Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe had a few notes of interest on the Mets in his column this morning.
- Ike Davis, 1B, Mets: The big lefthanded power hitter, who is first-year arbitration-eligible, has often been linked to the Red Sox, though you’d have to ask why the Mets would deal him to Boston. Davis hit 32 homers with 90 RBIs but batted only .227. There definitely could be a fit with Tampa Bay, which could afford to give up a pitcher. Mets special assistant J.P. Ricciardi said he would be shocked to see any movement on Davis.
- Johan Santana, LHP, Mets: Who would take on a $25.5 million deal for a 33-year-old, broken-down lefty? Someone who needs a warrior, a tough-minded guy for a year’s commitment. The Mets will dangle him, but nobody (except maybe the Dodgers) will take on the entirety of the contract. He wouldn’t be a bad fit for the Red Sox, because he’d be a great mentor and example for Jon Lester and Felix Doubront. Santana hurt his ankle late in the year and made just 21 starts, but he feels good about himself. No problems with his shoulder.
- J.P. Ricciardi, special assistant to the GM, Mets: His contract is up, but he expects to return to the Mets. So far, Ricciardi said, no other organization has come knocking on his door to hire him as a GM or reasonable facsimile. He would like to return to the front office.
The Mets haven’t been as proficient at moving bad contracts as some of the other teams have, so I don’t see Santana or Jason Bay for that matter going anywhere.
I think it’s 50/50 Ike Davis can get traded, and I’m sure Ricciardi will be back in some capacity next season unless they want to cut costs in what is already one of the highest compensated front offices in the game.
