Feb
3
2013

Dice-K Talking With Mets? Not So Fast…

An article by 72MetsFan

dice-k

Updated by Joe D.

Here we go again…

Last month’s rumor that Daisuke Matsuzaka was being courted by the Mets, as reported by Hochi Shimbun from a Japanese newspaper, is making the rounds again today.

This rumor was already shot down by the Mets two weeks ago, when a team source immediately disputed the report by Shimbun to ESPN.

Moments after the rumor appeared on various sites, a Mets source told ESPN New York that he does not believe the organization has spoken with Matsuzaka at all.

Why this is being resurrected today is beyond me.

I also don’t get why nobody is mentioning that the team has already denied this from the start?

Slow news day I guess…

Enjoy the game….

Updated 1/17 10:50 AM

I just got an earful and a good lesson as to why Joe D. frowns upon blog sourced rumors that no other beat writer touches. Lesson learned, never again. :-/

Never mind what you read below, the Mets denied it.

Original Post 1/17 9:20 AM

MetsBlog passes along that former Red Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka told Hochi Shimbun that he is now talking with the Mets, Indians and Marlins, though other teams have expressed interest in signing him this winter.

Dice-K prefers to sign a big-league contract with incentives. However, it is also likely he ends up signing a minor-league deal or could return to pitch in Japan.

Matsuzaka struggled after returning from Tommy John surgery in 2012, going a 1-7 with an 8.28 ERA and 1.71 WHIP in 11 starts for the Red Sox, but Matt Cerrone likes the idea because it will create some excitement:

I like the idea of the Mets signing Dice-K to a minor-league deal, assuming he’ll accept it. The buzz around Matsuzaka is that he wanted to either pitch in San Diego or Japan. However, after pitching in Boston in the A.L. East, he might benefit from moving to a pitcher’s park in the National League. He’s had a series of bizarre, random injuries. If he’s healthy, he’s intriguing, plus he’d add a little buzz to this team, which they’re clearly missing… among other things.

I don’t think it’s a good idea and even if you do pitch in pitcher’s park, it still requires solid skills and performance from a starter. Besides what about when he’s on the road?

As far as creating a buzz, I’m not so sure that Die-K would bring that at this stage of his career and the last think we need is a sideshow.

About the Author: Drew Staley

On June 1, 2012 Johan Santana officially became my favorite current Met! I'm a Queens native who grew up in the shadows of Big Shea. I was a huge Ron Darling, Dave Magadan and John Olerud fan. Honored to be a part of such a great site for Mets fans. Ya Gotta Believe!

16 Comments + Add Comment

Mitch Petanick January 17, 2013 at 10:01 am

Mitch Petanick January 6, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Two scenarios that would fit if they do actually spend the $25m:
Option 1: Marcum, Brian Wilson, Hairston and a flier on Sizemore. I think Brian Wilson will quickly fill the void left in Mets fans hearts from losing Dickey with his quirky personality.
Option 2: Dice-K, K-Rod and same OF as first option. Dice-K will be looking for a one-year deal and could benefit from a NL environment.

I wonder when I should start asking for money from the Mets? They’re stealing my ideas
- Metsie January 17, 2013 at 10:08 am
  
  “They’re stealing my ideas ”
  
  Yes but you will never be able to sue for infringment because while they steal your ideas they never actually get around to implementing any idea that may come across thier desk it seems.
  LOL
  
  It’s almost as if they spend a week thinking of something they might like to do then spend the next week looking for reasons not to do it until someone says “Hey it’s too Pricey lets move on….”
Paul January 17, 2013 at 10:02 am

Bring back Shinjo is you want excitement and an outfielder. It’s 2 for 1, although I doubt he’d leave his lucrative porn career for a return to the Mets. But, that could make for an interesting bobble-head night.
Mykey January 17, 2013 at 10:05 am

Metsblog has already updated their story. It’s not true according to a Mets insider. And Newsday is saying that they never made an offer.
- Metsie January 17, 2013 at 10:09 am
  
  A door is opened…
  A door is closed…
  
  I predict at least two more updates to this piece! LOL
SaltyGary January 17, 2013 at 10:14 am

They can keep talking but unless he is taking league minimum then Sandy aint signing.

I got a plan for Sandy, lets get some unsigned players addicted to crack, that way they will be desperate to play for league minimum and we can finally sign a FA.
Joe D January 17, 2013 at 10:31 am

It was just a text message, hardly an earful. lol
Alex68 January 17, 2013 at 10:39 am

This is getting sadder and sadder by the second.. But hey, somehow we’ve improved because jason bay is no longer with the team.. SMH
- Joe D January 17, 2013 at 10:42 am
  
  You wanted Dice-K? I would think you’d be doing cartwheels and back-flips like Courtney Hawkins that this rumor was bogus.
  - TRS86 January 17, 2013 at 10:51 am
    
    No we just want a MLB signing be-damned. I told you the best thing would have been for the Mets to sign Omar Q to a major league contract. Then everyone would be happy.
- Metsie January 17, 2013 at 10:57 am
  
  We didn’t really get rid of Jason Bay….
  
  We just replaced his production with a cheaper player when all is said and done….
Hitman February 3, 2013 at 3:43 pm

Word on the street is that Andrew Bailey is gonna be working out for scouts so he could be on the move soon for a team that needs a closer or a few more arms.

Hint, hint.
Metsie February 3, 2013 at 4:20 pm

Hey Joe, Just close the door its creating a cold draft! LOL
Hitman February 3, 2013 at 4:26 pm

OFF TOPIC: Mets close to signing Brandon Lyon!

YES!!!

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/02/mets-close-to-a-deal-with-brandon-lyon-1.html
Pelicanmann February 4, 2013 at 5:22 am

Hochi Shimbun is not a reporter, but the name of a Japanese news organization 報知新聞. The names of many Japanese papers include the characters 新聞, which simply means “news.”

A little FYI from a Chinese reader and speaker (Japanese borrows a lot of formal terms from Chinese, known as “kanji” 漢字).
Brian February 4, 2013 at 8:12 pm

Good job Joe, you were right.

https://twitter.com/nickcafardo/status/298448802334011393

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	42	28	.600	-
Nationals	34	35	.493	7.5
Phillies	34	37	.479	8.5
Mets	25	40	.385	14.5
Marlins	22	47	.319	19.5

Last updated: 06/18/2013

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