren Oliver is a Type A free agent. Signing him means you forfeit a first round pick.
Signing him (particularly an old, middle reliever) for this reason alone would be incredibly stupid. This is the type of move that put the Mets into the awful situation that they are in.
The Mets could sign any Type A free agent they want. Their first round pick is protected. Signing Oliver is a much better idea than Saito. I agree entirely with this post.
COUNT ME IN OLIVER CAN’T HURT ANY MORE THAN PAST OPTIONS TRIED aka TAKAHASASHI. ALSO IT SEEMS BOSTICK HAS DIFFICULTIES Vs LHH
Why did we get rid of Darren Oliver in the first place? Omar is a back pedaling fool. Maybe if you would have kept him maybe we would not have crashed and burned in 07 and 08. Fire Omar now!!!!!
While they would not give up a first round pick, they would have to give up their second round pick. As stated previously, this would not be a smart move at all.
[...] to Joe D of Mets Merized, the Mets would be better off signing free-agent Darren Oliver than [...]
Upon second thought, after looking at the Mets recent draft history, and their propensity for being tight in the wallet when it comes to paying draft picks, it probably wouldn’t even matter if they gave the 2nd rounder away. They wouldn’t use the pick right, anyway.
I think he’s too old, and while he’s been decent, he is not off the chats good and considering his age, and our luck, its time for him to breakdown. YOUNGER FASTER STRONGER