New York Mets Winter Report 2011-12

[sonny10305]

Here we go kids it time for our annual Mets winter report. In here we can discuss what is going on with the Mets all winter. I keep in touch with many of the players over the winter and someone is always sending me info on what’s happin to help get thru the long winter till spring training. In addition I will be with the Mets in late February and part of March down in Florida where there should be lots to write about. My first trip to Florida will be in November but that’s just to visit with Murphy.

So lets get started, sadly both Pat Misch and Mike O’Connor have officially declared Minor League free agency. They were both eligible for free agency due to having six years of Minor League service time and not being on the team’s 40-man roster. Since both of em are lefties this will mean that for sure the Mets will look to sign another left-handed reliever for the bullpen I’m thinkin Chris Capuano if he re-signs could be a part of the bullpen but I am thinking more about him in the starting rotation. Not so sure about Daniel Herrera however who although he had success since joining the Mets, as the opposing teams got to know him better that screwball became less effective. No question the Mets seriously need to address the bullpen this off-season but I don’t know if we can considered Herrrera as a dependable left-handed option moving forward, we cant forget how opposing teams left hander hitters owned him once they got to know him.

As to the free-agent market although they wont come cheap the Mets will have to consider guys like Jaiver Lopez, who will for sure cost the Mets to surrender a compensation draft pick as well as Mike Gonzalez. Cheaper options on the free agent market would be J.C. Romero, John Grabow or George Sherrill.
As to lour starters Johan Santana continues to pitch well and without problems in the instructional league in Fort Myers, he will continue pitching in those types of situations and will not pitch in winter ball in Venezuela. So assuming Santana is healthy, the rest of the rotation will probably look like R.A. Dickey, Jon Niese, and Dillon Gee. Mike Pelfrey will be arbitration-eligible but could fill out the 2012 rotation. As I wrote I am assuming Capuano will resign we will need him to be like a hedge in case Santana has any problems. Even if Santana stays healthy Capuano returning could set up an interesting choice between him and Dillon Gee for a rotation spot, with the other working out of the bullpen. I likey that!
Getting back to the draft, since the Mets finished the 2011 regular season with a 77-85 record, the 12th worst in Major League Baseball they will hold the 12th draft choice in the 2012 June amateur draft. Plus because the Mets didn’t finish among the top 15 in the league, they do not have to forfeit any draft picks should they sign a Type A free agent. NOW, should they also be unable to retain Jose Reyes, who remember will likely classify as a Type A free agent this winter AND he signs with a team who finished in the top 15, they will receive that team’s first round pick plus a pick in the supplemental round of the draft, which takes place after the first round. BUT, if he signs with a team who finished in the bottom 15, they will receive that team’s second round pick plus the supplemental pick. Got that…good.
A lot of what happens depends on what we do with Reyes I expect a quick decision on him probably before the end of this month at the latest, Alderson has to address that first before anything else, we know it he knows it everybody knows it. The Reyes thing will play a large role in what Alderson does with other moves this winter.

Jose Reyes is the Mets nominee for the 2011 Hank Aaron Award. If you are unfamiliar with that award it was introduced in 1999 and is given to the top performer in each league. Reyes, who won the National League Batting Title with a .337, earned his first nomination for the award. If he wins, he would be the first Met to ever win the award

So jump on in if you have any questions about the Mets or your favorite player, let me know and I will try to answer them.

Hey Murph give us a smile

 

[gtru1981]

I am so excited for the off season, even more than the regular season! I am sorry i havent read or wrote alot during the 2011 season, thats my bad. I am going to start to contribute more going forward.

So My 30th came and went and Sonny look below to see the cake i had for my party and also i might be taking another big step, getting Mets season tickets. Nick (from the ticket office) keeps calling me trying to get some since i slipped it out in August when i purchased tickets that i might be interested. I am going to hold off until the Reyes thing and i make my final decision after that finishes.

God i am a closeted Mets fan as my freind stated on Saturday, lol

 

[gtru1981]

Big Coaching Shake up for 2012.

Bench coach Ken Oberkfell, third base coach Chip Hale, first base coach Mookie Wilson and bullpen coach Jon Debus will not return to the Mets in2012 season.

Tim Teufel will take over third and Ricky Bones will become bullpen coach. Hitting coach Dave Hudgens and pitching Ccoach Dan Warthen will return to Manager Terry Collins’ staff in the same positions next year.

Goign to miss Chip Hale, he signed my ball in 2010.

 

[sonny10305]

Grtu nice to see you in here no worries about posting I hope you will contribute when ever you can

I like a lot of people were blind sighted by all those coaching changes did not see that coming. Collins had said he would lie to see all of his coaches return next year but Alderson had other ideas.

For sure the biggest surprise was Chip Hale who was so instrumental in working with and developing the new kids. Murphy had told me many times how hard Chip worked with him last year, I had a long phone talk with Nick Evans from Arizona last night and he spoke about Chip and how extremely helpful he was with his work at first base. Nick gives Chip credit for what ever success he had at first base this year. DWright loved the guy and is sure to be upset by his leaving. But Chip will survive he has already accepted a new job with Oakland as bench coach, so best of luck Chip and thanks for all you did for the “kids”

Tim Teufel will make a great third base coach I first met him back in ’03 when he managed the Cyclones I watched him at work many times there and later in Buffalo when he managed the Bisons and admired what he did He was also very nice to me when ever I visited the team. My man Ricky Bones who always welcomed me with open arms, and when he learned I was a pitcher took the time to sit and talk pitching with me which was quite a thrill for me. Ricky will be a very good bull pen coach

While the rest of the replacements are yet to be announced it would not surprise me to see either Larry Bowa and Jim Riggleman come aboard as bench coach. Both are close to Collins and hopefully Alderson will go that way.

As to Mookie what I am hearing is that he was very disappointed but has accepted the idea that he will be useful some where else in the organization, Alderson will I think be talking to Mookie about that. Debus will also be offered a new position with the team. Oberkfell was surprised, but said, he had no hard feelings and Called Jeff Wilpon to thank for opportunity.

I was not surprised that Dan Warthen will be back he has a great relationship with Collins and there were positives extracted from the pitchers this season.

So where does this leave Wally Backman is my next question, there is a very good possibility of him replacing Tim Teufel as manager at Triple-A Buffalo which would be awesome I would love that! I have to think that Alderson recognizes Backman as a great motivator and appreciates the outstanding job in Binghamton this year. I have always been a major Backman fan and in fact supported the idea last year of him managing the Mets.
But now as Tuefel moves to third base coach I have to wonder if managing the Mets may be his next job if Collins does not do well next year.
But that’s a whole other story for another time.

Johan Santana will finish his rehab program for the year on Saturday, October 8, when the team’s 2011 Instructional League concludes. Santana threw four innings in an Instructional League game last week, but will not pitch in any more games. He will long toss and play light catch through Saturday and then will enter a long period of medically prescribed rest, which will preclude him from pitching in winter ball.

 

[syam24]

Hate to see Chip Hale leave, but that was out there, with his bud, Melvin taking over in Oakland. As for a bench coach, I think it might be Riggleman over Bowa, only because Bowa has a temperment similar to Collins and perhaps there could be easy conflict should they disagree. Could be totally someone else, I'm sure once the playoffs and Series are over, there will be more changes afoot in MLB.

 

[sonny10305]

Well syam there are at least 4 guys the Mets are interested for the Bench job, Larry Bowa, Jim Riggleman, John McLaren, and Bob Geren; the White Sox are also interested in Bowa. Alderson has not yet even contacted any of those guys and in fact he is still looking for more names to add to the list. Riggleman did resign after about 70 games into the season in a dispute with the front office over his job status and coaches undermining his authority but maybe Sandy will take in account Jim’s familiarity with the National League and division. Bowa, has six seasons of managerial experience with the Phillies and Padres and also four years with the Dodgers as third bench coach. I think he still works for the MLB Network as a studio analyst. So we will have to see how all that unravels. I’m thinkin Reyes will be the first order of business, as of now nothing has been discussed with Jose, but that should change by the middle of next week. Keep in mind that other teams may not bid until five days after the World Series,
Sandy Alderson did say the day after the regular season ended that free agents rarely re-sign during the exclusive negotiating period. As to Chip Hale he is happy about the change obviously it’s a step up but also he gets to work in California which he prefers. I agree with you he will be missed but his replcement Teufel will be an excellent coach.

I had my hopes up for a Dominican winter league game at Citi Field in mid Nov. but now it looks very much in the air. It seems there is concern the players´ union would object to scheduling a game in New York in the cold weather, but they are still talking.

 

[sonny10305]

In case you have not heard the Mets have hired former Oakland manager Bob Geren as Terry Collins' bench coach. He is the dude who got fired 63 games into this season, and worse for me is the fact that the players spoke out against his communication style. Apparently Geren was never good at communication, and that’s a big problem for me .Terry Collins liked the idea, or so he says, according to Terry "Adding a former major league catcher like Bob to our staff will be ideal." Ok Terry what ever you say. What I do .like about this is I can’t help but think Geren, who was a catcher, will be good for out catching staff especially Thole.

As to the first-base coach job many believe that move will come very shortly, guys I spoke with believe the Mets will want diversity in who ever they pick in addition someone with outfield experience to succeed Mookie Wilson cause Mookie was so helpful in that area especially with Duda. So far we know that minor league instructor Kevin Morgan has interviewed for the job

You may have read that Wally Backman is considering joining the Washington Nationals as a major league coach under Davey Johnson. I am being told that is not true and Wally will stay with the Mets possibly taking over managing Triple-A Buffalo which I was so hoping he would do. Nothing official on any of that yet it’s just what I a being told. I sure don’t want to loose Wally especially to the Nats so let’s hope it’s true he won’t be going. I have a call n to someone close to Wally so maybe I will know more later

Caught up with Dillon Gee after hearing news about his going to Taiwan and its true Dillon will indeed represent the Mets on the MLB all-star tour next month. Dillon said The All-Star team will be managed by San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy.

I wonder how many of you guys remember the last time MLB last had an Asian All-Star tour, it was 2006, when Jose Reyes, David Wright and John Maine went to Japan.

 

[syam24]

Read about the signing of Geren as the bench coach, also had some trepidation about the communication issue, but since I wasn't there, I take it all with a grain of salt. Sometimes losing teams find lots of faults in everything. The Red Sox pitchers drinking issue was a non issue as long as they were winning, go into a dive, miss the playoffs, and suddenly it's an impeachable offense. Will just have to watch and see what happens with Geren and his interaction with the players. Most of his interaction should be with Collins, anyway. I do agree, though, that he might help out training up the catchers. I hope Backman stays, though it could make sense that Davey would want Backman as an understudy to eventually take the reins from Davey at Nationals mgr, he is getting on in years, and may not want to do the daily grind for a long time. The Nats have some premier young talent coming along, too.

 

[sonny10305]

Yup Syam I totally feel the same way about Geren we will have to wait and see how that goes.

Wally Backman he said the other day that he fully intends to return with the Mets though he has yet to talk with them about where he will be working. (ya gotta hope/think in AAA Buffalo). Wally said he has been with the Mets since he was 17 years old and he wants to stay with them; he feels that not only did the Wilpons give him a second chance to get back in to baseball but there is some unfinished business and he feels that the organization is going in the right direction.
This is great news; I know and love Wally I saw what he can do with the players watching him managing in Brooklyn and Binghamton. You guys have read often my comments about him and his dynamic personality and how well he works with the team. No question that he’s appreciated here, and all the young players speak highly of him and love playing for him. As to Johnson lthough the Nats have not yet made it official all indications still point to Davey returning next season

Not much else to tell you guys these days it has been quiet in Metsville still waiting on Reyes news.
Next week I will have some winter ball stuff to tell you

 

[sonny10305]

With the mess that is our bull pen the first step was taken yesterday to fix the problem, Ryota Igarashi has been released. With his 6 ERA and inconsistent performance I say B’Bye

If you are wondering about the talk regarding changes in Citi field you should expect an announcement on that shortly after the WS ends. I should think what we might see are the left-field wall to be shortened and pulled in, the right-center bullpen fences will also be pulled in and the Mo Zone fenced off.
So will this help? Time will tell, but while I still believe the lack of hitting on the part of Mets batters is more the reason for the team’s lack of offensive at home keeping in mind we were without Davis and Murphy, and Wright and Bay have both struggled. Add to that the fact that we had rookies and bench players so often occupying the heart of your order last season. Still I have to admit my frustration with so many balls that should have been “outta here” that weren’t But if the park is as some have said “unfair” then these changes will help,

Kevin Burkhardt said his Mets Hot Stove on SNY starts Nov 10th I can’t wait it’s just the bridge we need to get us thru the long winter.

Keith Hernandez turned 58 today which is also the day 25 years ago when the Mets were down two-games-to-none and really in need of a momentum shift which they got winning that game from Boston 7-1

 

[sonny10305]

Continuing the bull pen clean out, besides Ryota Igarashi, the Mets also got rid of Dale Thayer and Manny Alvarez. In addition we said goodbye to first baseman Valentino Pascucci

In the cant wait to see this department; The Mets and Yankees, are scheduled to play home-and-home spring training games at Port St. Lucie and Tampa, The last time teams last played against each other in the exhibition season was in 1996. This is not only gong to be great fun to watch but it also expands the Mets list of exhibition opponents.

In the better them than us department; Omar Minaya will interview with the Los Angeles Angels for their vacant general manager position; former General Manager Tony Reagins recently resigned.

 

[syam24]

I've seen the subtractions from the Mets, no big surprises, Igarashi didn't provide any consistent help, and the others were just fill-ins, career minor leaguers. Nice to see the Mets/Yanks renewing some spring games. I guess it took ol' Georgie dying to bring that about. Been an exciting World Series, wish it was us in there. I think Omar's inclusion in the Angels talks was just to get a minority in the door. I don't see him getting a GM job before first doing an asst term again somewhere.

 

[sonny10305]

I agree syam no big surprise there but I expect some soon

In the good news department The Mets have reinstated Daniel Murphy, Ike Davis, Taylor Buchholz and Johan Santana from the 60-day disabled list. Which means the Mets 40-man roster now stands at 40, after dropping four players from the 40 man roster last week we now have a full roster,
Murph, Ike and Johan was expected but I was surprised to see Bucholtz on that list what with all his problems with shoulder fatigue and depression, I also believe he is eligible for arbitration. I guess if he ever stays healthy he might be a solid reliever in our poison pen.
Next up will be after the WS when The Mets will lose seven players to free agency, of course that will free up roster spots for rule five candidates.

Speaking of Murphy, as he predicted shortly after he got hurt, he is back 100% healing faster than everyone thought or hoped for. Everyone but Murphy who knew he would be healthy sooner than later.
Murp is in Mo. With Ty Pennington filming an episode of “Extreme Makeover” with Shane Victorino and Clay Buchcholtz. The show will bo on November 11th so be sure to check the boys out. Jewel was there yesterday as well but I dono yet what her involvment was Murph just said he met her.
Here is a picture of the guys with Pennington After I got it I could not resist sending Murph a text that read;
Dude why is everyone so sad u guys look like u are in a police lineup.

 

[sonny10305]

Now that the World Series is over moves on Jose Reyes will begin, Jose officially became a free agent for the first time yesterday. Basically The Mets' five-day window to exclusively negotiate with Reyes ends at midnight Thursday, now that’s when Jose and his agent can find out what other teams think he's worth in particular I should think how his two trips to the disabled list last season last season will affect things.
The process should last till prolly until the winter meetings in December. We know that Sandy Alderson is looking to trim payroll to between $100 million and $110 million, so ya gotta wonder if the Mets figure to be out of the running for any other top free agents, even if they don't re-sign Reyes.

But there are more guys involved here, Willie Harris, Chris Young, Chris Capuano, Miguel Batista, Scott Hairston,Wille Harris, and Jason Isringhausen also filed for free agency.
If you wonder how it works allow me to explain; today players who had their contracts expire after the 2011 season could file for free agency. Teams have until Wednesday night to exclusively negotiate with their free agents, and then they can begin negotiating with any team. Tomorrow, teams must decide whether or not to pick up their player options (or the other way around) otherwise those players can become free agents as well Things are going to get interesting soon, stay tuned.

I was sorry to hear that Josh Satin, who you may recall was the organizational minor league player of the year for the Mets, is out with the Venezuelan winter league club. He had a miserable go at it which surprised the heck outta me. Josh was hitting just.146. His defense was not much better but maybe they messed him up playing nearly exclusively in left field, which was a learning experience, since he previously had entirely played in the infield for as long as I can remember.

In coaching news Former major league outfielder Tom Goodwin has been hired as first base coach for the Mets. That rounds out the coaching staff with Dan Warthen (pitching coach), Dave Hudgens (hitting coach), Bob Geren (bench coach), Tim Teufel (third base coach) and Ricky Bones (bullpen coach)..

This morning I got a ton of email and text regarding the changes taking place at Citi Field, Tomorrow, after I get some clarifications to some of what I was told, I will tell you all the details

 

[Sausy]

Thanks for the info,sonny.I'm really worried the Mets will wind up not signing Reyes due to some other club's euphoria,even with his hamstring difficulties as a warning sign for other clubs not to break the bank.Look at how alarmingly Carl Crawford's performance deteriorated once he left Tampa...unless he really gets back up to speed,pardon the pun he will be an all time free agent disaster.Now imagine Reyes with hammy problems....he grew VERY tentative when he came back,and was lucky not to have suffered a more serious injury.Speed dominant players are not the best bets to give 7-8 year deals....in fact I wish all deals could be restricted to four years guaranteed maximum.Look at Derek Lowe....looked so good a few years back with Boston but a total disaster with the Braves.Of course some players will do well for an extended period but it makes little sense to tie up your money on a few maximum value contracts,then have scraps the rest of the way.That can be defensible if you're contending,but if injuries/poor play knock you out of it,a long term contract can become a financial albatross that paralyzes,or at the very least significantly minimizes club payroll flexibility.

I think several of the other free agents on their roster may return though probably seen the last of Jason Isringhausen despite pitching above and beyond all expectations until his September back injury.And Chris Young too represents too much of a risk....wouldn't mind seeing Chris Capuano and Willie Harris back especially.


Sorry to hear about Josh Satin's disappointing performance in winter ball.I did read a while back that Daniel Murphy was very much in the Mets plans for next year even if there isn't a definitive position as of yet.They love his passion,dedication,grittiness and he proved he definitely has a good hitting stroke that this club would definitely be able to use.


Look forward to all your winter updates as always sonny and really would like to hear about their thinking in changing the dimensions,what went into it and how it may help maximize what they have and what they can attract.

Congrats to Abs and his beloved St.Louis Cards in their thrilling 7 game World Series triumph over Atlanta....and has their been a more intoxicating,edge of your seat classic in recent memory as Game 6,10-9 Cards victory topped by two amazingly clutch at bats by third baseman David Freese?I LOVE baseball!

And finally congrats to Tony LaRussa,Cards manager who announced his retirement after the fan parade in St.Louis....two amazing championships with underdog clubs in 2006 and 2011,plus one with Oakland...what an amazing ,fitting way to end a Hall of Fame career as manager.Well done Tony,and the best on your future endeavors!

 

[sonny10305]

As they a picture is worth a thousand words so here is what is going on with Citi Field

The new and old dimensions at Citi Field.

The 16-foot wall in left field is structural so it and will remain, approximately 100 seats will be added between the old and new walls in lfet-center.

The Mo's Zone will have about 40 more seats notice the nook in right field

And finally a look at the old and new left-field walls. The original wall will remain.

David Wright loves the changes (no surprise there) David said "Any time you talk to a hitter about making a park more hitter-friendly, it's a thing that we're all for," Wright said. "I very briefly looked at the pictures and those dimensions and everything. It just looks, obviously, fair."
As to what it will mean to him personally David said "I'd like to think that I'm pretty good at going gap to gap. One of my biggest strengths, I think, is going the other way into right-center field. Hopefully this will help me with one of my strengths."

As to Jose Reye, I am beginning to get the idea that Sandy Alderson does not give a rats ass if Jose resigns or not, seriously, listen to him speak watch his body language. Sandy does not believe that they can sign Reyes before the free agency window and added there is no point in giving him their best offer. But rather wait to see what the market is and then make an offer. Does that sound like the best strategy to bring him back? The Met so not want to be the one setting his value, let him go see what out there see what he is offered and then make a bid it may be difficult to judge his contract. I’m wondering if Reyes goes on the open market you can kiss his Mets career bye bye he isn’t comin back. The Mets simply do not want Reyes back that bad I truly believe that. The Yankees wanted CC back Reyes and the Mets not so much I see the Mets putting Reyes in the position to decide if he wants to stay in NY for what ever management is willing to play or go for the possible bigger bucks elsewhere. What do you think he will do?

I loved what Alderson said about Daniel Murphy (and so did Murph) and that is that he will be back as our “jack of all trades and play everywhere” Alderson loves Murphy as does Collins. Murph’s plan is to get to Lucie in mid January to begin work with Collins.

Ike Davis said that when Alderson comes out to Arizona for the fall league Sandy is going to visit him at home in Arizona I will be sure to fill you guys in on how that goes. Ike has not started any baseball activity as of yet just doing conditioning work.

We haven’t heard much about Lucas Duda and how he is doing, the good news is The concussion symptoms that took him out for the season early after a collision with the right-field wall have cleared and he is no longer experiencing headaches or any other problems. Duda is expected to start in right field next season.

Great news form Jay Horwitz, you may recall I told you about the broken ankle walking to Citi Field, will be back to work in office in a scooter in 2 weeks

I want to give a shout out to Saucy, nice to see him posting here again, we missed you babe.

 

[gtru1981]

The 16-foot wall in left field is structural so it and will remain, approximately 100 seats will be added between the old and new walls in lfet-center.

I wonder how much these seats will be? i be so down to sit their.

 

[sonny10305]

I hope you guys have been watchin the Arizona and Taiwan fall league games on MLB, I’m telling you with the baseball season still months away it really helps baseball freaks like me get thru the long winter watching all those future major league players show what they got, it’s more fun than that barrel of monkeys I heard about. Check it out of you can the games are being repeated all week with new ones this weekend. Dillon Gee who is Taiwan had a great start this week limiting Taiwan's national team to one run and five hits in five innings.

In addition to those games there is the start of Kevin Burkhard's Met Hot Stove which starts this Thursday and runs right up to and thru spring training. Kevin said the first show he will talk about the Citi Field changes. If you have never watched Mets Hot Stove do yourself a favor and check it out this year. Kevin Burkhardt does an outstanding job of keeping us up to date all winter and the show is always informative and fun; and why not; after all Kevin is the hands down best field reporter in baseball.

As I told you last week Daniel Murphy will be on “Extreme Makeover” this week. The show will feature Jewel, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams in a special Veterans Day show. Others on the show will be George Lopez, J.R. Martinez, Rachael Ray, and Sherri Shepherd along with Murph, Clay Buchholz, and Shane Victorino. It’s a “Rise and Honor” special which will salute those who have served in the military and raise funds for groups that support veterans and their families. Murph does not know how much of what he did will make it to the show and has not yet seen the finished program so we will have to wait and see. You can watch the show at 8 p.m.Nov. 11 on ABC.

Baseball America has announced its top 10 Mets prospects. The list:

1. Zack Wheeler,
2. Matt Harvey,
3. Brandon Nimmo,
4. Jeurys Familia,
5. Cesar Puello,
6. Jenrry Mejia,
7. Kirk Nieuwenhuis,
8. Michael Fulmer,
9. Reese Havens,
10. Wilmer Flores,

What till you see Pedo Zapata fly around the bases, very Reyes like, and Zach Lutz and Kurt Nieuwenhuis hit for power, Kirk also plays a mean outfield. You will also be impressed by Danny Muno’s strike zone discipline. No surprise to see Zack Wheeler on that list with that awesome fastball and curveball, along with Matt Harvey who I have loved to watch since the first time I saw him pitch, a better slider you would be hard to find.

I am hearing that the Mets are interested in bringing back Chris Capuano (he is a free agent now), and Capuano is interested in returning to the Mets...But for now he sits on the backburner, as are Willie Harris and Scott Hairston.

As I mentioned last week Wally Backman will stay with the Mets and has now accept their offer to manage Triple-A Buffalo. My wish has come true. I know you heard that Wally had been talking to the Nats about a job with Davey Johnson. What you may not have heard is the it was Davey who convinced Wally to stay with the Mets telling him it’s in his best interest to not go anywhere, Actually Davey was adamant about it telling Wally he feels that he is going to manage the Mets someday.

Carlos Beltran has left Scott Boras and will be represented now by Dan Lozano.

 

[sonny10305]

Well it has started, the first to make a call to Reyes were the Marlins, in fact they contacted him at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, the moment the free agent signing period could begin. A bunch of Marlin big wigs headed for New York Wednesday where Reyes' agent, Peter Greenberg’s office is located.
So it begins and now we will find out what the other teams think Jose’s value is, which is how the Mets want to play it, let Reyes go out there and get some offers and then they will have them a barometer to measure what they should offer him. If you are thinking what would happen to Hanley Ramirez who is the Marlins shortstop, I recall Hanley saying he would welcome a position change to make room for Reyes. By the way, the word is Reyes wants five years/$100 M. a price you could say will only go up from there for sure not down.

In continuing Chris Capuano news he may have priced himself out of returning, he is looking for a two-year deal, and the Mets will not want to go more than one year,
I want that kid back, the Mets are nutz to let him go right now,stay tuned

In continuing Angel Pagan news you may have heard that the Mets plan on tendering him a contract rather than cut him loose, he is arbitration-eligible. But what if that is just posturing so that the Mets don't lose all leverage in pursuing a trade. I dono but I do know the Mets have until December 12th at midnight to tender him a contract. If he is non-tendered, Pagan will become a free agent, opening up a spot in centerfield, Ankiel perhaps, doubt it would be Sizemore

Reminder, Mets Hot Stove begins a new season Thursday at 7 on SNY

 

[sonny10305]

Don't forget to watch "Extreme Makeover" on Friday with Daniel Murphy, Clay Buchholz, and Shane Victorino taking part

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnCyRP6p96o[/ame]