May
12
2011

Mets Sign Top Dominican Pitcher

An article by Craig Lerner

According to Baseball America, the Mets have agreed to terms with Luis Mateo for $150,000, which should end a three-year process for the 21-year-old Dominican righthander with a mid-90s fastball to get signed.

Mateo originally agreed to terms with the Giants on July 2, 2008, for $625,000. The Giants had that contract voided in August, however, when a physical revealed bone chips in his right elbow. Mateo was evaluated that September by Dr. Lewis Yocum, who saw no need for surgery on Mateo’s elbow or shoulder and recommended aggressive rehab.

That November, the Padres agreed to a $300,000 deal with Mateo, though that contract also never became official. Major League Baseball’s investigation into Mateo’s background turned up “inconclusive,” MLB’s way of saying that it feels it lacks sufficient evidence to either confirm or reject the accuracy of a player’s age and identity.

MLB finally suspended Mateo in March 2010 for one year for lying about his age, and his date of birth changed from March 17, 1992, to March 22, 1990. The Mets stayed on Mateo and struck a deal with him last week.

Good to see the Mets continue to be players in the International market. It seems Mateo was very highly regarded not too long ago.

BA says that Mateo is an athletic pitcher who throws 93-96 mph with good angle along with a slider.

No news yet as to where he will play to start his professional career with the Mets.

About the Author: Craig Lerner

I'm a data analyst and researcher for a leading news agency who loves life and is hooked on the Mets. I love following the Amateur Draft and have a particular fondness for the Mets Minor Leagues who I follow each day. Give me a cold beer, a summer day, and a Mets game, and I'm good to go.

8 Comments + Add Comment

Des May 12, 2011 at 10:23 am

With his background and injuries, Mateo is off to a great start with the Mets. Let’s give this one a chance. Only time will tell.
- Metsie May 12, 2011 at 11:26 am
  
  I certainly will give him a chance…
  
  But you do have to wonder how bad does your medical history have to be BEFORE the mets reject you due to health concerns…
  - Donal May 12, 2011 at 11:52 am
    
    Stephen Hawkings just got an offer to play outfield
    - Metsie May 12, 2011 at 11:54 am
      
      LOL whats the Yearly on him?
jdon May 12, 2011 at 10:24 am

150G is peanuts. REally cannot go wrong here unless he runs over a really valuable prospect with the new car he buys.
- Des May 12, 2011 at 10:26 am
  
  The $150G fits right into the Mets spending profile. LOL
Mr North Jersey May 12, 2011 at 11:12 am

that is one of the more interesting signings I have ever seen.
Midwestern Met May 12, 2011 at 1:22 pm

If he turns out to be good that’s a real steal. If not, 150G is like dropping a quarter down a city drain pipe. Good move.

midwesternmet.blogspot.com

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