Mets To Woo Zito, Pass On Giles

According to the New York Post, David Wright will put on the charm to attempt to reel in Barry Zito for the Mets.  He's offered to give Zito a tour and basically questions his manhood if he plays elsewhere.  But if the Mets, aren't willing to go to the six-year, $100MM range, Zito won't be joining them.

Meanwhile, Willie Randolph made it clear that Jose Valentin, (and presumably not Marcus Giles), will be at second for New York in 2007.  That's a shame, because Giles is probably the better bet.  Some team, perhaps Tampa Bay, may have a bargain on its hands in Giles.   

A source tells me that various clubs are asking about Double A first baseman Michel Abreu, a Cuban refugee.  I think the return would be limited given that he may be turning 32 in February.  Despite his age, Abreu did post a .900+ OPS at Double A and in the AFL this year.

Comments

[Yanksfan1987]

How about the other New York squad making Zito an offer?? The yanks could use the money they put on bidding Igawa and put it towards signing Zito...why isn't Cashman interested?

[bravesrule14]

thank god the Mets wont get Giles i would hate to see him playing there. I hope he goes to San Diego or hell even Tampa Bay. you have to think about that Mets lineup if Giles signed.

C-Paul LoDuca
1B-Carlos Delgado
2B-Marcus Giles
3B-David Wright
SS-Jose Reyes
LF-Endy Chavez
CF-Carlos Beltra
RF-Shawn Green

the batting order would be this i think

Jose Reyes
Paul LoDuca
Carlos Beltran
Carlos Delgado
David Wright
Shawn Green
Marcus Giles
Endy Chavez
Pitcher

that would be one hell of a lineup!

[cheek88]

the cards will still beat you because you have no pitching

[Bonatom]

"The Cards still will beat you?"
The Mets actually beat the Cards more times this year

[tyler]

Whose rookie pitcher froze your hundred million dollar man when it mattered?

[samael88]

but the cards beat the mets in the important games, thats what is it all about

[Ripwa]

Sorry Cards fans, but your team has as much chance of winning it all as the Cubs (and thats not very good).

[spieldogg]

Endy Chavez starts over Moises Alou? Interesting.

I think David Wright needs to pipe down and take a nap. He got burned out 3/4 of the way through the season and has been all over the place this winter. Get some rest and stop playing GM.

[spieldogg]

Endy Chavez starts over Moises Alou? Interesting.

I think David Wright needs to pipe down and take a nap. He got burned out 3/4 of the way through the season and has been all over the place this winter. Get some rest and stop playing GM.

[spieldogg]

whoops sorry bout the double post.

[rawr]

Really Ripwa? Just like the Cards had no chance to win it all this previous year? Cards have just as much chance as the Mets, hate to break it to you.

[NothinG]

Cards have as good a chance to win it all as anyone. Pujols is still the most dangerous bat in the NL. And, Carpenter beats out any Mets pitcher. The Mets, without Zito are going nowhere. I hope Zito goes to the Rangers, but I'd bet the Mets get him.

[touchmymonkey]

Maybe Giles would have a better chance of landing with the Mets if his first name was Juan or Hector. And as much as I want my cubs to win it all the NL is a crap shoot next year - no big favorite

[nom3k]

"The Mets, without Zito are going nowhere."

They won 97 games last year without him, and lost in the 7th game of the NLCS after losing 2 of their top pitchers before the postseason.

They're still a better team overall than the Cardinals.

[nom3k]

"why isn't Cashman interested?"

Do the Yankees really need another starter who generally makes over 15 million a year? I think Randy, Mussina, and Pettitte are enough. Not to mention 10 million wrapped up in Pavano.

[nom3k]

Also, Wright was asked about Zito and he said he'd love to have him and would gladly give him a tour of the city.

As for the questioning of his manhood, all he said was something along the lines of "I don't know of anyone who wouldn't want to be a part of what we have here".

[nom3k]

So why exaggerate the story and make it look like something it isn't? That's fairly irresponsible.

[stormstarter28]

I'm a Cardinals fan, and I'm not naive enough to think we're as good as the Mets just because we squeezed out a win in game 7 last year. But to say the Cubs have as good of a chance? Come on, we're still the Cards and they're still the Cubs. Soriano and Ted freakin' Liily aren't gonna change that.

[cheek88]

what make the mets the best team even if they get zito. pedro won't stay healthy glavine is really old. Then they got one ace zito. carp better than zito and we also have a guy named pujols who won't strike out with the bases loaded in game 7 of the nlsc "beltran"

[stormstarter28]

Don't get me wrong, I think my Cards CAN beat the Mets again, but it's obvious the Mets a are better overall team. Reyes, Beltran, Delgado, Wright, Lo Duca, etc....we don't have that kind of fire power. I wish we did, but we don't.

[nom3k]

" pedro won't stay healthy glavine is really old."

Pedro wasn't healthy last year and Glavine was old last year. That didn't prevent them from being the clear-cut best team in the NL all year.

I wouldn't put too much stock into the NLCS anyway. The Mets didn't have Pedro or El Duque, and the Cardinals will probably lose the two reasons they won that series(Suppan and Weaver).

[RotoAuthority]

Questioning his manhood...it was a joke.

[nom3k]

I'm sure you meant it to be a joke, but from the outside it doesn't come off like that.

[ArodSucksAtLife]

There are also many more dive blues bars that he can play his horrible guitar at in NY. He'll have to play country songs in TX.

[Ripwa]

The Mets are far and away a better team than the Cards. Every aspect from lineup, to starting pitching, to bullpen, the Mets are better. Hell, i think the Cards could come in 3rd or 4th place in there own division. If Clemens comes back the Astros could beat them, the Cubs are much improved, and the Brewers are gonna be a better team this year.

[nrmax88]

People always talk about how bad the Mets pitching is. It really isnt that bad, because they dont need a bunch of dominant starters with that lineup in the NL. After Chris Carpenter the Cards pitching staff is a bunch of 4s and 5s. The mets have a #2, and a bunch of 3s and 4s. Im fine with that. the Mets played most of the season with Pedro as a non factor, pitching thru all types of injuries, and not really being effective like he can be.

"But if the Mets, aren't willing to go to the six-year, $100MM range, Zito won't be joining them."

Well then I guess well seeBarry in Texas next year, because the Mets arent ponying up that money for him. i highly doubt it anyway. I would say 5/70 is more likely. I wouldnt really be upset if Barry goes elsewhere, its a business decision and I really wouldnt mind giving whichever one of the kids proves they are ready a shot in the 5 spot.

[ArodSucksAtLife]

^^ That sounds about right. Plus its saved money to bid on Zambrano next year(if he doesn't get an extension).

[hood]

Tired of hearing bout the Mets. Pedro aint around til mid-summer. Glavine is a year older yes but he will have the ability to pitch forever. El Duque broke down AGAIN. O. Perez is not going to be a savior what made him so impressive was his stuff. Guess what he has lost velocity when you start to lose that it doesn't come back. And John Maine come on please. The bullpen will still be good. The line-up is real good but Moises has to stay healthy and Wright gotta do it for a whole year. He fell off at the end of the year and in the playoffs.The Phillies rotation is better, The Padres, Dodgers, Astros, Cards, Braves, Brewers all have better rotations than the Mets. And the Rockies and Marlins have an impressive group of arms but I don't believe they are ready yet. If the Mets sign Zito they jump over alot of those teams into the top 5.

[nrmax88]

The mets had the 3rd best pitching in the NL last year. They have that same staff. Only better. Trachsel is gone and I can put up better numbers then he can. Oliver Perez is thrwoing in the high 90s if u watched Mets games since he got to NY you would know this. He is hitting 94 and 95 with regularity and can push it up to 97 when he needs to. Glavine, like a fine wine, will keep getting better with age. He doesnt rely on his stuff, and only throws about 87 or 88, so his stuff wont be declining much anyway. He gets smarter every year, and if he wants can probably pitch till he is like 45 46 somewhere around there. Not saying he will but he can if he wants

[hood]

The lineup is real impressive you are right. But they have some questions there as well. Valentin played WAY over his head. Which Beltran you gonna get last years or the year befores. Delgado is a year older and wasn't the Delgado of old but still will be consistent and be one of the top 1st baseman. That is a given. Wright and Reyes are studs but I believe last year was Reyes first full healthy year. LoDuca is a stud and would love to have him on my team. Moises is old and can Chavez do it again if he has too. I don't think he can. Point is the Mets have just as many question marks as any body else. They are not a lock for anything. Omar needs Zito for this offseason because everybody else made moves to be better. Other than Moises the Mets haven't really done anything. Valentin is a good bench player but come on you really think he is gonna do that again.

[nrmax88]

Some mets piitching stats from last year. NL ranks
ERA- 3rd
Ks-2nd
Shutouts-1st
ER - 3rd fewest
Hits- 3rd fewest

Doesnt look as awful to me as everybody keeps saying. They havent gotten any worse in the rotation from last year. I guess we have to wait and see

[nrmax88]

I think Valentin can hit 260, hit 15-20 HRs and knock in 50-60. He is going to be batting 8th, and he played great defense. Im not expecting him to put up huge numbers.

[nrmax88]

And you do make valid points about delgado getting older, but he is only 34, and should still be in his productive years. Beltran was playing injured all through 2005, I thought every one knew this by now. Alou is a risk true, because of his age, but before last year the last time he didnt play 120 games was in 1995. We only need him to play about 120, we can give him plenty of days off, and he can still rake. Pelfrey and Humber are a year better, the mets havent made a big splash because they dont have a tremendous amount of holes. The one hole the have, is a pitcher, and they are going after Zito. Whatever, it should be a fun season. April cant get here soon enough for me

[hood]

Not arguing about Glavine. He will pitch forever. Perez is only hittin bout 91-93 according to the New York papers. And if he had GREAT stuff the Pirates wouldn't have gotten rid of him. Maine was a throw in if he was that good he would have had the job outta spring training. I give you the Trachsel point. Maine would be a good 6th SP. Stash him at AAA if you need someone for a short period of time but to rely on him please. And the Rotation is not the same Pedro is out til July I believe. Pitching wins games you have nobody in that rotation that is a horse gonna give you 7 innings every night. The bullpen will be tired like last October.

[hood]

Believe me I don't want the Mets to get Zito. I believe in that park going to the N.L. he will win the CY YOUNG. And everyone who is a Cards fan better look at there own rotation. Granted Duncan does wonders but he needs arms to throw out there.

[nom3k]

"Maine would be a good 6th SP. Stash him at AAA if you need someone for a short period of time but to rely on him please."

Why don't you take the time out to go look at what he did last season, and also what he did in Game 6 with the Mets season on the line.

[melyrules]

bravesrule, you forgot about alou at the top of the page.

[nom3k]

And Oliver Perez was hitting 94-95 fairly regularly after he came to the Mets. And his slider looked as good as if it's ever been. Oliver's problem is consistency, in regards to his mechanics and his pitches.

[nom3k]

And Oliver Perez was hitting 94-95 fairly regularly after he came to the Mets. And his slider looked as good as if it's ever been. Oliver's problem is consistency, in regards to his mechanics and his pitches.

[tinathemetsgrl]

Yes, the Cards are so much better than the Mets because the Cardinals can win every single year! PLEASE! Give me a break! How long did it take this team to win a World Series? I doubt this team will win year after year, so give it up, and go home.

You guys will probably lose Weaver and Suppan, Carpenter wasn't all that great in the NLCS, so please don’t say how Carpenter will beat the Mets “everytime”. You haven't made any off-season moves, so I don't know how you'll be WS champs and "beat the Mets" in 2007 without some good pitching. Get over it.

The Mets were one base hit (well, maybe a double..or a homerun..) away from advancing to the world series. What makes you think they can't do it again and get further?

In the most important game of the season for the Mets they had friggin Oliver Perez out pitching. You really think in the beginning of the season they would have Perez starting Game 7? He was on a different club! This team got further than I think anybody would've thought at the beginning of the post-season when Pedro was done for the year and Orlando got injured. I think the Cardinal fans should just go back wearing their red Spiezio soul patch and go watch video of that sleep-induced World Series, and don’t worry about the Mets off-season moves. I’ve been excited about the fact the Mets may end up getting Barry Zito, but if they don’t, they don’t, and I’m sure Omar will find another pitcher elsewhere, he’s a great general manager, wants to win now, and I’m pretty sure coming into this season the Mets may end up being the favorite in the NL – not the Cardinals.

I would love Giles on the Mets to play second base! He’ll probably end up in San Diego w/ his brother, though.

[melyrules]

How old is marcus giles?

[tinathemetsgrl]

He's 28

[melyrules]

how about brian giles?

[melyrules]

perhaps I should go look my self and save you the hastle.

[tinathemetsgrl]

Brian is 35.

He looks nothing like his brother if you ask me.

[tinathemetsgrl]

lol, its fine. i don't mind. i have nothing to do right now until my mom gets off work.

[melyrules]

i agree, He plays nothing like his brother too.

[melyrules]

WOW, i'm not the only teenager here! YEAH!

[tinathemetsgrl]

lol..am i a teenager? i don't know. i'm 18. everybody thinks I'm like 22 because I'm so mature..how old are you? I'm soo going to ask you asl, I haven't did that in years lol.

[nom3k]

you got a myspace, Tina? 8-)

[melyrules]

Sorry, I cant reveal my age. You know, stalkers, there everywere. I'm not saying your a stalker, i'm reffering to other people.

[tinathemetsgrl]

http://www.myspace.com/tinam

nothing exciting or nasty or vulgar or anything. sorta plain.

[nom3k]

You already revealed you were a teenager.

[tinathemetsgrl]

It's cool, I'm not a stalker. I don't have time to stalk anyone actually.

[melyrules]

no myspace. I realy dont like myspace. You can really say i'm afraid to right my name anyware on the computer.

[tinathemetsgrl]

thats fine. are you m or f?

[melyrules]

male, why dont we talk about baseball?

[tinathemetsgrl]

sure, lets do it.

[melyrules]

matsuzaka, i'm pissed he a red sox, how bout you?

[tinathemetsgrl]

I'm...I don't know. I really don't have anything against the Red Sox (maybe it's my love for Papi..or Epstein). I think it's a high price for somebody's who's never pitched for major league baseball over here, but he may end up begin an amazing pitcher.

However, when I got word that the Mets were the second highest bidder..yeah..I was upset. sorta. lol.

[melyrules]

well, i'm a yankee fan- AND I HATE BOSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,and the red sox fans think there so special now, i hope matsuzaka SUCKS!! You know, boston-- --yankees rivalry

[tinathemetsgrl]

Oh, ok. It makes sense now hehe. My mom is a big Yankees fan, but she likes the Phillies too. And she likes the Mets cause I love them. It's funny.

[Bonatom]

Who Cares? Sign Zito to $100 Million Dollar Contract. It doesn't Matter the Mets could double their salary and the Wilpons would still Make Money. If that means the My 2007 Tickets are going to be more expensive, SO BE IT. I will pay extra for a World Series Team. Plus with the Citibank Deal, this would just be a wash on the Zito Deal.

[melyrules]

ohhhhhhhhh, your a met fan, eh, The mets were so much better than the cardinals last year, but the cards somehow won.

[tinathemetsgrl]

I agree. Omar should just go nuts and overpay for Zito if you ask me. The market is OUTRAGEOUS, in a world where Juan Pierre is making over 40 million. They have the money, I say do it.

[Bonatom]

Melyrules,

Because the Mets lost in a NLCS game 7, with half of their rotation out. Does not make them a better team.

[tinathemetsgrl]

Yes I'm a Met fan..lol..Mets were a better overall team, but the Cardinals won, so nothing you can do about that, you know.

[melyrules]

are tou a cards fan, bonatom?

[melyrules]

are YOU a cardinals fan,

[Bonatom]

No not at all... I am a Royals fan

[melyrules]

cool, i like the royals. Ther improving every month. In the future, the royals look like a good team. But there in the wrong division to win it.

[tinathemetsgrl]

GO ROYALS!

[melyrules]

the chances the royals can top the tigers, sox, and twins and the indians are very slim.But I like them In the wild card inthe future.

[melyrules]

the chances the royals can top the tigers, sox, and twins and the indians are very slim.But I like them In the wild card inthe future.

[PeteRose]

"Oh, ok. It makes sense now hehe. My mom is a big Yankees fan, but she likes the Phillies too. And she likes the Mets cause I love them. It's funny."

This is blasphemy!

Your from sicklerville...I live right around the corner...you live deep in occupied territory, held by the Phillies!
You need to get your priorities straight.....When did you develop this sick infatuation w/ the Mets?

[tinathemetsgrl]

LOL! Are you kidding me? It is crazy Phillies town here. I'm just glad the Mets did WELL this year, unlike previous years where they were horrible.

Sick infatuation? I don't think it's sick..but my sortakindanotreally boyfriend has <3 the Mets for years (he lives up in NY), so I was like yahh I'll go see them, so I like fell in love with them.

[bravesrule14]

damn i knew i 4got somebody i completely forgot the Mets signed Moises Alou must of had a brain fart or something

[PeteRose]

"Sick infatuation? I don't think it's sick..but my sortakindanotreally boyfriend has <3 the Mets for years (he lives up in NY), so I was like yahh I'll go see them, so I like fell in love with them."

Well, I can't think of any immediate cure for what ails you, all I can tell you is that when you are finally done w/ your sortakindanotreally boy friend.....the Phillies will be waiting for you w/ open arms. Beware though, all offers are null&void in a post Worldseries climate.

[ArodSucksAtLife]

The Royals still have fans????

[ArodSucksAtLife]

Phillies.....post world series....AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!

[PeteRose]

"Phillies.....post world series....AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!"

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah I'm laughing, but the Phil's still have as much of a chance as anybody....The last half dozen or so haven't been all that predictable heading into the season. Baseball has actually gotten a lot more competitive across the board and its part of the reason why you don't hear much about salary caps anymore...even during this very generous winter.

[ArodSucksAtLife]

I would've bet on the 04 red sox and the 05 white sox. the other ones I agree.

[bsox21]

Since when is Marcus Giles better than Jose Valentin?

Are you on fucking crack?

Giles was good when he was jacked up on roids.

He isn't anymore.

I'll take Jose Valentin over Giles any day of the week and twice on Tuesday.