Mets GM Sandy Alderson is searching for a closer, but that’s by no means his team's lone offseason need. Here’s the latest, as the Mets work to build their first playoff team since 2006…
- Free agent relievers Jon Rauch and Brad Lidge are “strong” on the Mets’ radar, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post (on Twitter).
- The Mets inquired on Andrew Bailey, but they don’t seem to be willing to meet Oakland’s asking price, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post (on Twitter). The Rangers, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mariners and Reds are also interested in the former AL Rookie of the Year.
- Though previous Mets administrations liked Orlando Hudson and he’s now “very available,” the Mets aren’t currently interested, according to Sherman (Twitter link). The Padres owe Hudson $5.5MM in 2012 and the team has an $8MM option for 2013 ($2MM buyout).
Lastings
Brad “Can’t Even Dim the Lights Anymore” Lidge…no thanks
nm344
Mets just want Lidge so their players can see what a World Series ring looks like.
Ferrariman
sign nick punto?
bucs_lose_again
Inquiring on Andrew Bailey? Really? I’d hope they would try to patch up a few holes rather than take the “Let’s make sure we get a good closer who we’ll have to overpay for which we can’t really afford to do” route.
nm344
Lidge’s last 2 years combined ERA+ of 163 and K/9 of 10.4.
He clearly can’t pitch for a power-house team like the Mets.
Ryan
Just out of curiosity, why did you choose to look at the last two years, instead of the last three? Nevermind, we both know the answer.
Lidge still has swing-and-miss stuff, just have the right expectations when you sign him. He will show up in Spring Training with some sort of injury. He will go under the knife. He will not pitch in April, and possibly will miss more than a month in any given season either because of ailments, or to “get right”. I am a Phillies fan, and this is what happened in each of the past four years. At one year older than he was this time last year, I do not expect much deviation in this pattern. But for the right price….sure.
nm344
Why only 3 and not 4?
Luis
Wow I thought this said the Marlins.
thekoshow
Please take Huston Street.
start_wearing_purple
I know Lidge has been a good closer but whenever I think of him I remember only 2 things: 1) After giving up a walk off to Pujols in 2005 he fell apart for the next season. 2) I went to a Braves/Phils game in Atlanta in August 2009 with my father, I remember telling him before the game that all the Braves had to do to win was make sure Lidge was pitching in the 9th… sure enough Lidge blew the game in the 9th.
nm344
Striking out Hinske for the final out of a WS never crosses your mind?
start_wearing_purple
Nope.
YaGottaBelieve11
Andrew Bailey for Daniel Murphy and Angel Pagan.
Pete 12
lol nahh
john
A’s want prospects not more mediocre players.
YaGottaBelieve11
A .300 hitter is mediocre? A cheaper replacement for Coco Crisp who mirrors his production is mediocre?
JacobyWanKenobi
I’m not entirely sure the Mets can afford the phone bill for the call to inquire about Andrew Bailey.
Lefty
Hahahaha! Well they might call Billy Beane collect and if he accepts, then they could afford it.
Roy-Z
I don’t really see why the Mets would have zero interest in Orlando Hudson. Better than Tejada or Turner, anyways; and with Aaaaaron Hill off the market, who’s left at 2B besides Kelly Johnson?
I should really ask Ned Colletti instead of you guys, he’s probably already cooking up this deal..
rutang
Joel Hanrahan interest?
Barrettman84
– I rather take Huston Street instead of A.bailey b/c we would only have to give Pelfrey for Street.
– We don’t need Orlando Hudson! Give Murphy the job at 2b!
I hope the Mets are inquiring about OF R.Ludwick. I would love to make a deal with Boston(Jason Bay & Cash considerations for 2-mid level prospects).
Rotation: Sign RHP J.Marquis(1yr 3mill w/incentives)
Lineup:
1- Pagan CF
2- Murphy 2b
3- Wright 3b
4- Ike 1b
5- Ludwick LF
6- Duda RF
7- Thole C
8- Tejada SS
Bench:
UT W.Harris
UT J.Turner
OF S.Hairston
C M.Nickeas
Rotation: Santana, Marquis,Niese,Gee,Dickey.
Bullpen: Street(CL), Izzy(SU), Parnell,Beato,Herrera,Carraco,Byrdak