Adam Rubin and Jayson Stark of ESPN both posted a great snapshot into what the landscape for potential closers looks like in free agency this offseason.
Earlier today, HoJo reported that Sandy Alderson apparently hasn’t liked what he’s seen from Bobby Parnell, Manny Acosta and Pedro Beato who have all spent time closing out games since the Mets traded Francisco Rodriguez to the Brewers.It sounded very much like Alderson will be looking outside the organization for some late inning relief arms.
The cream of the crop includes Jonathan Papelbon, Heath Bell, Ryan Madson and of course Francisco Rodriguez.
Potential closers who could become free agents if their options are not excercised include Jose Valverde ($9-million option), Joe Nathan ($12.5-million option), Francisco Cordero ($12-million option), Kyle Farnsworth ($3.3-million option), Brad Lidge ($12.5-million option), Jon Rauch ($3.75-million option), Rafael Soriano ($11-million player option).
Other options include Jonathan Broxton, Matt Capps, Frank Francisco, Kerry Wood, Octavio Dotel, Mike Gonzalez, Fernando Rodney, Takashi Saito and Ryan Franklin.
Besides money, which seems to always be the big issue with these new Mets, one other thing that should be considered is that most of the better options will most likely be Type A free agents – meaning that they’ll cost the Mets a first round draft pick in 2012 even if the Mets were to be so bold as to ink one to a deal.
In addition to those relievers mentioned by both Rubin and Stark, I have a couple of relievers I’d like to add to the list who I believe could come cheap and have been effective this season.
RHP’s Dan Wheeler (4.38/1.14) and Todd Coffey (3.59/1.21), and LHP Javier Lopez (2.79/1.29).
