Disputing what Jon Heyman reported on Friday, the Mets are talking to free agent closer Fernando Rodney according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
However, Dan Martin of the NY Post says that one team official called the chances of landing him a long shot.
“I’m not sure there’s a fit there,” the official said.
Another team official echoed that.
“We’ve talked about him, but I don’t think we’re ready to take any action on it yet,” the source said. “He’s been on our radar as someone we’re interested in.”
So the search for a veteran reliever pushes on for Sandy and the Mets…
I wonder if they are second guessing the move to pass on LaTroy Hawkins for $2.5 million? You have to admit, that looks like a steal right now…
Original Post 1/24
While the Mets reportedly made a run at Grant Balfour only to be turned down because the former A’s closer wanted to stay near his home in Florida, it doesn’t necessarily mean that reliever Fernando Rodney is next on their list.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the early word is that the Mets front office is not likely to pursue Rodney. Of course, with Sandy, that’s code for “we’re gonna get that guy.”
Rodney, who Balfour replaces for the Rays, has saved 85 games over the past two seasons and has had phenomenal success as a closer, especially in 2012 when he saved 48 games with a dazzling 0.60 ERA.
Last season saw Rodney post a 3.38 ERA while racking up 37 saves. He features a high 90s fastball with great late movement that misses a lot of bats and has led to an impressive 10.1 strikeout rate over the last two years in Tampa.
One reliever who has been connected to the Mets is right-hander Mitchell Boggs. He’s had moderate success as a middle reliever but has always been plagued by command and control issues. After walking an appalling 7.7 batters per nine innings last season, which saw his ERA skyrocket to 8.10 for the Cardinals and Rockies, Boggs was non-tendered this offseason.
However, the real storyline from yesterday’s near miss on nabbing Balfour was whether it signaled that something was amiss with current closer Bobby Parnell. So far mum’s the word on him and the last we heard was that he was feeling great and throwing in St. Lucie with no apparent setbacks in his rehab from neck surgery. Hopefully, that is still the case, but these are the New York Mets and you, my friend, are in the Twilight Zone.
