Mets Sign Righty Matt Wise
The Mets have reportedly come to terms with free agent reliever Matt Wise on a one year contract. Said Omar Minaya of Wise: "Matt has had success in a variety of roles. He adds a versatile arm to the bullpen."
HERE'S a move I like. While the Mets' only glimpse of Wise this year was when he threw 10 straight balls against them during a series in Milwaukee, the guy's got an incredible changeup. He's a reliable relief pitcher who makes Aaron Heilman that much more available for a potential trade. This year Wise was 3-2 with a 4.19 ERA and struck out 43 batters in 53 innings.
"I'm ecstatic to join the Mets," said Wise. "I look forward to helping out in whatever role Willie Randolph wants."
Update by Joe D - Matt Wise's one-year deal with the Mets is worth $1.2 million. He will receive $750,000 if he's cut by the team during spring training. The $1.2 million is $200,000 more than he made with the Brewers last year. It looks like a very low risk signing that can pay off big for the Mets. Before last season, Omar used to have the Midas touch with signings like this. Maybe this is a step towards regaining that old magic.
Comments
Well, if he's ecstatic, I'm happy to have him aboard. Nothing like having players who want to play for your team.
Still waiting for the big one though.
Posted by: Ferd C | December 18, 2007 5:31 PM
Great news! I agree, if he's really ecstatic about playing for the Mets then I couldn't be happier... for now. :)
Posted by: Rissa | December 18, 2007 5:43 PM
Not a bad move at all....
Posted by: Travis | December 18, 2007 5:58 PM
Mets currently have $84.55 million committed to 15 players for 2008. Here is the Mets current payroll with the signing of Wise
Carlos Delgado 12,000,000
Billy Wagner 10,500,000
Carlos Beltran 10,000,000
Pedro Martinez 9,500,000
Moises Alou 7,500,000
Orlando Hernandez 6,500,000
Luis Castillo 6,000,000
David Wright 5,000,000
Brian Schneider 4,900,000
Jose Reyes 4,000,000
Scott Schoeneweis 3,600,000
Ramon Castro 1,850,000
Matt Wise 1,200,000
Marlon Anderson 1,050,000
Damion Easley 950,000
Total 84,550,000
Here are the arbitration eligible players and their 2007 salary.
Arbitration 2007 Salary
Oliver Perez 2,325,000
Endy Chavez 1,725,000
Jorge Sosa 1,250,000
Aaron Heilman 453,000
Posted by: Christian (MetsMan) | December 18, 2007 7:59 PM
where is Church in your list Christian?
Posted by: Travis | December 18, 2007 8:49 PM
Ryan Church is not yet arbitration eligible. He has 2.5 years of major league service time.
Posted by: Christian (MetsMan) | December 18, 2007 9:02 PM
Not a bad signing, although I'm not too familiar with his body of work. Any move to help the pen will be great seeing that we can't seem to get the #1 starter this year.Maybe Omar will stockpile long relievers to eat up the other innings our starters can't finish.Does it seem like no one knows how to throw a complete game anymore?;)
Posted by: Adam Baker | December 18, 2007 9:52 PM
Clay Buckholz can :-D
Posted by: Travis | December 19, 2007 9:06 AM
I'm going to focus on the "magic" and cross my fingers. At this point, doesn't seem like any other choice. I can't say much about him, as I don't know him, so we'll see. I will however try to believe that Omar is doing the right thing, and hope for the best...
Posted by: Lisa C | December 19, 2007 1:40 PM
You can never have enough relievers. Unless those guys are all like Mota. But i wouldnt wish that on any team.(except maybe the phillies)
Posted by: B_Grease | December 19, 2007 3:35 PM