And, I didn’t mean Prince Fielder, or Brandon Allen for that matter.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson agreed the other day things could get warm, but wouldn’t say how close he’d get to the “Stove.’’

“We have to be realistic about the market and not sort of deny the inevitable,’’ Alderson said. “If the market is as robust as it seems to be, I think we have to acknowledge that.’’

OK, he acknowledges it. Then what?

“And, consistent with that acknowledgement, if we’re going to participate, we have to recognize that,’’ Alderson added.

The operative word in all that was “if.’’

Well, are the Mets going to participate? A robust market means spending and Alderson’s checkbook is still under wraps.

Alderson said the team has been more active, but that has to mean working the phones because we’re not seeing anything public outside of Allen, the departures of Mike Baxter and LaTroy Hawkins, and, of course, the ones who got away – or are about to.

Because we’re not going to see Matt Harvey outside of a courtside shot of him at the Knicks game Wednesday night, the Mets are in need of pitching first and foremost. I’m aware of the crying for a power outfielder and the need of a shortstop, but the Mets only have three starters. Nothing happens without pitching.

It would have been sweet to get Josh Johnson, but that wasn’t going to happen. Meanwhile, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Aaron Harang could get away. Late season pick-ups last year, both provided quality innings at the back end of the rotation. In a combined 11 starts, only twice – both times by Matsuzaka – did they not get out of the fifth.

Alderson said he wanted veteran innings at the back end, and these two are as veteran as you can get. And, what they gave the Mets is what they are seeking now. Sure, the Mets want to do better. But, better means spending more.

Matsuzaka pitched well in September after pitching coach Dan Warthen tinkered with his mechanics and got him to speed up his delivery. My concern is he pitched well enough for him to catch another team’s eye and might be willing to give him two years. The presumption is the most the Mets will offer is one year plus an option. That would mean the Mets would lose him.

It’s still November, and there’s plenty of time remaining, but that’s not the issue. It’s a matter of who will be remaining when the Mets are ready to do more than talk on the phone.

The post Are Mets Still Interested In Bringing Dice-K Back? appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

A 31-year old free agent, Cano’s sticker price is somewhere around 10 years/$300 million. In fan speak that’s somewhere in the nosebleed section.

Which Major League Baseball organization is ready to invest in a player who will earn $30 million per season (assuming he earns $30 million per year) at age 38, 39, 40 and 41. The New York Yankees won’t. The Los Angeles Dodgers learned their lesson on trying to buy a championship; they’re not interested in Cano at that price. The Mets? Comical.

The dinner meeting between Jay Z, and Mets general manager Sandy Alderson is nothing more than hype. In fact, baseball insiders suggest the Mets are pawns in an attempt to get the crosstown Yankees to respond. No such luck.

The Mets are in no position to make an offer to Cano and here’s why: According to COT’s, the 2013 New York Mets payroll was $93,684,590. As reported, Cano is asking for $300 million over 10 years, or the equivalent of the Mets entire 25-man payroll over three years.

This is the “dream” that New York Post columnist is Kevin Kernan suggests fans and the organization buy into, both literally and figuratively? If so, recent history suggests such investments can quickly turn into a nightmare.

The Mets have to get into major buy mode … Dream along with me for a little bit more. Could you imagine if the Mets had Cano and Wright in the same lineup and how that would turn this town upside down … The Mets need to find a way to wipe away the face of failure that has been with them every day for years.

Two years ago, at age 31, Albert Pujols signed a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The deal was loaded with incentives above and beyond the $240 million guaranteed deal.

In 2001, Alex Rodriguez signed a 10-year, $252 million contract with the Texas Rangers. During his three years in Texas the team won 73, 72, and 71 games, finishing in fourth place every season. Rodriguez produced but the Rangers didn’t.

When the contract was signed, there was a lot of concern among not just Major League Baseball, but all sports for the dollars that were involved. In terms of what was going on in the economy and everything else five or six years ago, it really changed the economics across all of sport in a pretty dramatic way. What’s the real value of a player? — Harvey Schiller

The organization realized one player, regardless of his output, does not make a winner. Rodriguez — and his massive contract — were traded to New York.

I am certain the Mets human resources department is familiar with the residual effects of overpaying. Remember Bobby Bonilla? You should. He’s on the Mets payroll until 2035. Mind you, he hasn’t played in a major league game in more than a decade.

How about Prince Fielder? He signed a nine-year, $214 million deal with the Detroit Tigers prior to the 2012 season. Two years, zero rings and a lingering feeling in Detroit that this was a bad deal. As Jeff Passan at Yahoo! Sports noted in the aftermath of another disappointing post-season:

$46 million he made this year and last, and for the $168 million he will earn over the next seven seasons, and almost always the amount of money a player receives and the level of vitriol toward him for October letdowns are correlated … He is Prince Fielder, he signed the fifth-largest contract in baseball history and he will keep catching hell if he doesn’t start hitting.

Kernan added:

Remember the excitement when Mike Piazza was traded to the Mets from the Marlins. Imagine if the Mets could somehow pull off a deal to acquire someone as talented as Carlos Gonzalez or Giancarlo Stanton. The Mets would be a big-market team again.

Has Stanton made the Marlins a contender? No. In 2012 he was surrounded by Hanley Ramirez, Logan Morrison, Jose Reyes and Carlos Lee. The Marlins were loaded with great starting pitching: Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Ricky Nolasco, Carlos Zambrano and Anibal Sanchez. The Marlins finished in last place in the National League East — behind the beleaguered Mets.

Don’t misunderstand. The Mets would be a better team with Gonzalez, Stanton or Cano, but at what price? Let’s face it, it’s highly unlikely the Mets will be playing for a playoff spot in 2014. Will one high-profile player put them over the top? No. The Mets need a handful of young, major league ready talent, not an aging veteran or an overpriced big ticket free agent. Improve the overall team, get competitive — quickly — then add the final pieces, either by free agent or trade.

Robinson Cano would not make the Mets a “big market” team again. The Mets are a big-market team, performing at a minor league level and operating on a small market budget.

The post Keep Dreaming Kernan appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

I was taking a look at a month old post from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, who enlisted the services of one unbiased agent and one unbiased GM to put together their free agent predictions for this 2013-2014 offseason.

I was curious to see where they had LaTroy Hawkins, Marlon Byrd and Josh Johnson pegged and surprising all three signed for far less than what many expected.

Here is what they came up with:

Hawkins got literally half of what the consensus had projected, Johnson got 20% less than what they predicted, and Byrd they came closest to, but still less than what they expected on average.

I’m a little late on this, but we had a little Free Agent Prediction contest among our staff and wanted to share our predictions with you. We decided to go with what we believed were the top twelve available free agents and predict their ultimate destinations.

Johnson was included in our Top 12 and not one of us had him going to the Padres although many of us saw him going to the West Coast.

Here are the rest of our predictions including DrDooby who included projected deals as well…

DrDooby

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees, 8-years, $200 million

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Mariners, 6-years, $120 million

3. Brian McCann – Rangers, 5-years, $90 million

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Mets, 5-years, $95 million 😉

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees, $70 million posting fee and 5-year, $55 million contract

6. Carlos Beltran – Red Sox, 2-years, $35 million contract

7. Ervin Santana – Cubs, 4-years, $54 million

8. Matt Garza – Phillies, 5-years, $75 million

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees, 1-year, $16 million

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox, 2-years, $28 million

11. Josh Johnson – Rangers, 2-years, $21 million

12. Nelson Cruz – Phillies, 3-years, $36 million

Clayton

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Yankees

3. Brian McCann – Rangers

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Rangers

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees

6. Carlos Beltran – Red Sox

7. Ervin Santana – Cubs

8. Matt Garza – Yankees

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Japan

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – Padres

12. Nelson Cruz – Mariners

Kirk

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Mariners

3. Brian McCann – Rangers

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Reds

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees

6. Carlos Beltran – Cardinals

7. Ervin Santana – Royals

8. Matt Garza – Mets

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – Nationals

12. Nelson Cruz – Phillies

Rusty

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Red Sox

3. Brian McCann – Yankees

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Phillies

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Dodgers

6. Carlos Beltran – Cardinals

7. Ervin Santana – Pirates

8. Matt Garza – Orioles

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – Blue Jays

12. Nelson Cruz – Phillies

Satish

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Mariners

3. Brian McCann – Angels

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Pirates

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees

6. Carlos Beltran – Royals

7. Ervin Santana – Twins

8. Matt Garza – Giants

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – Dodgers

12. Nelson Cruz – Rangers

William

1. Robinson Cano – Nationals

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Red Sox

3. Brian McCann – Yankees

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Mets

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees

6. Carlos Beltran – Yankees

7. Ervin Santana – Indians

8. Matt Garza – Angels

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – Phillies

12. Nelson Cruz – Phillies

Gerry

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Cubs

3. Brian McCann – Yankees

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Reds

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Dodgers

6. Carlos Beltran – Cardinals

7. Ervin Santana – Royals

8. Matt Garza – Yankees

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – Mets

12. Nelson Cruz – Philiels

Joe D.

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Cubs

3. Brian McCann – Rangers

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Tigers

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees

6. Carlos Beltran – Orioles

7. Ervin Santana – Royals

8. Matt Garza – Giants

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – A’s

12. Nelson Cruz – Phillies

Tommy

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Red Sox

3. Brian McCann – Yankees

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Mariners

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Cubs

6. Carlos Beltran – Cardinals

7. Ervin Santana – White Sox

8. Matt Garza – Reds

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Rangers

11. Josh Johnson – Jays

12. Nelson Cruz – Mets (why not)

Corey

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Rangers

3. Brian McCann – Rangers

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Yankees

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Dodgers

6. Carlos Beltran – Cardinals

7. Ervin Santana – Cubs

8. Matt Garza – Angels

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – A’s

12. Nelson Cruz – Phillies

Joe S.

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Red Sox

3. Brian McCann – Dodgers

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Cardinals

5. Masahiro Tanaka –

6. Carlos Beltran – Red Sox

7. Ervin Santana – Rockies

8. Matt Garza – Rockies

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – Mets

12. Nelson Cruz – Mets

Barry

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Red Sox

3. Brian McCann – Yankees

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Phillies

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees

6. Carlos Beltran – Cardinals

7. Ervin Santana – Cubs

8. Matt Garza – Rangers

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Angels

10. Mike Napoli – Pirates

11. Josh Johnson – White Sox

12. Nelson Cruz – Indians

Peter K.

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Mariners

3. Brian McCann – Yankees

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Mets

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Angels

6. Carlos Beltran – Yankees

7. Ervin Santana – White Sox

8. Matt Garza – Rangers

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Dodgers

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – Mets

12. Nelson Cruz – Rangers

Jim

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Rangers

3. Brian McCann – Yankees

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Mariners

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Cubs

6. Carlos Beltran – Phillies

7. Ervin Santana – Pirates

8. Matt Garza – Giants

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Cubs

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – White Sox

12. Nelson Cruz – Orioles

Xtreem

1. Robinson Cano – Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – Mariners

3. Brian McCann – White Sox

4. Shin-Soo Choo – Rangers

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Yankees

6. Carlos Beltran – Cardinals

7. Ervin Santana – Orioles

8. Matt Garza – Pirates

9. Hiroki Kuroda – Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – Cubs

12. Nelson Cruz – Phillies

I am going to giveaway a free pair of Mets tickets to an April game to the writer who comes the closest. But I also want to engage our readers as well and treat them to a free pair of tickets to see the Mets next season as well.

So leave your predictions for the remaining 11 players below in the contest and the readers who correctly guesses the most destinations will win. In the event of a tie, here is the tie breaker. The one who comes closest to guessing the total guaranteed deal for free agent Robinson Cano. How much will he get? This is for guaranteed money only. Option years don’t count but buyouts do as they are guaranteed.

Met fans who finish in second and third place will get a free Metsmerized T-Shirt!

I need all ballots/responses by Midnight on Friday night.

Good luck to all of you!

The post MMO Free Agent Prediction Contest: Win Free Tickets To See The Mets In April! appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Done deal… The San Diego Padres have agreed on a one-year, $8 million deal with free agent starter Josh Johnson. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN first reported the news:

The deal includes an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses if Johnson makes 26 starts, the source said. Johnson was in San Diego for a physical exam Tuesday and the contract is expected to be announced by the club Wednesday.

Johnson did not receive a qualifying offer from Toronto, so the Padres will not have to give up a draft pick in exchange for signing him.

The San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Royals are among the other big league teams that expressed interest in Johnson. The pitcher had targeted the Padres and Giants as his top two choices and turned down bigger one-year offers to sign with San Diego, said a source.

Last week, Sandy Alderson said he had 25 pitchers on his list of pitchers he’s targeting this offseason. While not mentioning any names, I would think that Tim Hudson and Johnson were probably on there.

Original Post 11/19

It looks like free agent right-hander Josh Johnson prefers to take his talents to the West Coast. According to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, Johnson has let the Padres and Giants know that they are his top two choices and that a decision could come shortly.

Johnson, who lives in nearby Las Vegas, is coming off one of his worst seasons in which he posted a 6.20 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 81.1 innings pitched for the Blue Jays.

The former Marlin ace, missed nearly half of his season after serving two stints on the disabled list due to a forearm injury. The 29-year old is expected to make a full recovery after arthroscopic surgery and be ready for Spring Training.

One lone bright spot during his 2013 season was that Johnson lost none of his velocity, averaging 93 mph, and posting the highest strikeout rate (9.2) of his career.

Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, expects Johnson to sign a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $8 million and an additional $5 million in incentive bonuses as he looks to reestablish his value.

With Matt Harvey all but done until the 2015 season, and the Mets in the market for a veteran starter to bolster the rotation, I tabbed Johnson as potential target for Sandy Alderson.

Prior to his trip into the Twilight Zone, Johnson was one of the elite starting pitchers in the National League when he fronted the Marlins’ rotation. During his eight years with the Marlins, the big righthander posted a 56-37 (.602) record with a 3.15 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and an 8.2 strikeout rate.

The post Padres Sign Josh Johnson To One Year Deal For $8 Million appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Bronson Arroyo reports that the Giants, Phillies, and Twins have contacted his agents, but that no offers have been made.

On Friday we reported that the Minnesota Twins are very interested in signing the free agent righthander and that they have already called and spoken with him according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation, but had yet to make a formal offer.

There appears to be mutual interest from both sides in getting something done as Arroyo has a history and good relationship with Twins special assistant Wayne Krivsky. He was the Reds general manager who brought Arroyo to Cincinnati in March 2006, sending outfielder Wily Mo Pena to Boston in a two-player deal that proved to be very one-sided.

The Twins have made it known they are going to be relentless when it comes to acquiring two starting pitchers, according to Nick Cafardo.

Last week, Dan Martin of the New York Post spoke to Arroyo’s agent, who told him that the he would consider signing with the Mets. “Bronson is an East Coast guy and would definitely consider the Mets,” Terry Bross, said. “But we’re going to take our time with this.”

The San Francisco Giants are also considering Arroyo according to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle. Like the Mets, the Giants are looking for an innings-eater who they can sign to a one or two year deal. jon heyman reported that the Yankees are also in play for him.

Arroyo, 37, is one of the most durable starters in the game, tossing 199 pr more innings for nine straight seasons. He has averaged 13.2 wins and 210 2/3 innings in that span.

The Reds did not make a qualifying offer to Arroyo, who recently completed a three-year, $35 million contract and has a career earned run average of 4.19. He has averaged $12 million in salary over his past five seasons and is coming off a 14-12 season with a 3.79 ERA.

Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors believes that Arroyo will get a deal for two years and $24 million, and that the Mets, Twins, Giants, and several other teams will have interest in him as they look to solidify the backend of their rotation.

If Sandy Alderson fails to sign Arroyo, Mike Puma of the New York Post spoke to multiple talent evaluators from outside the organization who believe veteran southpaw Joe Saunders could be a another possibility for the Mets.

The 32-year-old Saunders went 11-16 with a 5.26 ERA for the Mariners in 2013, but has averaged 193 innings over the past four seasons.

Let’s hope those talent evaluators are wrong. 🙂

(Updated 11/10)

The post Phillies, Giants, Twins Have Contacted Bronson Arroyo appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

As over a dozen of our writers get ready to release our MMO Top 12 Free Agent Predictions on Tuesday, I got this email from XtreemIcon which led to an interesting debate that makes for a great segue into tomorrow.

Xtreem – Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors predicts that the Mets will sign Curtis Granderson, Stephen Drew, Bronson Arroyo and Roy Halladay to free-agent contracts this winter.

Joe D. – Has he been having headaches lately? 🙂

Xtreem – I can see Granderson and Doc. Sandy is too smart for Arroyo.

Joe D. – I just don’t see Doc at all… He’s finished in my opinion… Drew and Arroyo seem likely… Granderson I just don’t see because someone is going to overpay big time for him and it won’t be Sandy…

Xtreem – I’d give Doc a deal. One year. He’s too cerebral a pitcher to be finished. If anyone can figure out how to come back, it’s him. Give him a year to re-establish his value. If it doesn’t work out, it’s one year. If it does, he pitches well and leaves after a year when Harvey’s back, Wheeler is a stud and Thor and Montero are ready for the rotation. Arroyo would be a disaster.

Joe D. – The thing about Arroyo is that he’ll give the Mets what they need and want most – innings. I don’t think we can count on Halladay for 200… In all honesty, I just wish they’d bring back Dice-K for one season and let him hold down the fort until Montero is ready or past his Super 2 cutoff…

Joe D. – I don’t see Thor getting called up before September 1st… I just don’t see the team putting themselves in a position where Harvey, Wheeler, Thor and Montero are all up for arbitration and then free agency within 12 months of each other. If this front office are the visionaries they portray themselves to be, they won’t let that happen.

Xtreem – What good is 200 innings if they’re average-at-best innings? Arroyo gives nothing but a rubber arm. His ERA is usually closer to 4 than 3.50. I’d rather gamble on a guy who might throw 130-150 really good innings and if his arm falls off, he’ll be replaced by a returning Hefner or Montero after June 1 or whenever Super 2 passes.

* * * * * * * *

What are your thoughts on MLBTR’s prediction for the Mets? He’s basically suggesting the Mets could spend $40 million or more this offseason and I just don’t see any scenario where that is remotely possible.

Of course, that’s just my opinion, but I’ve seen enough of this team over the last few years to get a good read on their situation and quite frankly I have a hard time believing they will spend $25 million let alone $40 million…

Speaking of predictions, I’m sorting all of our MMO Ballots and one of our writers gave his predictions with the team and potential size of their deals.

Here is what Joe Spector sent me…

1. Robinson Cano – $185/7 Yankees

2. Jacoby Ellsbury – $125/6 Red Sox

3. Brian McCann – $85/5 Dodgers

4. Shin-Soo Choo – $100/6 Cardinals

5. Masahiro Tanaka – Uhh who? lol

6. Carlos Beltran – $50/3 Red Sox

7. Ervin Santana – $12/1 Rockies

8. Matt Garza – $75/5 Rockies

9. Hiroki Kuroda – $25/2 Yankees

10. Mike Napoli – $30/3 Red Sox

11. Josh Johnson – $9/1 Mets

12. Nelson Cruz – $30/2 Mets

You can get your own predictions ready for those twelve players as we’ll be making a contest out of this and giving away a pair of tickets to the Mets 2014 Home Opener…

The post MLBTR and MMO Free Agent Predictions appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Yesterday the Giants set a precedent by signing Tim Lincecum to a 2-year, $35 million contract. Is he worth it? Probably not. But the fact that my answer was “probably not” rather than “no” is enough to warrant a significant amount of money these days.

Two of the higher-end, more intriguing names on the market are Scott Kazmir and Josh Johnson. Both are appealing for a variety of different reasons including their reputations, past accomplishments and willingness to sign a short-term contract.

The most recent word on Kazmir is that his agent will look to negotiate with Cleveland before exploring the open market. Earlier this month, Johnson had minor elbow surgery to remove bone spurs but will be ready to pitch come spring training. The report is that he would be willing to sign a one-year contract while he attempts to rebuild he value.

The main difference between the two free agents is the current state of their value compared to the value that they have established over the course of their careers.

Returning to professional baseball on a minor league contract, Kazmir posted his best numbers since 2007. His fastball velocity climbed back up to 92.5 mph as opposed to 86.5 mph where it sat during his previous stint in the majors. Despite his recent success, his unpredictable career path indicates that it would be in his best interest to lock up guaranteed money for as many years as he can.

In the case of Johnson, it would benefit him to seek a short-term opportunity to rediscover his form. His first season in Toronto happened to be the worst of his career, posting a 6.20 ERA. Johnson is routinely plagued by injury and has failed to reach the 20-start plateau in three out of the last six seasons. An effective and healthy stint could eventually allow him to maximize his value as a free agent by age 31 or 32.

Historically, Johnson has the edge in terms of raw stuff as he was once a dominant pitcher that notched a 2.64 ERA over 70 starts between 2009 and 2011. Despite pitching to underwhelming numbers the last two seasons, Mets fans know how talented Johnson is based on his 8-2 record and 2.58 career ERA against them.

At a common age of 29, Johnson has experienced an overall decline in velocity over the last five seasons while Kazmir experienced a sudden boost back up toward his career high.

From a superficial standpoint, the appeal of Kazmir surrounds his controversial trade to Tampa Bay at the 2004 trade deadline and what it represents to the Mets organization. Whereas Johnson is a former nemesis of the Mets that brings the stature of an overpowering pitcher.

The fact that Kazmir is a left-handed, fly ball pitcher may be more conducive to what the Mets are looking to add this off-season. With all of their right-handed arms (particularly among their top prospects) the thought of adding another lefty to balance out the rotation could spark their interest.

However, the potential that Johnson offers cannot be ignored. A new approach offered from the Mets coaching staff could give them exactly what they are looking for out of a replacement starter next season.

In the end, the Mets would not be alone in their interest in either pitcher. Both pitchers are certain to be commodities on the open market that is characterized by a deficiency in dependable arms.

The fact Kazmir is a relatively young left-hander and Johnson has a strong track record combined with high demand means that it will likely take a two-year offer or one-year plus an option to lock up either one.

The post Josh Johnson or Scott Kazmir? Who’s The Better Option For The Mets? appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Lets all take a deep breath, I mean, Sandy Alderson hasn’t even had time to officially decline Johan Santana‘s 2014 option for $25M, pay the $5M buyout, and move on to Free Agency. There was significant debate about whether the Mets should have chased Cuban slugger Jose Dariel Abreu, who eventually signed with the White Sox for a six year $68M deal. In my opinion, this deal will come back and bite the ChiSox where the sun don’t shine; I mean, giving a guaranteed $11M a year to a guy who has never hit higher that Double A pitching? No Thank You. In fact, I doubt that over the course of the six years that Abreu even hits one Home Run per million dollars he’s paid (for those that can’t do math, that’s 68 HR’s).

Then there was the news last night that the Giants signed Tim Lincecum to a two year $35M deal. Wow! A guy who is clearly in decline, who’s ERA was nearly 5 in 2013, and who’s average fastball speed has decreased two miles an hour gets $17M PER YEAR to continue that mediocrity. Most of the early reaction from Giants fans and media has been that this is a massive overpayment, and not only that, but this deal just drove up the price of every other medium, used to be somewhat useful, starter the Mets might have interest in this offseason (see Josh Johnson and Scott Kazmir).

So, no matter your view of this front office (and count mine on the slightly positive side), they will have their work cut out filling all the holes while staying under what looks to be a team budget of roughly $85M (You can complain about that budget if you want, but it is what it is). So, as you would do in any business, you prioritize. You make the case for which positions on the diamond have the greatest need while accepting those that can be updated next year (or later). If I were Sandy Alderson, my list would look something like this:

1. Outfield (Right Fielder)
2. Shortstop
3. Starting Pitcher
4. Outfield (Left Fielder/ 4th OF)
5. First Base
6. More Pitching

If there is one thing that simply must be done to have even a chance of competing in 2014, its that the Mets obtain a power hitting Outfielder who provides the Mets with an OPS threat that will never be confused with their OBP. This won’t be easy, but there are options out there and this is simply what Sandy Alderson and company must spend the bulk of their dollars on, even at the expense of quality options in other areas. Shortstop is another key area, and there is a possibility that signing someone like Jhonny Peralta could address both concerns, as he played a decent LF for the Tigers in the playoffs. Also, it might be a pipe dream, but perhaps Ruben Tejada rededicates himself to the craft, and becomes the Tejada of 2012, which wasn’t too shabby.

Some readers might be disappointed to see First Base listed so far down the list, but lets think about this for a second. If Sandy obtains a power hitting outfielder, and another one who makes contact and gets on base, we can assume that the budget (again, it is what it is) is near tapped. Then I can live with Lucas/Ike/Josh batting 7th in that lineup.

I am expecting a decent offseason from this front office, I know I am in the minority in that sentiment, but I really believe there will be at least one blockbuster trade that the Mets are a part of.

The post What is the ONE Thing the Mets Must Do This Offseason appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Is shortstop Stephen Drew “that” guy?

The financial handcuffs are finally off and Sandy Alderson apparently now has the wherewithal and flexibility to attack this offseason like he’s never had before.

If there’s a player out there that can help this team and improve the Mets in any particular area, money will not prevent Sandy from pursuing that option like it has in the past. Or so that’s the message the Mets are trying to convey this Fall and Winter… Whether or not you choose to believe it is purely up to you…

I was wondering what some of our writers thought about that, and who they thought would be the biggest splash we make this offseason that would improve the team.

Satish – Wow… do I let my pessimism run free here? My gut says LaTroy Hawkins, but I think we’ll go out and get Stephen Drew or Jhonny Peralta.

Kirk – I think in the end the biggest splash you may see from the Mets is the signing of a mid-rotation pitcher to hold us over while Matt Harvey makes his way back. Maybe a guy like Josh Johnson who is looking to prove his health and is willing to accept a one-year, incentive laden deal in order to do so. Another option would be someone like Matt Garza on a multi-year deal. He offers solid upside despite his late-season trouble in Texas which unlike Citi Field becomes a launching pad in the late stages of the summer.

Xtreem – That depends on the market, but I think they’d make the biggest play for Shin-Soo Choo.

DrDooby – I do believe the Mets have a real shot at Choo, Carlos Beltran or Jacoby Ellsbury – but could be involved in a heavy bidding war with a handful of more short term oriented teams. I do believe that the front office does see both the fit with one of these three players aligning with a need to show the public that the Mets will be serious players again, even below the “all-in” status of past years. As for who “WILL” be, I believe and have repeatedly stated that Bronson Arroyo would be a perfect fit in the current situation. 2-year-contract of about $25 million (comparable to what Ryan Dempster signed for last winter) – and provide a veteran stabilizer who takes the ball every 5th day for the otherwise young & fragile Mets staff.

Tommy – I think the biggest signing the Mets will make will be a mid-level bat with power, such as Jhonny Peralta or Nelson Cruz. In terms of signing a big name, Tim Lincecum could be on the way, although his popularity has exceeded his production the last 2 years.

Joe D. – As for me, a month ago I would have said Jose Abreu, fresh off of Sandy’s comments saying that his goal this offseason was to add a power bat and a first baseman. Obviously, that ship has sailed. I think the Choo, Ellsbury and Beltran ships will drift away from the Mets as well. I imagine that bringing back Marlon Byrd and hoping for him to duplicate his 2013 season would be right up the Mets’ alley for a number of reasons, the least of which would be the PR value and all the fluffy feel good stories that would accompany his signing. This is how the Men in Black operate these days. On the pitching front, I’d like to see them pursue a better class than they have in the last three seasons, but I wouldn’t rule out a simple one-year fix with Daisuke Matsuzaka or Aaron Harang. Shortstop is where they’ll likely exert their greatest effort and Stephen Drew could be that guy who becomes their biggest splash. Drew hasn’t played more than 125 games since 2010, but he’s coming off a somewhat solid season in which he batted .253/.333/.443 with 13 home runs and 67 RBI. I wonder how those numbers will play out at Citi Field? Nevertheless, Drew’s my pick for the biggest splash you’ll see the Mets make this offseason.

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Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, expects that free-agent starting pitcher Josh Johnson will eventually sign a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $8 million and an additional $5 million in incentive bonuses.

With Matt Harvey all but done until the 2015 season, and the Mets in the market for a veteran starter to bolster the rotation, why not bring Johnson in for one year as he looks to reestablish his value while giving the Mets a pitcher with a solid track record in place of their lost ace?

Johnson, 29, is coming off a disappointing 2013 season for the Toronto Blue Jays in which he finished with a 2-8 record and an unsightly 6.20 ERA in 16 starts, after missing half of his season serving two stints on the disabled list with a forearm injury. His second trip wiped out the rest of his season, but he’s expected to make a full recovery after arthroscopic surgery and be ready for Spring Training.

One lone bright spot during his dismal season was that Johnson lost none of his velocity, averaging 93 mph, and posting the highest strikeout rate (9.2) of his career.

Prior to his trip into the Twilight Zone, Johnson was one of the elite starting pitchers in the National League when he fronted the Marlins’ rotation. During his eight years with the Marlins, the big righthander posted a 56-37 (.602) record with a 3.15 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and an 8.2 strikeout rate.

There’s a chance that Josh Johnson could accept a qualifying offer from the Blue Jays, but Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos may just decide to let Johnson go rather than risk paying him in upwards of $14.1 million in guaranteed dead presidents.

Given the Mets’ need and Johnson’s past performance, he could apprise the role of similar Mets reclamation projects like Chris Capuano, Chris Young and Shaun Marcum. Only Johnson has an infinitely higher upside and may even net the Mets a nice bounty should he come back strong and the Mets find themselves 15 games back in late July.

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