According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the Mets resolved today that they will NOT pursue a free agent catcher to platoon with starting catcher Josh Thole, and instead they will fill that position from within the organization. The reason for this shift in strategy is so that they can free up some money they can use to help them acquire pitching.
In addition, a team insider said that the organization has yet to decide if they will non-tender Ronny Paulino at the December 12 deadline. Paulino made $1.35 million last season and is eligible for arbitration. Rubin said that there is widespread disappointment in the organization with Paulino’s lack of following of pitching game plans, but they aren’t yet committed to tossing him aside.
The only internal option the Mets currently have that is major league ready is defensive-oriented Mike Nickeas who batted .189 last season in a brief stint with the Mets. He could become the right-handed half of a platoon with Thole and did fare a little better against LHP batting .259 against them in a small sampling.
So much for the Kelly Shoppach and Jason Varitek rumors…
