Update 10:15 AM
The New York Post has confirmed that Livan has indeed signed a minor league deal with the Mets and will be in camp today. Hubbuch also reminds us that Livan is El Duque’s half brother.
Original Post 9:58 AM
Christian Red of the Daily News reports:
Mets GM Omar Minaya said on Feb. 3 that there would be no more “big moves” prior to the Mets breaking camp in Port St. Lucie this week, but he didn’t say anything about making another call to arms.
Despite a glut of pitchers competing for the No. 5 spot in manager Jerry Manuel’s starting rotation – including Freddy Garcia, Tim Redding and rookie Jon Niese – the Mets acquired veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez.
Hernandez, who won a World Series ring with the 1997 Marlins and who is the half brother of Orlando (El Duque) Hernandez, pitched last season for the Rockies and Twins and compiled a cumulative 13-11 record with a 6.05 ERA.
Hernandez signed a $1 million minor-league deal with $1 in performance bonuses, according to a source familiar with the deal. Hernandez is expected at camp this weekend.
Last season, the Mets went into 2008 knowing fully well that Pedro and El Duque were hurt, and they had no idea what to expect from Pelfrey who came off of a bad rookie year. Once Maine got hurt, it was a struggle trying to field a 5-man rotation and they had to pitch Pelfrey more than they would have liked to.
This year, it seems the Mets are not taking any chances, and that’s a good thing.
Thanks to Das for the heads-up…
