New York Mets Trade Rumors

Report: Torrealba on verge of deal with Padres, not Mets
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February 4
New York Post
 
"Free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba is likely to sign with the Padres, not the Mets, according to ESPN. ESPN reporter Buster Olney writes on his Twitter page, "Heard this: The Padres are on the verge of a deal with catcher Yorvit Torrealba on a one-year (contract)." Olney previously reported that Torrealba wanted to get the Mets to negotiate, but the team claimed it didn't have the money to sign him."
Phillies to observe workout of former Giants lefty Lowry
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February 2
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed that the Phillies plan to watch Noah Lowry, who hasn't pitched since 2007 because of a series of arm injuries, when he auditions for scouts in Arizona. That was supposed to happen today, but the session was postponed to give the 29-year-old lefthander more time to prepare. The Phillies general manager last night characterized the team's interest as "moderate." The Astros, Mets, Rangers and Red Sox also are reportedly interested. About half the teams are expected to be represented when he has his open bullpen session. Lowry's agent, Damon Lapa, told the Associated Press that the former Giants No. 1 draft choice hasn't had a setback, but decided it would be to his ..."
Report: Mets watching Wang
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January 30
New York Post
 
"Chien-Ming Wang is being watched closely by the Mets, according to ESPN Insider. Wang's agent told the Web site that four or five teams are interested in the 29-year-old right-hander who had elbow surgery in July and is not expected to be major-league ready until May. The report says the Mets also are looking at John Smoltz and Braden Looper, and are stopping short with Wang because he will not be available for the entire season."
Tatis re-signs with Mets; Delgado won't be back
Comment
January 29
New York Post
 
"Fernando Tatis is back with the Mets. The veteran utilityman agreed to a one-year deal today with the team, contingent upon his passing a physical. The Post first reported yesterday that the two sides were close to a deal. Tatis' return all but signals the end of Carlos Delgado's Mets career. Tatis is expected to platoon at first base with Daniel Murphy, but could see action in the outfield, if needed. According to a baseball source, Tatis agreed to a deal that will pay him less than the $1.7 million he earned last season, but he could approach that figure if he reaches certain incentives. The 35-year-old hit .282 with eight homers and 48 RBIs last season as a part-time player. The Rockies ..."
Tatis close to returning to Mets
Comment
January 28
MLB.com
 
"The Mets are close to bringing back Fernando Tatis to possibly serve in a platoon with current first baseman Daniel Murphy, according to published reports. Mets general manager Omar Minaya is "deep into negotiations" with Tatis and "wants an answer soon" from his agent, Gary Goodman, the New York Post reported late Wednesday night. The New York Daily News, meanwhile, said that Tatis "will return" to the Mets. A deal with the free agent is expected to be finalized within days, according to both outlets, and it could eliminate any chance of the Mets re-signing Carlos Delgado, who is recovering from hip surgery and recently finished a stint in the Puerto Rican Winter League."
Mets close to re-signing Tatis
Comment
January 28
New York Post
 
"Omar Minaya is deep into negotiations with Fernando Tatis for a return engagement, and could have a deal complete within a matter of days, according to a baseball source. That development would seem to eliminate the possibility of Carlos Delgado returning to the Mets next season, because Tatis has been told by Minaya that he is wanted as part of a first-base platoon with Murphy. Tatis made $1.7 million last season for the Mets and seeks a comparable 2010 contract. The Rockies and Mariners have also expressed interest. The source said Minaya spoke to Tatis' agent, Gary Goodman, on Wednesday and wants an answer soon. Tatis, who has a long history with Minaya, recently told friends his ..."
Sheets seeking $8 million deal
Comment
January 25
SI.com
 
"The A's, Rangers and Mets are among teams considering free agent pitcher Ben Sheets, who raised his value with what was described by several scouts as an excellent showcase last week in Monroe, La. The A's tried this winter for Marco Scutaro, Adrian Beltre and Jamey Carroll, and they appear very much in the mix for Sheets. The AL West rival Rangers, who are getting a new ownership group led by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan, also are looking at Sheets. The Mets came up a bit short in their efforts to sign Joel Pineiro, who went to the Angels for $16 million over two years and are looking at Sheets, Jon Garland, John Smoltz and Jarrod Washburn. Sheets has been seeking a guarantee of $8 ..."
Mets get Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. in trade as insurance for Carlos Beltran's knee surgery
Comment
January 22
New York Daily News
 
"In a move made to help fill the hole in center field caused by Carlos Beltran's knee surgery, the Mets have agreed on a trade that will acquire outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. from the Angels, according to a club source. The Mets weren't able to talk the Angels into taking Luis Castillo as part of the trade, so instead they are giving up right-handed reliever Brian Stokes. As part of the deal, the Angels will eat eat all but $4 million of the $24 million owed Matthews over the final two years of his contract. Matthews, 35, hit .250 with four home runs and 50 RBIs in a part-time role with the Angels last season. He has two years remaining on a five-year, $50 million contract he signed with the ..."
Mets trade for CF Gary Matthews Jr.
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January 22
Bergen Record
 
"The Mets have made a trade with the Los Angeles Angels to acquire Gary Matthews Jr., with the Angels picking up nearly all of the $23.5 million remaining on the two years of his contract, a baseball official confirmed. The Mets are expected to pay $2 million of the deal, providing them with a veteran - if severely tarnished - center field option while Carlos Beltran rehabilitates from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Mets officials have speculated that Angel Pagan would handle the starting duties in center while Beltran, who is expected to miss the first month of the season, is out. But Matthews Jr. would provide insurance for Pagan, as well as Jason Bay in left."
Mets trade for outfielder Gary Matthews Jr.
Comment
January 22
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Mets traded for Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. on Friday morning, a move that provides insurance as Carlos Beltran recovers from knee surgery. The Mets sent reliever Brian Stokes to the Angels, who according to SI.com (the first to the trade), picked up the bill for all but $2 million on the $23.5 million left on Matthew' contract over the next two years. The Angels felt saddled by Matthews' five-year, $50 million deal, considered widely to be a free agent flop. He's faltered after signing the deal and was named in the Mitchell Report. Matthews has since become a reserve outfielder, hitting .250 with four homers and 50 RBIs in 103 games last season."
Angels deal Gary Matthews Jr.
Comment
January 22
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels have reached an agreement with the Mets to send disgruntled outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. to New York for reliever Brian Stokes. The trade was announced this morning. The Angels signed Matthews to a five-year, $50-million free-agent contract before the 2007 season. But he batted just .252 that season, and the team signed Torii Hunter for five years and $90 million to replace him in center field that winter, relegating Matthews to a fourth outfielder spot for much of the next two seasons. Matthews had repeatedly asked the Angels to trade him during that time, but his sizable contract has made that difficult to do. However, the Mets, after learning this month that their center ..."
Will Ben Sheets become Mets' consolation prize?
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January 22
Bergen Record
 
"One by one, the names have come off the board, free agents opting for another team in another city and leaving the Mets jilted and still incomplete. Early in the winter it was Randy Wolf and in recent days it was Bengie Molina and Joel Pineiro. Now the Mets are left to play a game of chicken with Ben Sheets, the high-risk, high-reward right-hander who is recovering from elbow surgery and auditioned in front of the Mets and a number of other teams Tuesday. Now, the Mets are interested, but must consider a price that is worth the risk — and able to convince Sheets that New York is the place to resurrect his career. An ESPN.com report said that the Mets and A's were the favorites to spend the ..."
Mets get Gary Matthews Jr. in trade with Angels
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January 22
New York Post
 
"The Mets are ready to fill the vacancy in center field created by Carlos Beltran's absence for at least the season's first month. The team announced today it has acquired Gary Matthews Jr. in a trade with the Angels for reliever Brian Stokes. Matthews hit .250 with four homers and 50 RBIs last season. The Angels agreed to send the Mets $21 million of his remaining $24 million salary as part of the trade, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press."
New York Mets might make pitch to ex-Yankee pitcher Chien-Ming Wang
Comment
January 22
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets are scouring the pitching market and have been in touch with Ben Sheets since they watched him at his throwing session in Louisiana on Tuesday. Another possible starting option is Chien-Ming Wang, who has been throwing for nearly seven weeks and could be pitching in the majors by May 1. The Mets are among 15 teams with interest in Wang, according to Alan Nero, who along with Alan Chang represents the former Yankee. Wang, who won 19 games in 2006 and 2007, is coming back from shoulder surgery and was non-tendered by the Yankees. Nero says Wang "has worked very, very hard and is in the best shape of his life. "He's been under the very watchful eye of Dr. (James) Andrews," Nero ..."
If Delgado a no-go, Mets may tab Tatis
Comment
January 22
New York Post
 
"The Mets' hunt for another first-base option includes a longtime favorite of general manager Omar Minaya. According to an industry source, if Carlos Delgado is not re-signed, Fernando Tatis is a strong candidate to rejoin the Mets next season. The organization continues to monitor Delgado's progress in the Puerto Rican winter league. The Rockies and Mariners have expressed interest in the free agent Tatis, who appeared in 125 games for the Mets last season and batted .282 with eight homers and 48 RBIs. More notably, he hit into 13 double plays in only 340 at-bats. EPA Tatis' agent, Gary Goodman, told The Post he has not been contacted by the Mets, but also said Tatis possibly has made ..."
Oy, Bay! Health worries resurface
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January 20
New York Post
 
"Is Jason Bay damaged goods? That question will likely dog the Mets' new left fielder until he works well into his four-year deal worth $66 million -- a pact that includes a vesting option for a fifth season with the club. A report by Peter Gammons on NESN's Web site yesterday figures to raise suspicions more. According to the report, the Red Sox offered Bay a four-year contract worth $60 million last summer before having second thoughts when an MRI raised concerns about the health of Bay's knees. The Red Sox, according to Gammons, responded by lowering their offer to two years."
Mets avoid arbitration with Jeff Francoeur
Comment
January 19
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Outfielder Jeff Francoeur signed a one-year contract on Tuesday to avoid arbitration with the Mets. According to the Associated Press, Francoueur will make $5 million in 2010, a $1.6 million bump in salary from last season. "I'm thrilled to get it out of the way a month before spring training," Francoeur said, in a statement. "Once we get to Florida, I can concentrate just on baseball. All of us have a lot to prove this season and I can't wait to get going.""
Ben Sheets to audition for teams, including New York Mets
Comment
January 19
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets' search for additional starting pitching will take them down to the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where four-time All-Star Ben Sheets is throwing Tuesday in a showcase for potential suitors, according to a baseball executive with knowledge of the Mets' plans. If he wouldn't quite be The Franchise, at least he'd be a natural for the Mets - his 7-year-old son is named Seaver after, you guessed it, Tom Terrific. Sheets, 31, missed all of 2009 after having surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. He started the 2008 All-Star Game for the National League and finished that season 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA and a league-leading three shutouts. Over his eight-year career, ..."
Mets' options to replace Carlos Beltran in center field are limited
Comment
January 15
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Carlos Beltran's decision to have surgery caught the Mets off guard, so they had yet to determine how it will affect their offseason plans Thursday. But filling the void Beltran leaves both offensively and in center field is no easy task. "Certainly, you're talking about one of the best players in the game, and us losing his services at least for the early part of the season," assistant GM John Ricco said. "To the extent that changes our viewpoint, we're discussing that right now." The Mets' options appear to be limited. Angel Pagan is the best in-house candidate to start in place of Beltran. Rick Ankiel (another Scott Boras client) and Alfredo Amezaga are the only center fielders ..."
New York Mets may not sign center fielder to fill-in for Carlos Beltran
Comment
January 15
New York Daily News
 
"Perhaps no team in baseball needs a good start next season more than the Mets, who now will have to do it without Carlos Beltran as he recovers from knee surgery. But instead of replacing their center fielder, who probably won't be ready until mid-May even in the best-case scenario, some in baseball believe the Mets could soften the blow from Beltran's injury by being more aggressive in filling other holes. In other words, Met fans, meet Angel Pagan, perhaps your Opening Day center fielder. Or maybe Fernando Martinez? "Unfortunately, there aren't a ton of center fielders out there now," said Jim Duquette, the former Met GM who is now an analyst on Sirius/XM radio. "Rick Ankiel is out ..."
Carlos Beltran said New York Mets GM Omar Minaya knew about knee surgery in advance
Comment
January 15
New York Daily News
 
"Welcome to the Mets' latest injury fiasco and PR disaster. With assistant GM John Ricco standing in as front man for the organization, the Mets put the onus squarely on Carlos Beltran and agent Scott Boras for ignoring protocol and a direct request from the team to wait for additional medical opinions before the star center fielder underwent arthroscopic surgery Wednesday on his problematic right knee. Filling in on a conference call because, the team said, GM Omar Minaya and owner Jeff Wilpon were traveling back from the owners' meetings in Arizona, Ricco contended that the Mets didn't find out that the procedure had taken place until after it was performed by Dr. Richard Steadman in ..."
Differing stories emerge around Beltran surgery
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January 15
New York Post
 
"On one side yesterday Mets assistant general manager John Ricco claimed Carlos Beltran underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday without the team's consent. On the other side Beltran's agent, Scott Boras, told The Post the Mets were in agreement with the surgery that will keep the center fielder sidelined from baseball activities for at least the first month of the season. Thus, a disturbing conflict that locks the Mets against arguably their best player and inarguably the most powerful agent in the game waged into a second day. Neither side was backing down from its account, and if that continues the Mets could make a formal protest, possibly attempting to be reimbursed ..."
Jays not making run at Delgado
Comment
January 14
MLB.com
 
"The Blue Jays do not plan on reserving a uniform for the return of Carlos Delgado. Despite rumors that the veteran slugger might be headed back to where his career began, such a reunion remains a highly unlikely scenario. "Delgado doesn't fit into the Blue Jays' plans," a Major League source told MLB.com Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos declined comment, sticking to his policy of not responding to reports and rumors. That said, adding the 37-year-old Delgado does not seem like a move that would fall in line with Anthopoulos' approach since taking over as GM at the end of last season. Anthopoulos has emphasized having strong player development, with the goal of creating a model ..."
Rockies exploring veteran Tatis
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January 14
MLB.com
 
"The Rockies had preliminary discussions earlier this week with veteran utility man Fernando Tatis, the player's agent said on Wednesday. Gary Goodman said he had a discussion with Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, and Tatis himself said he was intrigued with the club. Goodman said, however, that the Rockies are still formulating their plan for 2010. Tatis, 35, hit .282 with eight home runs and 48 RBIs in 125 games for the Mets last season. The Rockies have looked at Tatis, Robb Quinlan and Melvin Mora as possible utility candidates. Although the club is looking at right-handed hitters who play multiple positions -- especially the infield and outfield corners, the Rockies also are in ..."
Mets close to signing Molina
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January 14
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mets were "close" to signing catcher Bengie Molina on Wednesday, two major league sources told FOXSports.com, although it is unclear if the news of Carlos Beltran's knee surgery could affect the completion of those talks. The team issued a news release Wednesday night, explaining that Beltran elected to undergo an "arthroscopic clean out" of the arthritic area in his right knee."
Sources: Bengie Molina has lowered asking price
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January 12
Foxsports.com
 
"Free agent catcher Bengie Molina has lowered his asking price, multiple sources said Tuesday, raising the likelihood of a long-expected union with the New York Mets. Molina had been asking for a three-year contract, but one source believes he is now willing to sign for two years. Molina is thought to be the key to the remaining marketplace for free agent catchers. Rod Barajas, Yorvit Torrealba and Molina's brother, Jose, are among those still available. It's been assumed for weeks that Bengie Molina won't return to San Francisco. He batted .265 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs for the Giants last year."
Carlos Delgado playing in Puerto Rico
Comment
January 7
Bergen Record
 
"If the Mets want to see what Carlos Delgado has left in the tank they had better look closely. While the 37-year-old first baseman finally made his return to action this week after missing nearly the 2009 season due to hip surgery and seeing his Puerto Rican Winter League debut pushed back, he has little time left to impress the Mets – or any other team. He went 3-for-8 in his first two games, playing Sunday and Monday for the Gigantes de Carolina, singling three times with one strikeout. He was the designated hitter and left for a pinch-runner when he singled in the eighth inning Monday. The Mets would like to see his durability and his ability to move in the field, but he has yet to play ..."
Jason Bay agrees to four-year deal with New York Mets
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December 29
New York Daily News
 
"The Bay Watch is over. Jason Bay has agreed to a four-year contract worth about $66 million with the Mets, pending the results of a physical exam, a baseball source confirmed to the Daily News. Bay will be introduced at a press conference next week, providing there are no danger spots in the physicals. The news of Bay's agreement was first reported by WFAN Tuesday afternoon. The deal includes a vesting option for a fifth year. The 31-year-old Bay would play left field for the Mets and offers the kind of power bat they desperately need for the middle of their lineup. Last season with the Red Sox, Bay had a career-best 36 homers and 119 RBI. He has knocked in 101 or more runs and hit 30-plus ..."
As Division Rivals Stock Up, Mets' Hot Stove Stays Cool
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December 25
New York Times
 
"In a five-week span culminating right before Christmas in 2005, General Manager Omar Minaya overhauled the Mets by trading for Xavier Nady, Carlos Delgado and Paul Lo Duca and signing Billy Wagner, Endy Chavez, Jose Valentin, Julio Franco and Darren Oliver. Those players became key elements of the division-championship team in 2006, the last time the Mets made the playoffs. In a five-week span culminating right before Christmas in 2009, Minaya added two backup catchers, a Japanese reliever, a utility infielder and a 25-year-old pitcher with seven years of minor league experience. None of them slug 30 homers, catch 120 games or pitch 200 innings, all things the Mets want and need."
Mets appear to be closing on Escobar
Comment
December 25
MLB.com
 
"It may be Christmas Eve, but the baseball rumor mill never stops. A report out of Venezuela, substantiated by the New York Daily News, states that the Mets are close to reaching an agreement to sign former Angels pitcher Kelvim Escobar. The story that the Mets had offered the often-injured right-hander a Minor League deal made the rounds on the blogosphere Dec. 14, but the club has made no announcement about it since then. The first of the Christmas Eve reports was generated by Francisco Blavia, who works for Lider en Deportes, a Spanish-language news service. The Daily News, quoting an unnamed Mets official, later reported that the club was "very close to finalizing" a Minor League deal, ..."
Watch out New York Mets! Boston Red Sox might make run at Jason Bay
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December 24
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets ' patient strategy on the Jason Bay negotiations may be coming back to haunt them. Suddenly there is reason to believe that the Red Sox are ready to take another run at signing Bay, and if that's not painful enough for Mets fans to hear, they may well have the Yankees to blame for it. Radio station WEEI in Boston reported Wednesday night that the Sox have had "internal discussions" about resuming negotiations that essentially ended after Bay rejected their four-year, $60 million offer, and the ballclub in turn signed pitcher John Lackey and outfielder Mike Cameron last week. Red Sox brass had indicated after those signings that it wouldn't pursue Bay, largely because ..."
Oh, Bay-be! Mets cry out
Comment
December 24
New York Post
 
"Even if the Mets get nothing for Christmas, there still is a good chance they will have something worth celebrating for New Year's or shortly thereafter. Despite rumblings in recent days that Jason Bay might have suitors besides the Mets, a major league source told The Post yesterday that there are no other serious bidders for the free-agent outfielder. That knowledge has allowed general manager Omar Minaya to stand firm in his four-year, $65 million offer for Bay and not be concerned with a potential Plan B for left field. But the question remains: Does Bay have a desire to play for the Mets? A Mets official speculated the delay in signing Bay could be related to Bay's hope Seattle ..."
Mets Near Deal With Pitcher Missing an Elbow Ligament
Comment
December 23
New York Times
 
"On a day when the Yankees acquired the Atlanta Braves' ace, Javier Vazquez, to be their No. 4 starter, the Mets neared a deal with a converted knuckleballer who is missing a ligament in his right elbow. The Mets are on the verge of signing R. A. Dickey, who spent last season in the Minnesota Twins' organization, to a minor league contract, according to a baseball official with knowledge of their plans. He was granted anonymity because the deal has not been completed."
Four teams left in Bay bidding?
Comment
December 23
Foxsports.com
 
"With three days left before Christmas -- and the unofficial intermission of the Hot Stove season -- Jason Bay still doesn't know where he will play in 2010. But an official of one interested club believes that four teams remain involved in the bidding: the Mets, Mariners, Giants and Angels. And while the Yankees are signaling that they're not in on Bay -- or Matt Holliday, or Johnny Damon -- they have been known to shift course rapidly at this time of year."
New York Mets want bats and deny pursuit of Pedro Martinez
Comment
December 22
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets were quick to refute a report claiming they have interest in bringing back Pedro Martinez, saying they have no such intention. "There's no truth to it," a Mets official said Monday night. "There are no discussions going on (regarding Martinez)." ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reported Monday that the Mets have discussed the idea of signing the 38-year-old Martinez, who pitched well for the Phillies after signing in the second half of last season. Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, is also the agent for Bengie Molina, the free-agent catcher the Mets are trying to sign. A baseball source surmised that it's likely Cuza raised the subject of Martinez with Mets GM Omar Minaya, but if so, the Mets ..."
Mets edgy as Bengie & Bay stall
Comment
December 21
New York Post
 
"Radio silence from Jason Bay and Bengie Molina continued for the Mets over the weekend, leading some within the club to wonder if either player is truly interested in coming to Queens. The Mets remained at a negotiating standstill with Bay and Molina after offering both free agents contracts on the final day of the Winter Meetings almost two weeks ago. Mets GM Omar Minaya has indicated a willingness to wait on both players, telling The Post late last week, "It is a long offseason." But a team source said yesterday that Minaya might soon consider other options in left field and at catcher if Bay and Molina continue to leave the Mets dangling despite appearing to have no serious offers ..."
Mets appear to be lone team set to pay free agent Jason Bay
Comment
December 19
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets' competition for free agent outfielder Jason Bay dropped by one team Friday when the Mariners traded for Milton Bradley. Now it remains to be seen if the Mets and Bay can come to an agreement that would bring the outfielder to Flushing. Even before Bradley was dealt to Seattle, the Mets believed that they were Bay's primary suitors. The team is reluctant to drastically improve its offer of four years for about $65 million until team brass believes another team is in the running. "We're still close to that," a team insider said Friday night. "Everything's pretty much the same.""
Jason Bay stalls for more than four years from New York Mets
Comment
December 18
New York Daily News
 
"The Jason Bay negotiations continued Thursday, with no obvious end in sight. The Mets continue to hold to their position that they don't need to significantly improve their offer of four years for approximately $65 million, at least not until they are convinced that the 31-year-old Bay has a better alternative. They may be willing to go to a five-year offer for fewer dollars per year, but one Mets person said yesterday they have concerns about going more than four years because Bay's athleticism is somewhat suspect - he's not a great defensive outfielder - and could become an issue as he gets into his mid-30s. Meanwhile, Bay's agent, Joe Urbon, continues to hold out. However, since the ..."
Do Mets have alternative for Molina?
Comment
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mets will not give free-agent catcher Bengie Molina a three-year contract. The question is whether reasonable alternatives even exist for both parties. Few teams need catchers, and probably none is willing to give Molina, 35, a three-year deal. The Mets, meanwhile, probably cannot find a better catcher than Molina in either free agency or trade. The club is not high on free agent Yorvit Torrealba, whose talks with the Rockies broke down over his desire for a two-year, $6 million deal. A trade for the Diamondbacks' Chris Snyder is another option, but the two clubs are not in active discussions. Free agents Miguel Olivo and Rod Barajas? Possibilities. The Mets currently have four ..."
Mets tweak offer to Bay, re-enter chase for Holliday
Comment
December 16
SI.com
 
"Moving aggressively to try to secure a power-hitting left fielder, the Mets tweaked their offer to Jason Bay to give him a possible five-year alternative and are getting back into the ballgame for Matt Holliday, as well, SI.com has learned. Mets GM Omar Minaya and Bay's agent, Joe Urbon, spoke at length on Tuesday. Minaya is thought to have signaled a willingness to go to a five-year deal (at slightly lower dollars per year than the original four-year offer for close to $65 million), but with Bay still believed to be seeking a six-year deal from them, the Mets apparently have decided to dip back in on Holliday. The Mets, who are now believed willing to go to about $75 million for five for ..."
Omar Minaya urges Met fans: Be patient
Comment
December 16
Bergen Record
 
"Omar Minaya had his Tuesday schedule highlighted with two tasks. First, escort a handful of players into the Acela Club at Citi Field for a children's Christmas party. Next, reach out to John Lackey's agent and make an offer for the prize of the free agent pitching market. But before Minaya could make the phone call, Lackey already was out of the Mets' reach, reaching a preliminary agreement with the Boston Red Sox on Monday. That left Minaya empty-handed at the Christmas party, where the kids were content with the sight of Santa and his elves in the form of Jeff Francoeur, Jose Reyes, Bobby Parnell, Jon Niese and Angel Pagan. Among Mets fans, Minaya might not be so fortunate. Minaya ..."
Sources: Mets monitoring Holliday talks
Comment
December 16
ESPN.com
 
"The New York Mets remain in serious negotiations on outfielder Jason Bay, and as of Wednesday morning, their offer stood at four years, according to sources. It's possible that there will be movement in the Mets offer -- which was between $60 million and $65 million over four years -- but as of Wednesday morning, that had not happened. The Mets had hoped to sign Bengie Molina, but to this point, the catcher -- who turned down an offer from the Mets when he was a free agent a few years ago -- is sticking to his demand for a three-year deal."
New York Mets close to deal for Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi
Comment
December 16
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets "are in serious discussions" to sign Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi , according to Arn Tellem , who represents the 30-year-old righthander. Igarashi projects as a possible setup man for closer Francisco Rodriguez . Tellem refused to comment further on talks with the Mets and his client, who was 3-2 with a 3.19 ERA in 56games for the Yakult Swallows last season, but the team last night said it is close to finalizing a two-year deal. According to NPB Tracker, a Web site that follows Japanese baseball, Igarashi owns one of the hardest fastballs in Japan , once throwing one 98.75 miles-per-hour in a game in 2004, the fastest pitch clocked in a Japan game. He may not throw ..."
New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes forecasts gift of health in 2010
Comment
December 16
New York Daily News
 
"The news around the Mets has been bad this week, with John Lackey going to the Red Sox and Roy Halladay landing in Philly . But Jose Reyes actually had some good news to report Tuesday at Citi Field : The Mets' shortstop didn't hurt himself handing out Christmas gifts to kids. Reyes, who tore the hamstring tendon in his right leg last season, said he has had no pain after surgery and expects to be 100% by the start of spring training. "The doctors said I am supposed to be the same Jose Reyes, I should be 100%, I should recover my speed," said Reyes, who was at Citi Field Tuesday for the Mets' annual holiday party for local children. "I don't know if (I am) going to recover it ..."
Doctor Under Investigation Treated Mets' Reyes
Comment
December 16
New York Times
 
"After Mets shortstop Jose Reyes injured his right leg last May, his season deteriorated into a series of physical setbacks. As the frustrations mounted about the injury - first diagnosed as calf tendinitis and then as a torn hamstring tendon - Reyes's agent, Peter Greenberg, approached the Mets with a proposal. Greenberg urged the Mets to agree to send Reyes to Toronto to receive platelet-rich plasma therapy - a procedure that does not violate baseball's performance-enhancing drug policies - from Dr. Anthony Galea, according to several people with direct knowledge of the matter. Greenberg, who was acting at Reyes's behest, was not the only agent who asked teams to send their players to be ..."
Mets Are Close to Signing a Japanese Relief Pitcher
Comment
December 16
New York Times
 
"The Mets are close to signing the Japanese pitcher Ryota Igarashi to a two-year deal, according to a person who was briefed on the situation but not authorized to discuss the matter. It was not a high-profile outfielder or starting pitcher, but the Mets also needed to improve their bullpen. The Mets had no comment on the negotiations, but Arn Tellem, Igarashi's agent, confirmed that talks were at an advanced stage."
Mets Near a Deal With Ryota Igarashi
Comment
December 15
New York Times
 
"The Mets are close to signing Ryota Igarashi, a Japanese pitcher, to a two-year deal, according to a person briefed on the situation. Yes, they need an outfielder to hit in the middle of the batting order and another starting pitcher, but they also needed to improve their bullpen. Igarashi, a 30-year-old right-handed reliever, pitched for the Yakult Swallows in the Japanese Central League since 1999 and was scouted heavily this year by many major league teams, including the Mets, the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Mariners and the Indians. Most of those scouts projected him as an effective late-inning reliever at the major league level."
Mets will have to settle for free agent leftovers
Comment
December 15
Bergen Record
 columnist Steve Popper
"When a contingent of Mets' players gather today at Citi Field for the club's annual Christmas party, the theme will be to give to children. Jeff Francoeur will be in the Santa outfit. Jose Reyes will be an elf. And Omar Minaya is left to play Scrooge for the Mets' fans already beginning to feel as if "Wait till next year" is a threat. What the Mets really wanted for Christmas went packing to other homes Monday. In one day, the Phillies reportedly are close on a three-team deal that will land them Roy Halladay, and the already pitching-rich Red Sox came to terms with the only free agent pitcher that matters, John Lackey, on a five-year, $85 million deal. And in New York, the Mets and ..."