Mets Trade Rumors

Mets ready to shop, spend on open market
Comment
November 19
MLB.com
 
"Beginning at any point after midnight tonight, the widely held but unfounded notion that the Mets are unwilling to invest in expensive free agents may take a few more hits. When the free agent filing period ends at midnight, the Mets and 29 other Holliday shoppers became free to launch their pursuit of Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, John Lackey and any other of the more than 300 free agents -- Minor League players included. Given the holes in their big league roster and the desire to interrupt the decline that began after their 2006 postseason ended prematurely, the Mets can be expected to pursue and, within reason, compete for the talent available in what is not considered a particularly deep ..."
Holliday, Bay, Lackey top Mets' shopping list
Comment
November 19
New York Post
 
"The Mets have talked a good game about spending money and retooling this offseason. Now it's time to back it all up. With free agency at hand starting at 12:01 tomorrow morning, all eyes will be on the Wilpons and general manager Omar Minaya to see if they follow through on their public vow to be major players in the market this winter. Coming off this year's 70-92 disaster, the Mets have a pressing need for more power and openings that include a left fielder, a No. 2 starter, a veteran catcher, a platoon first baseman and a setup man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets have identified Matt Holliday and Jason Bay as top candidates to fill the power void in left, John Lackey ..."
Marquis calls Mets 'perfect fit'
Comment
November 18
New York Post
 
"Jeff Francoeur wasn't kidding when he told The Post this summer that free-agent right hander Jason Marquis badly wants to be a Met in 2010. Marquis backed that up this week, telling The Post he considers the Mets "a perfect fit" while expressing his admiration both for their lineup and Citi Field. "It would always be nice to come back home and represent your hometown [as a member of the Mets]," said Marquis, who grew up in Staten Island and still lives there. "This is where I'm from, so to come back here and play in front of friends and family would be an honor." As much as the 2009 All-Star wants to pitch for the Mets, the interest would have to be mutual. A source said the Mets like ..."
After top few free agents, expect bargains
Comment
November 18
Bergen Record
 
"What would happen if there were teams all set to spend to secure talent and there was little talent there to bid on? We will find out beginning Friday, when free agency begins, and the answer is most likely that a handful of players are going to find themselves the object of an intense bidding war with their price escalating. The flip side is that some baseball executives believe that the rest of the free agent crop will fall through the cracks, sitting and waiting unless they are willing to take a bargain deal. That means that Matt Holliday and Jason Bay will be the target of every team with an outfield or big bat vacancy. Chone Figgins will be pursued by teams with needs at third base ..."
Shortstop Scutaro open to staying with Jays
Comment
November 17
Foxsports.com
 
"Teams are inquiring about free agent Marco Scutaro not just as a shortstop, but also as a second baseman, according to his agent, Peter Greenberg. One team even asked if Scutaro would consider moving to third. Scutaro, who played Gold Glove-caliber defense for the Blue Jays last season, will "entertain all possibilities," Greenberg said — including a return to the Jays on a one-year deal if, as expected, he is offered salary arbitration. The Jays offered Scutaro a contract extension during the season and another after the season ended, Greenberg said. Scutaro wants to explore the free-agent market, but he likes the city, team and manager Cito Gaston, who gave him his first chance to play ..."
Mets eye durable free-agent pitcher Joel Pineiro
Comment
November 17
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets, in search of an innings-eater to stabilize their rotation, are particularly intrigued by free-agent righthander Joel Pineiro, according to a team insider. Pineiro, 31, had 15 wins with the Cardinals in 2009, one shy of the career high he set with Seattle six years earlier. While tossing a career-high 214 innings, Pineiro produced a 3.53 ERA, struck out 105 and walked 27. Pineiro's walks-per-nine-innings rate (1.14) was the best in the majors in four years among pitchers who reached 200 innings, and was ahead of runner-up Roy Halladay's 1.32 this season. That would distinguish Pineiro on a Mets staff that walked 616 batters last season, one off the franchise record set in 1999."
No lack of interest in Angels pitcher
Comment
November 15
MLB.com
 
"All eyes were on John Lackey as a 23-year-old rookie when he won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series, and all eyes are on him seven years later now that he's finally a free agent. The big Angels right-hander is in the enviable position of being the top name in the pitching category of the Hot Stove season, and already the clubs are lining up to have a word with his agent, Steve Hilliard. As a busy Friday turned into a relatively quiet Saturday, Hilliard and Lackey could take a weekend to reflect on the interest that's already white-hot even before the Angels lose exclusive negotiating rights next Friday a minute after midnight. The Red Sox, Mets and Brewers have already had discussions with ..."
Sources: Wedge on Mets' bench coach short list
Comment
November 15
Foxsports.com
 
"Former Indians manager Eric Wedge, former Mariners and Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin and former Orioles bench coach Dave Jauss are candidates to be the Mets' next bench coach, according to major-league sources. The Mets, however, are considering numerous other names as well, and do not appear close to a decision. The position could be a stepping stone; Mets manager Jerry Manuel, coming off a 70-win season, is entering the last year of his contract. Wedge, who is getting paid by the Indians through 2010, can be selective in choosing his next job. Melvin interviewed for the Astros' managerial position and also drew consideration from the Nationals. Jauss previously worked as a bench coach ..."
Omar Minaya will keep close eye on Carlos Delgado; return to Flushing still possible
Comment
November 14
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Carlos Delgado's days in a Mets uniform may not be over just yet. General manager Omar Minaya said Friday he plans to travel to Puerto Rico next month to watch Delgado play in winter ball and has not ruled out re-signing him to play first base in 2010. The 37-year-old free agent is coming off hip surgery and an oblique injury that limited him to just 26 games last season. Delgado would have to show that he is healthy and would likely have to accept a low guaranteed or incentive-heavy contract to return to Flushing. And the Mets will no doubt consider other options, including their own Daniel Murphy , to start at first base. But Minaya's interest in monitoring Delgado's progress makes ..."
Mets eye free agents Orlando Hudson, Chone Figgins
Comment
November 12
New York Daily News
 
"Trying to rid themselves of an ill-advised contract, the Mets shopped Luis Castillo during the GM Meetings that concluded Wednesday. Still, despite the veteran second baseman hitting .302 this season and staying healthy, GM Omar Minaya may have a difficult time moving Castillo. Castillo is midway through a four-year, $25 million deal that blocked the Mets from signing free agent Orlando Hudson last winter. Castillo had met with team officials at the end of the 2008 season to apologize for his performance and request to remain with the team. The Chicago Tribune reported the Cubs are interested in Castillo and are attempting to rope in a third team such as Tampa Bay or Texas as a way of ..."
Mets 'absolutely in' on Figgins, could replace Castillo
Comment
November 11
New York Post
 
"Though they are fixated on adding a power bat such as Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, the Mets are in the words of an involved party "absolutely in" on free agent Chone Figgins. One Mets official said Figgins would be "hard to fit" into their current situation. Translation: It would be a whole lot easier if they could trade the two years at $12 million left on Luis Castillo's contract to create money and a second base opening for Figgins. "Castillo is definitely in play," an NL executive said. For example, the Mets talked to the Diamondbacks about flipping Castillo for catcher Chris Snyder, a discussion that now appears dead. The other alternative would be to play Figgins in left field and try ..."
Mets won't get Lee from Astros
Comment
November 11
New York Post
 
"I thought I had come up with a possible option for the Mets to be that slugging left fielder they so badly crave. Astros GM Ed Wade admitted his team needs to have its payroll "go south" and the highest-paid player on the team is Carlos Lee, who is owed $55.5 million over the next three seasons. He also has hit at least 24 homers in each of the last 10 seasons. The only player with a longer streak is Alex Rodriguez at 12 years. However, Wade put the kibosh on this theory by saying, "He is going to be our left fielder. He has a complete no-trade clause and he has made it very, very clear that he does not want to go anywhere.""
The Mets are interested in Joel Pineiro
Comment
November 11
SI.com
 
"The Mets are interested in Joel Pineiro, who's said to want a three-year deal for $30 million. Minaya met with Pineiro's agent, Arn Tellem. The Cardinals helped resurrect Pineiro's career, but they do not seem likely to pursue him -- not with so much else on their docket. Similarly, Rick Ankiel, Troy Glaus and Khalil Greene are expected to leave via free agency."
Mixed signals from Mets' Holliday meeting
Comment
November 11
SI.com
 
"People who have spoken to Minaya suggest he is extremely interested in Holliday, who some Mets people see as the perfect middle-of-the-order and clubhouse presence they need to try to turn things around. Minaya has never shied away from the high-priced star player. Mets people clearly prefer Holliday to Bay and the Mets seem like a logical landing spot for Holliday (others include the Giants, Cubs, Braves, Yankees, Red Sox, Mariners and incumbent Cardinals) since they were the only team not to hit 100 home runs in '09 and have a gaping hole in left field. Yet, there are mixed signals about how aggressive they'll be in pursuing Holliday. While Minaya appears to be a major fan of Holliday, ..."
Versatile Figgins drawing plenty of interest, especially from Phillies
Comment
November 11
SI.com
 
"Beyond the "Big Three" free agents (Matt Holliday, John Lackey and Jason Bay), there's still some decent action going on here at the GM meetings. And if there's a fourth coveted free agent, it just might be versatile leadoff man Chone Figgins, who is drawing interest from some unexpected sources. The two-time defending National League champion Phillies are said to be intent on pursuing Figgins hard as a potential replacement for Pedro Feliz, whose $5.5 million option was declined. Agents were jolted that a seemingly reasonable option such as that was rejected ("That's what we've come to? Pedro Feliz is a $4 million player?" asked one incredulously). But the reality is that the Phillies ..."
Minaya going after, well, everybody
Comment
November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mets plan to pursue virtually every big name on the free-agent and trade markets, from Roy Halladay and John Lackey to Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Agents and rival executives, however, are skeptical that the Mets actually will land any of those players, believing that the team ultimately will settle for second-tier talent. Mets general manager Omar Minaya loves to play at the top of the market. And the Mets, coming off a 92-loss season, are not about to tell their fans that they will aim low. Still, the Mets' needs are significant enough that one or two major additions might not put the team in contention. Minaya says he wants to add at least one starting pitcher. The Mets also need ..."
Minaya plans to be aggressive on market
Comment
November 11
MLB.com
 
"The Mets suffered through a 92-loss, injury-plagued 2009 season. But Omar Minaya, the team's general manager, is trying to avoid a repeat performance. To that end, Minaya said the Mets will be very aggressive in the free-agent market this winter with the top priorities being a slugger for the middle of the lineup and more starting pitching. "After last year, our offense is an area we want to address," Minaya told the media as the GMs gathered for their annual meetings here on Tuesday and Wednesday. "We led the league in hitting, but I think we need to find a way to score more. I'd like to see us slug more than we did this year. Starting pitching is another area we have to look at, we have ..."
Mets open talks with Holliday, eye Molina
Comment
November 11
New York Post
 
"Omar Minaya met with Scott Boras for 45 minutes last night to begin to determine the price on Matt Holliday. The meeting comes at a time when the Mets are still debating whether to big-game hunt this offseason for offense (Jason Bay or Holliday) or simply augment around their core of fragile, but talented players. "We need a left fielder and two of the best are in the [free-agent] market," one Mets executive said. "We are not doing our jobs if we don't look into it." Another official said he thought the Mets were not averse to giving a contract for as many as six years to a player of Holliday's ilk. However, officials from other teams who have talked to the Mets said they expect the team ..."
Boras likens Matt Holliday to Mark Teixeira
Comment
November 11
New York Daily News
 
"Despite believing the bidding for outfielder Matt Holliday will exceed their appetite, Mets officials intended to meet with agent Scott Boras before leaving the GM meetings, which conclude today. Boras has set the bar high. The agent Tuesday night labeled Holliday a "franchise player" and maintained his client merited a contract similar to the eight-year, $180 million deal he negotiated for Mark Teixeira last offseason. Unlike Teixeira, Boras said Holliday already has "served that example" as a franchise player because he led the Rockies to the 2007 World Series. "Last year we had one club that went out and made a commitment to a franchise player and they won a world championship," Boras ..."
Around the majors
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 (scroll down)
"• Andy Pettitte has indicated to teammates that he is leaning toward returning to the Yankees for one more year. If they need it for further convincing, one of the Yankees' sales points will be that 10-15 more wins will aid his Hall of Fame candidacy. • The Phillies are expected to try to lock up Cliff Lee, though with a year to go before free agency, they'll be looking at something less than nine figures. • While the Phillies declined the option on defensively adept third baseman Pedro Feliz for $5.5 million, they're interested in bringing him back at a slightly lower figure. • The Red Sox will still consider Alex Gonzalez after declining his $6 million option and also look at free agent ..."
Yankees won't lack for Lackey, Mets hesitant
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 
"The Yankees are expected to make a play for top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, as was reported here on Monday, and there are indications that they are considering something in "the range of A.J. Burnett,'' which means $82.5 million over five years. Lackey is better than Burnett in many ways. But, considering a diminishing appetite for big contracts among other teams, one competing GM opined, "If the Yankees do that, they'll get him.'' Beyond Lackey plus outfielders Matt Holliday and Bay, the market is one of the weaker ones in years. Some very needy teams (i.e. the Mets) are generally unenthused about the market, especially from a starting pitching standpoint. "Some years are better than ..."
Halladay more likely to go than Gonzalez
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 
"Baseball people seem to believe that of the two superstar players available in trade -- Roy Halladay and Adrian Gonzalez -- Halladay is more likely to be moved for a few important reasons, such as: 1) He's eligible for free agency after this year, whereas the Padres have Gonzalez for two more years. 2) He makes $16 million to only about $5 million for Gonzalez, who has $10.25 mil over two remaining. 3) He wants out of Toronto. In an especially weak free-agent starting-pitching market, Halladay, 31, would draw interest from several teams, and with a new GM in Toronto (Alex Anthopoulos replaced J.P. Ricciardi), the whole game could change. It isn't known how Padres GM Jed Hoyer or ..."
Cubs trying hard to trade Bradley
Comment
November 10
SI.com
 
"The Cubs are trying hard to dump the perennially malcontented Milton Bradley here at the GM meetings, as it isn't just manager Lou Piniella who didn't connect with him in his season here. Apparently, several key members of the team -- including Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano -- barely speak to Bradley. "I don't think they dislike him. But Milton's a unique guy who doesn't fit in, like the oddball kid in class,'' one Cubs-connected person said. "He doesn't try to fit in. The other guys tried to take him in, but he's one of those kids that simply doesn't want to be part of anything,'' one Cubs person said. The Chicago Tribune reported that a Bradley blowup with now-deposed hitting coach ..."
Agent: Putz would consider set-up role
Comment
November 10
Foxsports.com
 
"Teams in search of late-inning relief help will not lack for options. Right-hander J.J. Putz, a free agent, is one intriguing possibility. The Mets, as expected, declined Putz's $9.1 million option; Putz did not pitch after June 4 due to an elbow problem that required surgery. But Putz, the Mariners' former closer, is again healthy and throwing. Under the right circumstances, he would be willing to accept a setup role, according to his agent, Craig Landis. "He has a preference to be a closer, but absolutely will not rule out an eighth-inning job depending upon many factors," Landis said. "Money obviously will be one. Location, how good the team is, the coaching staff. If everything else ..."
Free-agent market thin at first base
Comment
November 10
MLB.com
 
"Last year, the first-base class of free agents had a first-class front-runner in Mark Teixeira. This time around, it's more of a contender-by-committee situation, with talent available but no Type A headliner to pull in anything close to what Big Tex commanded on his joyride to the Bronx. Carlos Delgado was on the "A Team" a few years back, but after hip surgery and a down year in New York, he's Type B and a possible question mark in the areas of mobility and bat speed at the age of 37 (38 in late June). And speaking of question marks, Nick Johnson, another attractive free-agent option because of his high on-base percentage (career .402), just can't seem to stay healthy for a full ..."
Holliday, Bay bidding may surpass Mets' appetite
Comment
November 10
New York Daily News
 
"Omar Minaya arrived at the GM Meetings at the O'Hare Hilton on Monday night maintaining it was his obligation to investigate the price tags of top-tier free agents. However, a team insider told the Daily News he expected that the salary demands of outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay would exceed the organization's comfort level. Instead, the Mets expect to sign a left fielder from the second tier group of free agents, or acquire one via trade, a team source said. Picking up a power bat in left field would allow the Mets to follow through with their intention of using Daniel Murphy as the primary first baseman next season. One report listed Mike Cameron as a potential target for left ..."
Delgado, Tatis worth draft picks
Comment
November 10
New York Post
 
"The Elias Sports Bureau released its official free-agent rankings yesterday, and only two of eight eligible Mets -- Carlos Delgado and Fernando Tatis -- were declared worthy of draft-pick compensation. Delgado and Tatis were classified as Type B free agents, meaning the Mets would receive one "sandwich" pick in next summer's draft if the club offers the player arbitration by Dec. 1 and he signs elsewhere."
Mets to decline Putz's option
Comment
November 5
New York Post
 
"The Mets have told reliever J.J. Putz that they plan to decline his $8.6 million option for 2010 and buy him out for $1 million instead. The club cited health concerns in making the long-expected move, pointing to elbow surgery and forearm problems that caused the former All-Star closer to miss the entire second half of his debut season with the Mets. Putz's agent, Craig Landis , said Putz understood the likely decision and hasn't ruled out returning to the Mets with a cheaper, incentive-laden deal once free agency begins Nov. 20. Landis said Putz feels healthy and expects to be ready for the start of spring training. If Putz doesn't return, the Mets will have little to show for the ..."
Thumb surgery for Francoeur
Comment
November 3
New York Post
 
"Mets right fielder Jeff Francoeur yesterday had the long-planned surgery to repair a torn collateral ligament in his left thumb, an injury he suffered making a diving catch Aug. 23 in Philadelphia. The surgery was performed in Atlanta, Francoeur's hometown, and the Mets say he is expected to be fully recovered in time for the start of spring training. Francoeur played the final six weeks with the injury, and it didn't hold him back. He hit .319 with 12 doubles, four homers and 17 RBIs in 36 games after tearing the ligament."
Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes
Comment
October 27
SI.com
 
"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."
Mets not interested in Lackey or Bradley; Holliday tops their list
Comment
October 26
SI.com
 (scroll down)
"The Mets don't seem inclined to pursue top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, who will surely shoot for a $100 million-plus contract in light of A.J. Burnett's $82.5 million deal. They do want to add a solid starting pitcher (they may try a do-over on Randy Wolf), but their big-ticket target is most likely going to be a left fielder. Matt Holliday is believed to top their list, though Jason Bay will certainly suffice. Bobby Abreu is another top free-agent outfielder, while Carl Crawford could be available in trade. The Mets have no interest in taking on Milton Bradley's problems."
Mets meet Cuban defector, 100-mph hurler Aroldis Chapman
Comment
October 24
New York Daily News
 
"Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman met the Mets at Citi Field Friday as part of his tour with agent Edwin Mejia to find a team for the 21-year-old lefthander. Chapman, whose fastball reportedly registers 100 mph, arrived in New York this week after establishing residency in Andorra , a European nation bordered by France and Spain , to avoid being subject to the draft. The Yankees have been tight-lipped about their interest in Chapman, but are thought to be more serious suitors than the Mets, and will meet with him this weekend before he talks with the Red Sox next week. It's unclear what type of contract Chapman will command as a free agent, but the interest of several ..."
La Russa will have options, if he wants them
Comment
October 22
Foxsports.com
 columnist Ken Rosenthal
"A year from now, four marquee franchises — the Braves, Cubs, Mets and Dodgers — all could have managerial openings. Tony La Russa isn't likely to be interested. Bobby Valentine might be. La Russa, 65, currently is deciding whether he wants to return to the Cardinals. He does not sound enthused about starting over with another club. If La Russa manages next season, it will be with the Cardinals. And even if he signs only a one-year contract, he probably would be unwilling to accept a multi-year deal with another club next winter. "Looking ahead, I don't see that I can ever make that commitment to someone," La Russa said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "The way I look at it now, when ..."
Cuban star could be meeting with Yanks, Mets
Comment
October 22
New York Post
 
"Aroldis Chapman, the 21-year-old flame-throwing Cuban left-hander who defected during the summer, arrived in New York yesterday and is expected to meet with several teams over the next week. The Mets, Yankees and Red Sox are among the teams expected to have interest in signing him. Chapman, who established residency in Andorra after defecting while playing in the World Port Tournament in The Netherlands in July, was declared a free agent last month. He should find himself in a similar situation to that of Jose Contreras, who became the subject of a fierce bidding war between the Yankees and Red Sox back in 2002. Contreras wound up with a four-year, $32 million contract from the Yankees ..."
Wags is not gonna retire, agent says
Comment
October 15
New York Post
 
"Billy Wagner is back in baseball before he really ever went anywhere. The lefty's agent issued a statement yesterday saying Wagner intends to pitch in 2010 -- despite Wagner telling The Post on Monday he was eyeing retirement. Wagner's agent, Bean Stringfellow, wrote in a text message that Wagner has "every intention of playing" next year. Stringfellow indicated to several media outlets that Wagner was venting -- frustrated after the Red Sox elimination from the postseason -- when he spoke to The Post. On Monday, Wagner responded to a question about where he might pitch next season by saying, "I don't plan on talking to nobody." Asked if that meant retirement, he responded: "Why wouldn't ..."
Reyes set for surgery today
Comment
October 15
New York Post
 
"Jose Reyes finally set a date for long-overdue surgery on his torn right hamstring tendon, scheduling the procedure for today in Dallas. The Mets announced the day after the regular season ended that Reyes finally would have the surgery, which if done when the shortstop originally injured his hamstring in May likely would have allowed him to return later in the season. The surgery to remove scar tissue on the tendon, which is being performed Cowboys' team physician Daniel Cooper on the recommendation of the Mets' doctors, should enable Reyes to return in time for the start of spring training."
Hard-throwing Jenrry Mejia emerges as New York Mets top pitching prospect
Comment
October 14
New York Daily News
 
"Jenrry Mejia felt ill and stiff the day he auditioned for the Mets at their old Dominican Republic complex in Boca de Nigua two years ago. "I don't know how I can throw today. I think I'll throw maybe 86 (mph) because I feel tight," he told the adviser who brought him to the tryout. The man recommended Mejia not get on the mound, but Mejia persisted. "I said, 'I'm here. I'm throwing. I don't care,'" Mejia recalled. "I didn't stretch. Nothing. I threw in the game, I think, 91 or 92." International operations director Ismael Cruz signed Mejia - who had drawn interest from Boston, Cincinnati, Florida, Kansas City and Texas - on the spot. For a bargain price of $16,500, no less. Now, Mejia ..."
Ex-Met Wagner eyes retirement, not 400th career save
Comment
October 13
New York Post
 
"Billy Wagner may have thrown his last pitch in the major leagues. The former Mets pitcher told The Post yesterday he's planning to retire rather than pursue a closer's job -- and 400 career saves -- next season. Wagner allowed two runs in two-thirds of an inning for the Red Sox on Sunday in Game 3 of the ALDS before closer Jonathan Papelbon surrendered three runs in the ninth. The Red Sox season ended with a 7-6 loss to the Angels. "I don't plan on talking to nobody," Wagner said, when asked where he might pitch next season. Does that mean retirement? "Why wouldn't I?" he said. "I've got nothing else to [accomplish]." That's a different picture than Wagner painted before leaving the Mets ..."
Angels' ace John Lackey should hear pitch from Mets
Comment
October 9
New York Daily News
 
"He has had a big-game reputation since he won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series as a 24-year-old rookie, yet John Lackey hadn't won a postseason start since that magical night. And last October he had raised eyebrows in his own clubhouse by complaining about a lack of offense after losing to the Red Sox. Suffice to say he has restored his reputation. On a night when the Angels needed someone to simply refuse to lose to the Red Sox and send a message that the past is the past, Lackey proved his worth in more ways than one. In one way, by throwing 7-1/3 shutout innings, he may well have set exactly the tone the Angels need to finally play their way past the Red Sox in the postseason. In ..."
Mets spare Razor ax in shakeup
Comment
October 7
New York Post
 
"You wouldn't know it from the changes Jerry Manuel made to his coaching staff yesterday, but the Mets lost 92 games this season. That depressing fact seemed to escape Manuel as he announced just two firings and the puzzling decision to include third-base coach Razor Shines among a surprisingly large number of holdovers. Getting the axe were bench coach Sandy Alomar Sr. and first-base coach Luis Alicea, while pitching coach Dan Warthen, hitting coach Howard Johnson and bullpen coach Randy Niemann are receiving one-year contracts to return in their current positions after the Mets' fourth-place finish. Shines and catching instructor Sandy Alomar Jr. also are coming back, but in different ..."
Mets COO Jeff Wilpon says Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel deserve another chance
Comment
October 5
The Times of Trenton
 
"Mets COO Jeff Wilpon called this season "totally unacceptable" but said general manager Omar Minaya and manager Jerry Manuel deserve another shot to win in 2010. Standing beside Minaya in a news conference at Citi Field, Wilpon said the Mets will be changing their "medical protocols" after the team was widely criticized for its handling of injuries this year. Wilpon declined to specify what those changes will be, but said the Mets will not make any changes to its medical and training staff. Wilpon said much of the problem was related to the "poor job" of communicating with the public about injuries -- which Wilpon took responsibility for -- and said he would oversee the "improvement in ..."
Minaya might hire fired GMs
Comment
October 5
New York Post
 columnist Joel Sherman
"Omar Minaya reached out to Kevin Towers and J.P. Ricciardi over the weekend to express his support after the two were fired as general managers and also to lay the groundwork to speak to both soon about possible jobs in the Mets' organization, The Post has learned. Minaya views both as friends whose strength as talent evaluators would be assets at a time when the Mets are trying to improve both their roster and the process by which they judge players. It is an intriguing and potentially nervy move by Minaya. Towers with San Diego and Ricciardi in Toronto were long-serving GMs before being dismissed. If one or both come to the Mets, they would be arriving at a time when Minaya is not in ..."
Jose expects to start '10 on time
Comment
October 2
New York Post
 
"Jose Reyes is vowing to make a quick recovery from his latest hamstring setback. How quick? "I'll be ready for spring training," Reyes guaranteed to The Post. Reyes also revealed the injury he suffered Tuesday was just a partial tear of the right hamstring muscle, a development that likely means the shortstop won't need surgery for that specific ailment. Six weeks or more of rest and therapy -- not surgery -- is usually recommended for hamstring injuries unless there is a complete tear. Reyes, however, might soon need surgery to reattach his completely torn right hamstring tendon and remove scar tissue that has built up around the tendon since he tore it in early June. Asked by a Post ..."
Jason eyeing NY homecoming
Comment
September 22
New York Post
 
"Jason Marquis apparently holds no grudge toward the Mets for their lack of interest in him last winter. Jeff Francoeur told The Post yesterday that Marquis, whom he considers a close friend, desperately wants to pitch for the Mets next season, even as the veteran right-hander focuses on helping the Rockies clinch a wild-card berth. "He'd love to come here," Francoeur -- who indicated Marquis broached the subject to him and David Wright earlier this month when the Mets played at Colorado -- said before last night's 11-3 Atlanta win at Citi Field. "He'd be a great fit. He's from Staten Island. He's a New York type of guy. He'll probably be coming off the best season he's ever had." The ..."
Delgado's Mets days may be done
Comment
September 19
New York Post
 
"Carlos Delgado may have played his last game as a Met. The first baseman, who will be a free agent this winter, admitted yesterday that a return this season is highly unlikely. Delgado's surgically repaired hip acted up last week when he tried to run, the latest setback for the 37-year-old. "I was trying to run again outside this week and it didn't feel very good afterwards," Delgado said. "We don't have very much time. I don't want to rule anything out. "We'll see how it is over the weekend, and I guess we'll have to make a decision." Mets manager Jerry Manuel sounded pessimistic when asked about Delgado before last night's game with the Nationals at Citi Field. "I think time is running ..."
Mets' John Maine cleared for Sunday return after throwing simulated game Thursday
Comment
September 11
The Times of Trenton
 
"John Maine took his last step before returning to the Mets when he threw 20 pitches in a simulated game Thursday at Citi Field. Maine faced Wilson Valdez and Jeremy Reed before the Mets' series finale against the Marlins and declared himself good to go Sunday at Philadelphia. Maine, who has been on the DL since June 7 with what the Mets call "weakness" in his right shoulder, will start the first game of a day-night doubleheader Sunday at Citizens Bank Park. "I feel fine," Maine said. "I haven't had many times to go out there and pitch yet coming off the injury, but whether it's a simulated game or a real game, it's good to go out and throw." Pitching coach Dan Warthen stood behind Maine as ..."
Sheff coming 'back'
Comment
September 11
New York Post
 
"In a surprising revelation, Gary Sheffield might return this season. Last Sunday, manager Jerry Manuel said that Sheffield, who has been suffering from back spasms, was unlikely to come back this year. "I would say he's pretty close to being out," Manuel said. But Sheffield's back apparently has improved. Though the 40-year-old hasn't played since Aug. 28, he resumed batting practice yesterday and said that he felt OK. Sheffield said he would see how he feels today but could potentially play this weekend versus the Phillies. Manuel, for his part, said yesterday that Sheffield can return this year if there are no setbacks. The Mets have 23 games remaining. Sheffield, who will be a free ..."