Assistant GM John Ricco spoke with reporters on Tuesday and said:
1. The Mets met again with Ben Zobrist’s agents and while they have not a final offer they discussed the parameters for a potential deal and will negotiate further if needed. “Not quite that close but each know the general parameters, but not at the point where we’re engaged at that level,” Ricco said. The sense is that a decision could come real soon.
2. The Mets are still trying to gauge the market for relief pitchers on the free agent market but there have not been any substantial talks with anyone. They are not concerned about the relievers who have already signed and are confident they will be able to effectively fill their needs.
3. On the outfield front there has not been any substantial progress other than touching base with some of the agents representing the outfielders they have some interest in. “Nothing has progressed further than gauging interest and what it might take to sign them or trade for them.”
My guess is that everything is being held up until the Zobrist situation is resolved. Sandy Alderson is constant communication with Ricco and is fully engaged with everything that is going on. The Washington Nationals did not meet with Zobrist face-to-face as was first thought, but GM Mike Rizzo said he made a “nice, hard push” for him to his agents this afternoon.
Zobrist has a four-year offer in hand from an unknown team.
