Mets To Make Offers To Free Agent Targets
According to David Lennon of Newsday, the Mets will make offers to Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes this week, and perhaps Derek Lowe and other starters.
Rather than attempt to scare other teams off with massive initial bids, the Mets will make small offers and work their way up. It seems that the sticking point with K-Rod will be guaranteeing a fourth year. That was what they had to do to get Billy Wagner three years ago.
K-Rod Takes A Physical
MONDAY, 8:55am: Matthew Cerrone sorts through this mess at MetsBlog. Seems that K-Rod took a physical, but not for the Mets or any specific team. The whole thing is getting confusing, but it’s safe to say he’s not close to signing.
SUNDAY, 7:34pm: A variety of sources, including MLB.com, have quoted Rodriguez’ agent Paul Kinzer directly as saying that the following rumor, posted earlier this evening, is inaccurate.
7:25pm: According to a report issued by Venezuelan newspaper El Universal, Francisco Rodriguez has visited doctors in New York City for a physical. The move may be interpreted by some as a step forward in ongoing negotiations between Rodriguez and one of his most interested suitors, the New York Mets.
Matthew Cerrone at MetsBlog mentions an instance last season where El Nuevo Dia had reported that the Mets had signed Livan Hernandez, when in fact they had not done so. Despite this, the story certainly qualifies, at the very least, as a rumor.
Closer Roundup: K-Rod, Fuentes, Wood, Hoffman
Joel Sherman of the New York Post takes a look at the sudden surplus of potentially available closers in major league baseball, a situation that certainly benefits the Mets considering their need to upgrade the bullpen this offseason.
Two free agent closers that seemed destined to retire with their 2008 teams, Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood, now appear to be more available than was expected in October. That pair, along with Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, give the Mets and other teams several options in free agency.
Other relief pitchers with experience in the 9th inning have been recently mentioned in trade rumors. The list includes Huston Street, who may move again before the 2009 season begins, along with JJ Putz, Jose Valverde, and Bobby Jenks, mentions Sherman.
Sherman also provides a short list of teams, beyond the Mets, that may need a reliever with closing experience for 2009. The Texas Rangers, seemingly always short on pitching these days, may be a good fit for Kerry Wood; the Detroit Tigers, the St. Louis Cardinals, and most recently the Milwaukee Brewers, faced with the sudden retirement of Salomon Torres, are also in need of 9th inning help.
Sherman suggests Fuentes may be the favorite for the Mets’ closing job at this point.
Mets Concerned About K-Rod’s Velocity
John Harper of the New York Daily News has been reporting on a rumor that Francisco Rodriguez‘s decreased velocity last season has been a source of hesitation for the Mets. Harper reported yesterday,
"…a source said the Mets ‘have concerns’ about… K-Rod’s dip in velocity, from 95-96 mph a couple of years ago to 91-92 mph this year, also is a concern as he seeks a long-term deal.
"His velocity was down and he had back-to-back years of heavy use," the source said. "The history in those cases for most guys is that it catches up to you."
A legitimate concern that every ball club should be scrutinizing but not something a player’s agent(s) are ever keen to be publicized. And in another article updated last night, Harper published their immediate response:
"K-Rod’s agent, Paul Kinzer, insists that such talk is misinformed. He says that Rodriguez is more comfortable throwing his fastball at lower velocities because it gives him better command. ‘I saw him hit 96 (mph) twice and 97 once late in the season…" Kinzer said Saturday. "The velocity is there when he needs to reach back for it. He told me he’s just more comfortable around 92-93.
‘He says he has a better feel for his change-up when he’s not overthrowing his fastball, and his change-up has become a big part of his arsenal.’"
I’m surprised Kinzer could not muster up a more convincing defense considering his client, due to his violent delivery, has long been considered a potential for injury.
In that same article, Harper cites a source that says the Mets are looking to sign a closer for no longer than three years.
Mets Closer Plan Starts With Free Agents
Let’s try to decipher the Mets’ strategy for acquiring a new closer.
- Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post says the Mets will pursue a free agent out of the gate, perhaps with Brian Fuentes ranked above Francisco Rodriguez on their list. Still, K-Rod’s agent noted that they’re not "wedded" to a five-year deal, and he didn’t toss the reported $15MM demand out there. Hubbuch believes the Mets will move on to trade targets such as Bobby Jenks and Huston Street if they fail to sign Fuentes or Rodriguez.
- Ken Davidoff and David Lennon mention J.J. Putz as well, while suggesting the Mets don’t love Street. They agree that the Mets will try free agency first, with Kerry Wood a third target. Davidoff likes Jenks over K-Rod, but expects it’d cost Fernando Martinez and maybe Bobby Parnell. The White Sox have reportedly scouted Parnell and Eddie Kunz.
Angels Moving On Without K-Rod
Ken Davidoff relays some interesting comments from Angels owner Arte Moreno, who appeared on the Sports Lodge radio show. Moreno explained that the Angels made about six different offers to Francisco Rodriguez at various times, and thought they had him signed at one point last year. Moreno says he’s "probably turning the page" on K-Rod.
Tigers Rumors: Santiago, K-Rod, Ordonez
Let’s see what’s going on with the Tigers.
- GM Dave Dombrowski does not see Ramon Santiago as a starting shortstop. But aside from Rafael Furcal, what better player could the Tigers add? Dombrowski is also looking to add a reliever and a catcher.
- Dombrowski doesn’t expect to bid on Francisco Rodriguez; Lynn Henning sees the Tigers signing "a second tier reliever who could perhaps function as a closer." Juan Cruz and Jeremy Affeldt could fit that description.
- Henning still sees a Magglio Ordonez trade as the best route to fill the team’s needs. Jon Paul Morosi likes the Angels as a match.
- Detroit Tigers Thoughts runs through some options at catcher.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Hardy, Flowers, Wolf
Another day, another column from Ken Rosenthal.
- With multiple vacancies in the rotation and bullpen, the Brewers may need to see what kind of pitching Mike Cameron and/or J.J. Hardy can bring in return. GM Doug Melvin is not ready to shop Hardy. He’s received interest, but most teams have not given names (one team suggested swapping him for a pitcher Melvin termed, "a fifth starter.")
- The Padres have asked the Braves to substitute catcher Tyler Flowers for center fielder Gorkys Hernandez in their Jake Peavy offer. Dave O’Brien sees this as unlikely.
- If they can’t sign Mark Teixeira, the Angels are ready to shift gears to C.C. Sabathia, Francisco Rodriguez, or other players. The idea of a Manny Ramirez pursuit was "tabled rather quickly."
- The Cardinals plan to add one or two lefthanded relievers, probably free agents.
- In his quest for righthanded power, Reds GM Walt Jocketty inquired on Matt Holliday and Josh Willingham before they were traded. Purely speculative – Jermaine Dye could be a nice fit.
- At least half a dozen teams have expressed interest in free agent starter Randy Wolf.
K-Rod’s Agent Speaks
Francisco Rodriguez‘s agent, Paul Kinzer, appeared on WFAN this morning. Justin Terranova of the New York Post relays his comments.
Kinzer says there are "three to four" teams in the running for K-Rod besides the Mets. He doesn’t know the exact number? Obviously, Kinzer considers the Mets a good fit for his client (especially given that no other big-market team is looking for a closer). Rodriguez will require four years and perhaps $15MM annually. My guess: K-Rod tops Joe Nathan‘s record $47MM for a reliever, but the deal is closer to $50MM than $60MM.
Angels Hold Off On Teixeira Bid
Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times describes the Angels’ strategy regarding free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. He says that since Tex will test the open market regardless, the Halos will not make an offer within their exclusive negotiation period. So much for resolving the situation quickly.
The Angels do not want Scott Boras shopping around their offer to the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, and Nationals and driving up the price. Just a guess, maybe the Nats consider Josh Willingham their cleanup hitter acquisition and will back out of the Teixeira derby.
DiGiovanna adds that the Angels "plan a serious run" at C.C. Sabathia and could bid on A.J. Burnett. He also describes their stance on their own free agents aside from Teixeira:
The team will look to re-sign reliever Darren Oliver, is open to retaining closer Francisco Rodriguez and outfielder Juan Rivera, and seems lukewarm to the idea of retaining pitcher Jon Garland and outfielder Garret Anderson.