In the last five days, I hear the name of Randy Wolf more often when it comes to the Mets pursuit of a number two starter, than this years pick of the litter, John Lackey.
Earlier today I posted about the Mets being concerned about the potential for an arm injury with regard to John Lackey, which you can read in the post below this one.
Last week, Randy Wolf’s name came up when Jon Heyman reported that a team source told him that the Mets would like a “do-over” on Randy Wolf. Today he echoed those sentiments when he reported from the GM Meetings in Chicago and wrote,
The Mets are expected to make a play for Randy Wolf.
ESPN and Fox Sports both reported that Wolf would be on the Mets radar this winter and that he would command a three year deal.
Tim Dierkes of MLBTR, ranked Randy Wolf number five among all free agents and predicted that he will ultimately sign with the Mets. He writes,
The Mets regrettably chose Oliver Perez over Wolf a year ago. As the best available starter aside from Lackey, Wolf is primed to get a three-year deal worth more than $30MM.
The latest development that might bring Randy Wolf even closer to Flushing is this:
The Elias Sports Bureau has completed it’s rankings and Wolf has been classified as a Class A Free Agent.
What that means is that any team that signs him would have to part with their first round draft pick in next June’s MLB Draft. However, there is one little stipulation that plays in the Mets favor. Any team that finishes among the lowest teams in the standings (IE: the Mets), do not have to forfeit their first round pick.
The fact that a team may have to forfeit a first round pick may scare some teams away from the bidding, and put the Mets right into the drivers seat.
Of course, the Dodgers would have to offer Wolf arbitration, but it’s expected that they will and that Wolf will turn it down and look for a multi year deal elsewhere.
But here is the real question…
If Randy Wolf became the Mets top pitching acquisition this off season, would any of you be happy with that?
Wolf finished the season with an 11-7 record and a 3.23 ERA. The lefthander had an impressive 1.10 WHIP and struck out 160 batters in 214 innings pitched. He did all that for the rock bottom price of $4.9 million dollars. (It’s no wonder the Mets want a do-over!)
Would an Opening Day rotation of Santana (if healthy), Wolf, Maine (if healthy), Pelfrey and Perez be enough to win the NL East?
If Randy Wolf were the Mets’ top acquisition, I would not be satisfied at all. I think it would be very underwhelming to say the least. The Phillies, Braves, AND Marlins have proved to be competition in the NL East, and clinching in 2010 won’t be easy at all.
Are you asking if Wolf was the Mets top PITCHING pickup or top pickup overall? If he was to be there top pitching pickup, then I would be satisfied AS LONG AS they also go out and sign a low risk, high reward pitcher to go along with him, such as Sheets. If you are saying that Wolf would be our top overall pickup (hitters included), then hell no would I be satisfied.
MYKEY WHAT’S THE CURRENT PHYSICAL STANDING OF SHEETS? IF THERE GOING TO BE KENNY ROGERS(THE GAMBLER) THIS OFFSEASON, I’D PREFER CHRIS CARPENTER AS MY GAMBLE TO PAY OFF.
I’M PARTICLARLY AFRAID OF A WOLF ACQUISITION BY THE FIRST COLUMN ON THE BACK OF HIS CARD, U KNOW THE ONE INDICATING TEAM. SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW A YOUNGISH EFFECTIVE LH SP CAN’T FIND A PERMANENT HOME OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. PHL,LA,SD,HOU ALL HAVE HAD HIM SINCE ’06. WHY?
IS THERE AN ISSUE LIKE:
CLUBHOUSE PRESENCE?
DRUNK?
PEDOPHLE?
THERE MUST BE SOMETHING. THEY CAN’T ALL BE BOYCOTING HIM FOR HIS BRO BEING AN UMP, LOL!
I wasn’t saying Sheets ws the guy I would want, as I don’t know how he is doing. I just meant someone like him, who has a history of being good when healthy, etc.
I would be totally pissed.I dont even want to imagine him being our top acquisition.I think if he was our 2nd or 3rd pitching addition id be happy with that though?Meaning if they sign Lackey or trade for Halladay.Then sign Marquis,sure go after Wolf? But id also offer contracts with incentives to Harden and Bedard.
Santana
Lackey/Halladay
Marquis
Wolf/harden/bedard
Pelfrey
With Perez being bought out or traded with part of his contract eaten to get rid of him.I also would put Maine in the pen,letting him come in and just throw an inning at max velocity and get out of there.When he starts he can only go 5 because of high pitch innings.
I actually think that Maine could be a very good setup guy/closer.
If we get Wolf, it would be a HUGE addition and he’ll cost less than Perez did last off season. I think a 1-2 punch of Santana and Wolf could bring home the gold for the Mets. However, the Mets should only give Perez 2 starts to prove himself before replacing him with the hotter of Figueroa, Nieve or Niese.
No. I feel strongly that the Mets need a “second ace” to go along with Santana and in my opinion the only FA that qualifies is Lackey.
Wolf alone, or Wolf and Marquis/Pineiro/Washburn/whoever I just don’t think gets it done, not in this division in 2010.
The Mets need a serious pair of starters to compete with Lee/Hamels, Johnson/Nolasco, and Vazquez/Jurrjens.
They need Santana/Lackey, or Santana/Halladay.
Despite the solid year in his WALK YEAR. Wolf is a Phillies reject and signing him to a multi year deal is suicide. There is no way he repeats the season that he had, NO WAY!
I’m sick and tired of always acting like we are a small market team when we share the same city with the Yankees. We need to get Lackey as well as one of Bay or Holliday.
I went to 15 games last year, but I swear I wont go to ANY games if the Mets disappoint me this off season!!! If they want anymore of my money, they better spend some of theirs to add a top starter and bat to this roster.
I would be satisfied to some degree but I along with any other Mets fan knows its going to take a heck of a lot more then Randy Wolf to win the NL East and/or to improve the team. No an opening day rotation of Santana, Wolf, Maine, Pelfrey and Perez would not be enough to win the NL East
Wolf would be a nice addition but hardly solves the need for a number two starter. Also, why the 3 year deal? Didn’t he sign a one year deal last year, who’s to say he wont again this year?
He would and I know he wouldn’t solve the need for a No. 2 starter but that’s why I said it would take a lot more then Randy Wolf to win the NL East. Yeaa he did he probably will but knowing Minaya he’ll probably give Wolf the 3 year deal or even a 2 year deal.
I agree with both of you. I wouldn’t be against a 2 year deal, but 3 years is a bit much for someone with such an inconsistent career.
I hope Wolf is the Mets top aquisition, especially if it leads to Minaya being fired for gross negligence and incompetence.
The market place will determine the length of the deal. Patience is needed. But I think the Mets pursuit is an indictment of their approach last year. Maybe better late than never.
Wow, 11-9 from a number 2 starter who spent all last season with a much superior team. Wonderful. Looks like the Brooklyn Dodgers hat I bought to hide my shame was a long-term investment.
Wolf would be very good as a #3 behind Santana and either Lackey or Halladay. The critical move is to get the #2 in place. Then put Wolf in place with a 1 or 2 yr contract. The rotation would then be filled out with Pelfrey at #4 and Maine at #5. Ollie would be on leave at the Country Club enjoying the good life and will do us no damage there.