Afternoon Updates
1. The Mets met with the reps for Ben Zobrist this afternoon, but as Assistant GM pointed out on Sunday, they represent other clients the team is interested in including Gerardo Parra and Asdrubal Cabrera. That said, Mets had nothing new to add on the Zobrist front after the meeting.
2. Apparently, Ben Zobrist is not interested in being a utility player and prefers to stay put at one position or at the very least a semi-regular position. That would mean second base for the Mets and a good chance Dilson Herrera heads back to Triple-A. Also, he’s not a fan of playing left field, so Giants could have a strike against them. That leaves Mets and Nats as the final two.
3. Rumors running around that Jeff Wilpon is heading to the Winter Meetings and that it could mean the Mets have something major to announce. But if there is any truth to that, it won’t be to announce a Zobrist deal because he has yet to meet with the Nationals on Tuesday. Additionally, his reps say no decision until Thursday. Maybe Jeff just wanted a good pulled pork sandwich.
4. In case you needed to hear it, John Ricco told reporters that they were never in on Joakim Soria for the same reasons as Darren O’Day and Ryan Madson – too expensive. Also it means a few Mets beat writers need to find better sources. By the way, the Mets are telling prospective relief targets there will be late game opportunities as an enticement.
It’s all about Zobrist, folks…. More updates this evening…
Morning Updates
1. According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, teams that have inquired on LHP Tony Sipp say he’s looking for a Zach Duke–Boone Logan type contract. Three years, $5-6 million per year. Sipp was 3-4 last season with a 1.99 ERA and 1.010 WHIP. He exhibited an improved K/9 (10.3) and a much improved BB/9 (2.5) in 54.1 innings, sporting a 2.93 FIP. Mets have him on their radar.
2. Jim Duquette of MLB Network spoke to Mets assistant GM John Ricco this morning who told him: that signing Ben Zobrist is not an either or proposition. If they sign do sign Zobrist, they still fully intend to fill their other stated needs to acquire a setup reliever and lefty swinging center fielder to platoon with Juan Lagares. Ricco expects to make at least one deal before leaving the Winter Meetings.
3. John Ricco also told Duquette that with the price of pitching on the market escalating, it makes Mets pitchers even more valuable, but the team would consider trading Jon Niese if something beneficial to the Mets materialized.
4. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reports that the Kansas City Royals are interested in signing Gerardo Parra who is also considered a top target for the Mets. Parra slashed .291/.328/.452 with a 108 wRC+ in 589 plate appearances for the Brewers and Orioles this season. He also hit well against right handed pitching, sporting a .345 wOBA, which makes him a great option to platoon with Juan Lagares.
5. Jon Heyman appeared on MLB Network and said he’s confirmed from various sources that Ben Zobrist has narrowed down his decision to three teams: the New York Mets, Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants. Decision expected before Thursday. Nats slated to meet with Zobrist tomorrow.
More updates to come…
