The Mets have agreed to sign left-handed reliever Tim Byrdak to a minor league deal, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter). Mike Silva of the New York Baseball Digest first reported the deal.
Byrdak posted a 3.49 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 4.7 BB/9 in 38 2/3 innings for the Astros last year before they outrighted him off of their 40-man roster in November. Byrdak has a career ground ball rate of 40.9%, but that figure dropped to 28.6% in 2010, the 37-year-old's ninth big league season.
Earlier this week, Mets manager Terry Collins said he'd like to add another left-handed reliever to complement newcomer Taylor Tankersley.
Nicolaus Copernicus
Minor League deal, won’t hurt.
Mets fan Forever
this guy looks ok im fine with this deal…by olli
Mr Top Ten
Mets are making small smart moves that won’t deplete their medicore farm system while they wait for bad deals to come off the books. Smart and I totally agree. That being said unless Bay and Beltran hit at least 25 Homers this year they will finish last.
CitizenSnips
Not with the Nationals still in the division.
Mets fan Forever
yo i wouldn’t count on automatic 4th place ahead of the nats… I love the mets but i still think that with all the moves the nats have made this off season they could do better than the mets unless we can prove our selves worthy of third place, cause the braves are building up their team and look pretty hard to beat…so as long as we work hard this st we have a chance for third
Lastings
Nationals always find a way to lose, sort of like the Mets minus the money. For instance, Desmond and Dunn had outstanding offensive seasons, but defensively were miserable and cost them some games. As long as Washington is in the NL East or any MLB division for that matter (sans Pirates), they will finish in last.
Mr Top Ten
Out of all the “white sale type” players Mets have signed I think Cappy and Buchholz are the best moves. I would be shocked if Young (who I like) can give us 15 starts until Johan comes back. Our pitching is so thin, but at least I expect Santana and Mejia to be part of teh staff after July 1st. Bay and Beltran better hit
Kevin
another bottom feeder move for los mets!
Infield Fly
Yeah, and lookie! It comes with “free” bottom-feeder style comments from Phillies & Braves fans!! >:)
Kevin
well when the Mets are a relevant baseball franchise we will stop
Infield Fly
Actually, you probably won’t. 😀
mattmosher
Exactly…..laugh now Phillies fans, laugh now.
Marchetti89
why are phillies fans more interested in the mets than the phillies?
bjhaas1977
because met fans are the only fans in the divison with ant heart!
bjhaas1977
any heart
TheRza82
Another low risk, high reward signing by the Mets that the previous regime would never make. I like what the mets are doing. They are signing a lot of depth and counting on their already very talented roster to stay healthy. If Beltran and Bay are truly healthy, paired along with Wright, Pagan, Reyes, and if Ike Davis continues to develop upward than the Mets are going to have a scary offense. The Rotation just needs to hold the fort down till Johan returns and I think they can do it if Pelfrey can repeat his first half performance and if Niese can build upon last year’s great campaign. All Chris Young has to do is stay healthy and we know he can pitch.
Now, if the Mets could just sign someone like Felipe Lopez or Will Aybar to second base. I will kill myself if I have to watch Castillo/Tejada platoon and I’m not too sold on Daniel Murphy yet. A “high grade” MCL tear is not a minor injury. It’s going to affect his lateral quickness, as well as his power at the plate.
Should the Mets except to win the division or even steal a wildcard birth? Nah, probably not but they should except to be over 500 and really be a competitive ball club.
baseball islife
minor deal. opening up for our hopefully big 2012 season good smart signing