Mets Considering Paulino For 2008?

According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, the Mets' front office has never been thrilled with catcher Paul Lo Duca.  Rubin recalls their pursuit of Bengie Molina and Ramon Hernandez a couple of offseasons ago before abruptly trading for Lo Duca.  Rubin says the Mets are already laying the groundwork for an offseason trade for Pirates' catcher Ronny Paulino.  Lo Duca would like to remain a Met, but the team doesn't appear interested.

Paulino, 26, had a fine rookie season for the Bucs in 2006.  He hit .310/.360/.394 and threw out 36.2% of baserunners with improving mechanics behind the plate.  He's been effective against the running game again this year with 38.5% caught stealing.  However, the bottom dropped out on his offensive line, which is not a shock since it was supported mostly by batting average.  Paulino's statistical profile is actually quite similar to that of Ramon Hernandez, so there is definitely hope for him.  I'm not sure why the Pirates would give him up, though a Jarrod Saltalamacchia acquisition would be a good reason. 

The Orioles could possibly put Hernandez on the market, should they prefer to escape the $15MM+ he's owed for 2008-09.  Jorge Posada will probably re-sign with the Yankees, and the Tigers are likely to exercise Ivan Rodriguez's option.  That leaves Michael Barrett, Jason Kendall, and Brad Ausmus as the free agent possibilities.  The Mets could also turn to internal option Ramon Castro. 

Comments

[RICH]

I'm no Lo Duca fan but Paulino's been dogging it defensively for the last month or so. His defense hasn't been adequate all season and he's regressed offensively.

[was385]

Lo Duca is one of the most overrated players in the game today. I'm not shocked the Mets aren't thrilled with him. As far as the Salty thing, not going to happen. The Pirates aren't going to give up Snell or Gorzellany and the Braves wouldn't give up Saltalamacchia for anything less than a young front of the rotation starter. I don't know what Doumit's defense is like but he could always move behind the plate full time.

[ArodSucksAtLife]

Jose Cappellan to the Tigers for single A pitcher, Chris Cody.

[John Peterson]

Lo Duca is overrated, and so is Paulino. The Mets' best option is Ramon Castro.

[moebarguy]

I agree. I think Ramon Casto deserves a shot. The Mets can also sign a guy like Javier Valentin, who's a switch-hitter, to platoon with Castro. Regardless of what they decide, the money that would be spent on Lo Duca could easily be spent on pitching.

[nrmax88]

I love Lo Duca. So what he only gets singles, he gives consistent at bats and honestly with a man on second and 2 outs there is nobody I would rather have up. Another thing. Lo Duca is one of 3 Mets with any spine. Other 2 are Wagner and Wright. Through this whole slump, losing 16 out of 20 every day it is those 3 guys taking on the media. Beltran and Delgado are never anywhere to be found, when they were the reason for the 4-16 slide. Also, the Mets are an incredibly soft team without Lo Duca. I think Castro is okay, but I wouldnt expect more then a 230 average and a 300 OBP is he played full time. I would give Lo Duca 5 million for next year. I also like how Lo Duca handles the young pitchers. That said, he probably wont be back, which I wont lose sleep over, but I would want him over Castro next year, and lets be serious, spending 5 or 6 mil on Lo Duca isnt going to stop the Mets from signing a pitcher, or anybody else they want to sign.

[nrmax88]

"I love Lo Duca. So what he only gets singles, he gives consistent at bats and honestly with a man on second and 2 outs there is nobody I would rather have up"

I meant on the Mets roster.

[Teetz]

Lo Duca is Cub bound after this year.

[coolpapabell]

I am confused. I am going to cry complete ignorance here. It seems like he always has good ABs and he is great in the two slot. Teams have not been running wild on him like they have been with Posada. He also handles a pitching staff really well.

Why would you cut out your heart when this team doesn't have much to begin with? LoDuca is not going to cost an arm and a leg, and a two year extension is not a big financial burden. If you can give Julio Franco a two year deal then what the hell. Can someone please spell it out for me?