Mets Rumors

NL East Notes: Martinez, Mets, Phillies

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | January 10, 2012 at 11:40pm CDT

Former Phillies closer Ryan Madson is set to join the Reds, but that’s not the only news to emerge from the NL East tonight…

One scout guaranteed to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark that at least five teams will claim Mets outfielder Fernando Martinez, who is now on waivers (Twitter link).
The Mets are close to finalizing the sale of at least five $20MM shares in the team, according to Andy Martino, Bill Madden and Teri Thompson of the New York Daily News. MLB has approved the potential investors, so the Mets should raise more than $100MM within the month, the Daily News reports.
Phillies assistant GM Scott Proefrock said on Comcast SportsNet that the team has had discussions with Cole Hamels and expects to sign him to a one-year deal, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. I discussed a possible extension for Hamels last month. The left-hander will be eligible for free agency following the 2012 season.

Mets Re-Sign Miguel Batista

By Tim Dierkes | January 10, 2012 at 11:43am CDT

The Mets re-signed righty Miguel Batista to a minor league deal, tweets Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. They also added Fernando Cabrera, tweets MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

Batista, 41 in February, posted a 3.60 ERA, 4.7 K/9, 5.0 BB/9, 0.30 HR/9, and 44.9% groundball rate in 60 innings for the Mets and Cardinals last year. He ended the Mets' season on a high note with a shutout against the Reds.

Cabrera, 30, posted a 2.71 ERA, 10.4 K/9, 3.7 BB/9, and 0.86 HR/9 in 63 innings for the Athletics' Triple-A affiliate last year.

So far this offseason, the Mets have also signed Chuck James, Garrett Olson, Rob Johnson, Lucas May, Val Pascucci, Omar Quintanilla, Mike Baxter, Adam Loewen, and Vinny Rottino to minor league deals.

NL East Links: Lannan, Fielder, Martinez, Mets

By Mike Axisa | January 9, 2012 at 9:34pm CDT

On this date in 2003, the Mets signed Cliff Floyd as a free agent. He went on to hit .268/.354/.478 with 81 homers during his four years in Flushing. Here's the latest from the NL East…

Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post makes a case for the Nationals to sign John Lannan to a modest multiyear contract extension. He speculates that a three-year deal worth approximately $20MM could work for both sides. Lannan is projected to make $4.8MM his second time through arbitration this winter.
In a separate piece, Kilgore presents three theories about why it's taking Prince Fielder so long to sign. He says the Jayson Werth contract could be making the Nationals hesitant about Fielder, another Scott Boras slient.
The Mets waived Fernando Martinez earlier today, and Adam Rubin of ESPN New York says (on Twitter) one reason he is likely to get claimed is because he has a minor league option remaining. Martinez will take up a spot on the 40-man roster, but any team can send him to the minors without a problem in 2012.
Rubin also notes (on Twitter) that last summer's Francisco Rodriguez trade is similar to the Billy Wagner–Chris Carter trade in that it was a salary dump meant to look like something more. The Mets also waived Danny Herrera today, who they acquired from the Brewers for K-Rod.

NL West Links: Moorad, Padres, Martinez, Dodgers

By Mike Axisa | January 9, 2012 at 8:34pm CDT

Five years ago today, the Diamondbacks re-acquired Randy Johnson from the Yankees for Luis Vizcaino, Ross Ohlendorf, Steven Jackson, and Alberto Gonzalez. The Big Unit spent two more seasons in Arizona then one with the Giants before calling it a career. Here's the latest from the NL West…

Jeff Moorad's long-awaited purchase of the Padres from John Moores is nearly complete, reports MLB.com's Barry M. Bloom. The sale is estimated at $530MM and is on the agenda for approval by the owners at this Thursday's quarterly meeting.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today says (on Twitter) that it's a "virtual slam dunk" that the Padres sale will be approved on Thursday. Moorad needs 75% approval.
Dan Hayes of The North County Times reports (on Twitter) that the Padres new television deal should be completed later this week, but it is unrelated to the change in ownership.
Tim Sullivan of The San Diego Union-Tribune says it's refreshing to see the Padres make deals not predicated on payroll, referring specifically to the Carlos Quentin trade. “I’m committed to building a team that can win every year and that can sustain success,” said Moorad.
The Mets waived Fernando Martinez earlier today, who they signed for $1.35MM back in 2005. Adam Rubin of ESPN New York notes (on Twitter) that the Padres offered him more money back then, but he chose New York because of Pedro Martinez.
"I don't see it. Not at the moment," said Dodgers GM Ned Colletti to MLB.com's Ken Gurnick when asked about the possibility of adding a big bat, potentially even Prince Fielder. "Our payroll is what it is."

Martinez, Herrera On Waivers

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | January 9, 2012 at 3:50pm CDT

Former top prospect Fernando Martinez and left-handed reliever Danny Herrera are on waivers, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. The Mets need to clear 40-man roster space for Scott Hairston and Ronny Cedeno.

Martinez, 23, has a .183/.250/.290 line in 145 plate appearances with the Mets since 2009. He spent most of the 2011 season at Triple-A, posting a .260/.329/.417 line with 19 extra base hits in 250 plate appearances. Baseball America named him one of the top 100 prospects in the game before each of the 2007-10 seasons.

Herrera, 27, joined the Mets in last summer's Francisco Rodriguez trade. The sidearmer pitched 9 2/3 innings in the Major Leagues in 2011 and spent most of the season at Triple-A. He posted a 2.20 ERA with 7.9 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 for the top affiliates of the Brewers and Mets. He can declare free agency if he clears waivers.

Mets, Ronny Cedeno Nearing Deal

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | January 5, 2012 at 10:30pm CDT

2:57pm: The Mets are close to a one-year deal with Cedeno that would be worth $1.1-1.2MM, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

11:59am: The Mets and free agent shortstop Ronny Cedeno have reached a critical point in their negotiations, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. They haven't agreed to a deal yet, but there could be a verdict soon, Rubin reports. Andy McCullough of the Star Ledger tweets that the sides are nearing a deal and that Cedeno is still considering his options.

The Mets seek shortstop depth behind Ruben Tejada and have been linked to free agents such as Cedeno, Jack Wilson and Ryan Theriot. The Pirates declined Cedeno's option earlier this offseason, after he posted a .249/.297/.339 line in 454 plate appearances. The 28-year-old posted a strong 6.8 UZR/150 at shortstop this past season, though his career mark of -1.6 UZR/150 is slightly below average. The Red Sox and Pirates were also linked to Cedeno earlier this offseason. Peter E. Greenberg & Associates represents Cedeno.

This post was first published on January 6th, 2012.

Mets Notes: Young, Santana, Cedeno, Harris

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | January 5, 2012 at 3:29pm CDT

Sandy Alderson told reporters that it's fair to assume the Mets won't sign free agents who cost more than $1.5MM before Spring Training, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. The GM also explained that teams generally have "a greater reluctance to make a big deal" as Spring Training draws closer. Here are more details on the Mets:

Alderson said he's looking to fill out his bench and bullpen, according to Rubin. The GM said he wants a backup shortstop and a "swingman" for the pitching staff.
Alderson recently met with free agent Chris Young in San Diego, according to Rubin. "He's the kind of guy we might re-sign under the right circumstances," the GM said.
Johan Santana is in a normal progression toward Spring Training, Alderson said.
The Mets continue looking at Ronny Cedeno as a backup shortstop option, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets.
The Mets aren’t likely to attempt to re-sign Willie Harris after agreeing to terms with Scott Hairston earlier today, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News tweets.

Seth Smith Continues Drawing Interest

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | January 5, 2012 at 7:55am CDT

Rockies outfielder Seth Smith remains a coveted trade chip, though the Braves’ interest in him has cooled, Troy Renck of the Denver Post reported yesterday. The Rockies would like to trade Smith for a back-of-the-rotation starter or a second baseman, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes.

The Rays are not in the hunt for Smith, though the Rockies covet Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann, Renck reported. The Athletics and Mariners have interest in Smith, according to Rosenthal, who reported along with Jon Paul Morosi last month that the Mets have expressed interest as well. Rosenthal now adds the Indians and Red Sox to the list of teams that have shown at least some interest in Smith.

Smith, a left-handed hitter, posted a .284/.347/.483 line with 15 homers in 533 plate appearances this past season, playing left and right field. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz estimates a 2012 salary of $2.6MM for the 29-year-old via the arbitration process. He’ll remain under team control through 2014.

Quick Hits: Fielder, Vazquez, Trumbo, Rockies

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | January 4, 2012 at 11:45pm CDT

Links for Thursday night, starting with a pair of notes on the offseason's top remaining free agent…

The Nationals appear to be a leading suitor for Prince Fielder, but first baseman Adam LaRoche told MLB.com’s Bill Ladson that he won’t hold grudges if he’s not a part of Washington’s plans for 2012. “Hopefully, I'll be a part of it. If not, that's life," he said.
If the Mariners are serious about making Fielder a competitive offer without hamstringing the organization, they could propose a backloaded seven-year, $155MM deal that includes an opt-out after three years, Dave Cameron of U.S.S. Mariner explains.
ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick suggests the Marlins are convinced Javier Vazquez is retiring (Twitter link). Miami rounded out its rotation today, obtaining the unpredictable Carlos Zambrano for Chris Volstad.
Angels infielder Mark Trumbo says the stress fracture in his right foot is taking longer than expected to heal and that his rehabilitation will likely extend to late February, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times.
The Braves’ interest in Rockies outfielder Seth Smith has cooled, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. The Rays, who had interest in Smith earlier in the offseason, are not in the hunt any longer, Renck writes.
The Rockies aren’t actively pursuing Braves right-hander Jair Jurrjens, though they continue to monitor the market for starting pitching, according to Renck.
The Mets continue to look for a shortstop to back up Ruben Tejada, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. They brought Omar Quintanilla in on a minor league deal this week, but the move doesn’t necessarily eliminate the need for shortstop depth. Jack Wilson and Ryan Theriot have been linked to the Mets this offseason.

Minor Moves: Jacobs, Gaudin, Delaney, Fields, Mather

By Zachary Links | January 4, 2012 at 3:37pm CDT

We'll keep track of today's minor moves right here..

The Pirates announced that they signed right-hander Logan Kensing to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training. The 29-year-old spent the 2011 campaign with the Yankees' top affiliate after recovering from elbow surgery in 2010.
The Reds signed catchers Brian Esposito and Brian Peacock to minor league deals, tweets Matt Eddy of Baseball America.
The Tigers signed utility player Eric Patterson to a minor league deal, tweets Eddy.
The Mets signed right-hander Jeff Stevens and utility player Corey Wimberly to minor league deals, tweets Eddy.
The A's signed right-handers Travis Schlichting and Merkin Valdez and left-hander Fabio Castro to minor league deals, Eddy tweets.
The Yankees signed right-hander Adam Miller and outfielders Cole Garner and Dewayne Wise to minor league deals, Eddy tweets.
The Diamondbacks signed first baseman Mike Jacobs to a minor league deal, tweets Eddy. Before playing, Jacobs still must serve a 50-game suspension for positive a HGH test in August. He was cut by the Rockies following the test.
The Marlins picked up right-handers Chad Gaudin and Rob Delaney on minor league deals, Eddy tweets. In nine big league seasons, Gaudin has a 4.63 ERA with 7.1 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9. Delaney spent most of 2011 with the Rays' Triple-A affiliate, posting a 1.86 ERA with 7.6 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9.
The Dodgers signed third baseman Josh Fields, according to Goldstein (via Twitter).
The Cubs signed Joe Mather as Triple-A outfield insurance, according to Goldstein (via Twitter). Mather spent 36 games on the Braves' major league roster in 2011.
The Nationals have signed right-hander Dan Cortes, according to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus (via Twitter).
Speaking of the Braves, Atlanta released former Rangers draftee Marcus Lemon, Goldstein tweets. Lemon was acquired in a March trade for a PTBNL.
P.J. Phillips, the younger brother of Brandon Phillips, agreed to a deal with the Reds, tweets Goldstein. The younger Phillips' career never got going due to plate discipline issues.
The Blue Jays signed former Angels/Braves relief prospect Stephen Marek, Goldstein tweets. The right-hander was outrighted by Atlanta in November and underwent Tommy John surgery in May.
The White Sox signed 2000 first-round pick Corey Smith, Goldstein tweets. The 29-year-old has never reached the Majors.

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