Mets Sign John Maine And Avoid Arbitration

Anthony DiComo of Mets.com, is reporting that the Mets have agreed to a new contract with John Maine tonight, thus avoiding arbitration with the right-hander.

According to the Associated Press the deal is worth $3.3 million guaranteed and Maine can earn an additional $225,000 in performance bonuses based on games started.

Maine, 28, went 7-6 with a 4.43 ERA last season, spending much of it on the disabled list after offseason surgery to remove a bone spur from his right shoulder. He enters the 2010 season as the club’s No. 3 starter.

At a recent charity event, Maine told reporters that he is feeling great and that his shoulder is doing fine.

“Last year was just unfortunate. Hopefully, it was an oddity. I feel fine. I’ve never been hurt other than what’s happened recently. I’m just doing what I do normally and a little more rehab. I feel fine. I’ll be ready, and that’s the bottom line.”

A return to form by John Maine would provide a huge boost to a Mets rotation that is still struggling to find a number two starter to pair with Johan Santana.

I’m expecting a solid season from Maine in 2010. Aside from Johan, Maine is the only current member of the rotation I have any confidence in.

On a side note, Pedro Feliciano, Jeff Francoeur, Sean Green and Angel Pagan all filed for arbitration today and remain without contracts for next season. They will exchange figures with the Mets on Tuesday and will have hearings scheduled in February.