Carlos Zambrano a Met In ’08?
Ah, Big Z, always good for a quote. SI.com’s John Donovan got Carlos Zambrano talking yesterday and has an interesting column up.
Donovan describes a fan yelling "See you next year with the Yankees" to Zambrano, to which he pointed and smiled. Later asked about the Yankees, Zambrano said he didn’t see it because they have "too many rules." He seems to want to remain in the NL because of his love for hitting, and mentioned the Mets. Of course, for the right price, I’m sure the Yankees could lure him to the AL. Maybe they’d let him pinch-hit once in a while. Also, Paul Sullivan’s source said Zambrano wouldn’t mind playing for Ozzie Guillen and the White Sox after this year.
Zambrano’s next pact could approach a $16MM AAV. Donovan seems to believe he’d exceed seven years on the open market, though the Cubs and Zambrano are set at five seasons. It’s unclear whether those five seasons would include 2007.
Donovan writes that the Cubs and Zambrano are making progress on a deal for five years worth around $75-78MM. And last Sunday, BP’s John Perrotto said to look for Z to sign a deal in the $80-90MM range this week.
I think the Cubs will retain their ace; they’ve got about six days left to hammer it out. Jay Mariotti feels that a lack of a Zambrano contract would be a counterproductive distraction, yet that Zambrano would win a Cy Young. I see.
Mondesi To The Mets?
You know I love following the unlikely comeback stories of the spring. Our subject today is 36 year-old outfielder Raul Mondesi, last seen in the Majors with the Braves in 2005.
My Spanish is a little rusty, but here’s the El Nuevo Dia article announcing his possible comeback. According to the article, Mondesi is in negotiations with the Mets and an unknown Japanese club. He should probably opt for Door #2.
It sounds like he is physically at 85% and plans to play in the Pan-American Games. Once he’s 100% by summer he’d like to join a big league team. Correct me if I am wrong on that translation.
I expect a denial by the Mets by lunchtime Wednesday.
Alay Soler, Javy Lopez Released
A couple of guys were released recently, but one should find work shortly.
The Mets released Cuban defector Alay Soler, who did not fit into their rotation plans but was making decent money. Soler, apparently 28, has only made 12 pro starts in this country. It was a cost-cutting move, as Soler would’ve made $620K at Triple A. Seems odd for the Mets to be cutting costs. He looked strong at Double A and below and would be a fine fit with the Nationals.
Javy Lopez was released yesterday by the Rockies. He seems likely to retire unless the Braves will have him. This should open the door for Chris Iannetta to get 400+ ABs.
Luis Castillo A Met In ’08?
The Mets and second baseman Luis Castillo have seemed like a good match for a while now. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported today that Castillo nearly signed with the Mets three years ago before the Marlins improved their offer. Additionally, the Mets almost traded for him in November of ’05.
Today I added Castillo to my list of 2008 Free Agents; he ranked 29th. Should Jeff Kent retire, Castillo will compete with Marcus Giles as the best available 2B after this season. Castillo won’t return to the Twins; they have a younger version of him in Alexi Casilla. Actually, Casilla should probably be used at shortstop, but I doubt Castillo returns. I should add that Casilla is going to make a phenomenal fantasy sleeper once he starts – .300+ average, 40+ steals. Just like the Luis Castillo of the late 90s. Put him on reserve in AL-only this year.
Since Jose Valentin‘s 2006 season looks just a tad out of line with his recent performances, the Mets may be compelled to trade for Castillo this summer instead of waiting for him to hit the open market.
Alex Rodriguez And The Mets
John Brattain of The Hardball Times discusses A-Rod’s contract situation at length and considers the possibility of him joining the Mets after this season. Check it out.
Another good one is Joe Sheehan’s take on some various Jon Lieber trades he thinks the Phils could make.
Last Year’s Oswalt Trade Details Surface
Mark Hale of the New York Post was able to dig up some new details on the machinations that almost left Roy Oswalt a Met. He’d certainly look good with this group.
The Mets were dying to get him last July, but didn’t have the goods to make a direct swap with Houston. The Astros wanted a hitter, perhaps Hank Blalock from the Rangers or Miguel Tejada from the Orioles. Morgan Ensberg, Brad Lidge, John Danks, Thomas Diamond, Mike Pelfrey, Aaron Heilman, and Brian Bannister were all names that surfaced in connection to a possible trade.
2007 New York Mets
The Mets are featured today in our team outlooks. You can click here to see past outlooks.
Omar Minaya’s contract obligations:
C – Paul LoDuca – $6.5MM
C – Ramon Castro – $0.85MM
1B – Carlos Delgado – $14.5MM – $1.75MM from FLA = $12.75MM
2B – Jose Valentin – $3.8MM
SS – Jose Reyes – $2.5MM
3B – David Wright – $1MM
IF – Julio Franco – $1.1MM
IF – Damion Easley – $0.85MM
LF – Moises Alou – $7.5MM
CF – Carlos Beltran – $12MM
RF – Shawn Green – $9.45MM – 6.45MM from ARI = 3.05MM
OF – Endy Chavez – $1.725MM
OF – David Newhan – $0.575MM
SP – Tom Glavine – $7.5MM
SP – Orlando Hernandez – $4.5MM $0.5MM bonus = $5MM + incentives
SP – Oliver Perez – $2.325MM + incentives
SP – Chan Ho Park – $0.6MM + incentives
SP – John Maine – $0.38MM
RP – Billy Wagner – $10.5MM
RP – Scott Schoeneweis – $3.6MM
RP – Jorge Sosa – $1.25MM
RP – Duaner Sanchez – $0.85MM + incentives
RP – Aaron Heilman – $0.38MM
RP – Ambiorix Burgos – $0.38MM
RP – Pedro Feliciano – $0.38MM
Injured/Suspended/Minors:
SP – Pedro Martinez – $14MM (could return from rotator cuff surgery in July)
SP – Mike Pelfrey – $1.65MM
SP – Aaron Sele – $1MM + incentives
SP – Alay Soler – $0.93MM
RP – Guillermo Mota – $1.8MM – $0.55MM from steroid suspension = $1.25MM
RP – Dave Williams – $1.25MM (out til June from neck surgery)
RP – Jon Adkins – $0.38MM
RP – Juan Padilla – $0.38MM
OF – Ben Johnson – $0.38MM
OF – Lastings Milledge – $0.38MM
That’s my take, with the fifth outfielder job and perhaps last bullpen spot unsettled. The payroll seems to be about $110MM, not terribly different than last year.
The Mets were third in runs scored in 2006, and that should continue. Moises Alou replacing Cliff Floyd is a nice touch.
The defense looks pretty good overall, with only Delgado and Alou as the obvious weak spots at their offense-minded positions.
Much ado has been made about the Mets’ rotation, which appears to lack a "#1" starter. I don’t see this as a big regular season problem given a strong offense and bullpen. Rather than throw down a billion dollars on Barry Zito, Omar Minaya spread his risk among many starters. He’s got low-upside Sele types but also the potential of Pelfrey and Perez. If nothing’s working when July approaches, Lastings Milledge could make excellent trade bait. Anything Pedro gives them late in the summer is gravy.
As I mentioned earlier, the bullpen looks deep. Even with Sanchez a question mark, the Mets will get through the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. They’d love for Burgos to step in and be a lights out seventh inning option, and a step forward in control plus the National League could get his ERA under 4.
Right now I have a hard time picking the Mets or Phillies to win the NL East. The Phils should have a better rotation and comparable offense.
Interest In Pavano
Yesterday I mentioned that Carl Pavano had his first healthy effort this spring, a major step towards a trade. The Cards, Rockies, and Mariners have expressed interest in the past.
Today, a George King report indicates some other possible suitors. King mentions that scouts from the Braves, Mets, and White Sox attended the game at which Pavano pitched. Whether they were there to watch him is an open question, but it is reasonable.
A cross-town trade would be particularly interesting, although the Mets are not short on Pavano-like options.
A-Rod Not Headed To Cubs
I spent a good amount of time speculating on possible new teams for Alex Rodriguez in 2008, especially the Cubs. I even assigned the Cubs’ chances at 15%. However, Rodriguez was fairly frank yesterday about that idea:
"Whoever writes that couldn’t be more wrong."
He loves the American League, the Yankees, and the nonstop media buzz. I do think Chicago is a top below New York and Boston for media insanity. We’ve got just two major newspapers here, and only Jay Mariotti can be counted on for something offensive on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, David Wright professed his willingness to move off third base if the Mets could acquire Rodriguez. The only alternative for Wright in ’08 would be left field, followed by first base after that.
Mets Sign Chan Ho Park
According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, the Mets will add righty Chan Ho Park soon. A Korean newspaper mentions that the deal is for $3MM with an option. Park also had an offer from the Padres. Hat tip to MetsBlog for originally finding this one.
Back in December, Scott Boras was reportedly trying to sell the Red Sox on the idea of using Park as a closer. Park will be helpful for the Mets as a swingman. I like the way Omar Minaya is building his pitching staff backwards. I think it’ll work.
PECOTA says to expect a 4.70 ERA from Park in 115 innings.