Ex-Met Broadway accused of vicious assault

Lance Broadway, who was on the Mets briefly last season and signed with the Blue Jays this off season, has been accused of a vicious assault.

Broadway allegedly attacked a man at a Dallas New Year's Eve party. The victim, Ivan Pinney, accuses not only Broadway, but UFL player Cameron McGuire of attacking and assaulting him. Pinney is suffering from facial damage, loss of smell, and loss of vision in his left eye.

Broadway told KRTK in Houston that "everything reported so far has been wrong."

WARNING: the photos in the attatched article are very graphic.

(h/t @theropolitans)

Mets Week in Review: January 24-30

Spring Training is 18 days away! For now, let's take a look at this week's Mets news:

• Jon Garland, who may have been a target of the Mets, signed with the San Diego Padres.
• Ben Sheets signed with the A's for $10 million. The Mets never made an offer to Sheets.
• Johan Santana had a "smooth" return to the mound on Tuesday. This was the first time Santana threw off a mound since his surgery.
• Oliver Perez said that he's "feeling good." Perez worked hard this winter to get in top shape for the upcoming season.
• Keith Law released his Mets top 10 prospects list.
• Fernando Tatis re-signed with the Mets.
• The Mets signed pitcher Josh Fogg to a minor league deal. Fogg may compete for a spot in the bullpen.
• The Mets Single-A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones will rename their ballpark.
• In an interview with SNY, Omar Minaya insisted that "he's in charge."
• The Mets signed utility man Frank Catalanotto to a minor-league deal. Catalanotto is a native and still lives in Long Island.

Next Pudge with Mets?

ESPN Insider: New York Mets GM Omar Minaya doesn't plan on signing any other catchers. So they'll go into camp with Omir Santos, Henry Blanco and Josh Thole, hoping one of them steps up -- probably Blanco and Santos, Minaya said.

But he also has Thole, who Minaya is thinking about bringing up without a stint in AAA. In an interview with HotFootBlog, he said, "We also have Josh Thole, who just coming from Venezuela was hitting .380. I was part of bringing Pudge Rodriguez from double-A, (where he was) hitting about .250, and he went from double-A to the major leagues being a better catcher. In an ideal world we would still like to have Thole in triple-A but I do believe that when you have a player and he's out there playing hard. Let's see what he does, I want him to go to camp and try and make that team."

Meanwhile, it appears Minaya is done signing any big-time free agents, so Mets fans, what you see is what you've got.

Mets' fifth starter candidates -- for now

ESPN Insider: The New York Mets' fifth starter competition is shaping up, but this is all assuming they don't sign a big-name free agent like John Smoltz or Chien-Ming Wang . (GM Omar Minaya did however say he thinks the people he has now are better than what's available in the free agent market.)

The recently signed Josh Fogg will battle Fernando Nieve and Jonathon Niese for the last spot in the rotation, but there are big question marks about all of them. Fogg has a career ERA of 5.08 and primarily pitched in relief last season. Niese is 23, but he flashed potential last season in five starts with the Mets. And Nieve pitched very well in seven starts last year, but he has just 18 starts for his career.

If Fogg doesn't win the rotation job, he could be sent to the bullpen for long relief.

The Mets non-roster invites to date

Here is a list of some of the non-roster players who got invites to the Mets Spring Training Camp:

OF/IF Frank Catalanotto
P Josh Fogg
P R.A. Dickey
OF Jesus Feliciano
IF Russ Adams
IF Andy Green
IF Mike Hessman
IF Mike Cervenak
P Elmer Dessens

Catalanotto signs deal w/ Mets, gets invite to camp

Veteran utilityman Frank Catalanotto has signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets that includes an invitation to spring training.

The 35-year-old Catalanotto hit .278 with a homer and nine RBIs in 77 games last season for the Milwaukee Brewers. He's a career .292 hitter over 13 big league seasons that included stops in Detroit, Texas and Toronto.

Catalanotto has played first, second and third base, as well as both corner outfield spots during his career. That versatility could come in handy for a Mets club that was decimated by injuries last season.

Catalanotto represented Italy during the past two World Baseball Classics.

Mets watching Wang

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.

Agent Alan Nero says Wang "could sign before spring training if 'someone makes an offer we can't say no to.' "

Omar Minaya told SNY on Thursday that the free-agent market doesn't have options that are better than the pitchers already with the Mets.

Mets interested in Catalanotto

According to Jon Heyman of SI, the Mets are among 3 teams looking at Long Island's Frank Catalanotto. The Brewers and Marlins are believed to be the others.

Catalanotto hit .278 with a .346 OBP in just 144 at bats last season for the Brewers, while playing left field, right field and second base.

He doesn't have much left in the tank but he's a great teammate and a great clubhouse presence.

Omar: I'm in Charge

Omar Minaya insists he is still calling the shots for the New York Mets.

Rumors about the general manager's diminished power have circulated for months, especially after implying that a beat writer played a hand in the firing of vice president Tony Bernazard. Another red flag went up earlier this month when the Mets bypassed Minaya and had assistant general manager John Ricco hold a conference call with reporters over Carlos Beltran's knee surgery.

In an interview on SNY's "Hot Stove," Minaya says he still has final authority on baseball matters.

"Yes, I do," Minaya told host Kevin Burkhardt. "I know there's been some talk about that, but I have full autonomy." He added, "We feel good about working together and we'll continue to work together (in the front office)."

To me it's like Omar never really has a full grasp of everyting that's going on. Seems like New York and this job might be a little over his head. He did well with Montreal, a small makret and organization but this is the big time. Omar recently signed a 3 year extention but if things don't turn around and quick, then he'll be 'outta here'.

KeySpan Park to be renamed

The Mets Single-A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones will soon be changing the name of their ballpark.

The Cyclones built the ballpark in 2001, and signed the naming rights deal that year. The deal was supposed to run through 2020. KeySpan was acquired by National Grid a few years ago, so the KeySpan name no longer exists.

The team expects to have a new naming rights deal shortly.

I was wondering when they were going to change it. KeySpan has been National Grid for a few years already. The ballpark, however, is beautiful. If you haven't been, I highly recommend you check it out.

Mets possible interest in Hudson & Indians Carmona

FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal wrote Thursday night that the Cleveland Indians are trying to create payroll space in order to afford free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson.

Rosenthal reports that the Indians have looked into trading right-hander Francisco Carmona, who is guaranteed $11 million over the next two seasons. He had a poor season in 2009 -- 6.32 ERA and 70 walks in 125 frames -- sinking his trade value.

But clubs that missed out on Jon Garland, Ben Sheets and Joel Pineiro, for example, could have interest in Carmona, including the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners.

Both the Mets and Mariners, however, have at least some level of interest in Hudson themselves, despite needing to trade their incumbent second basemen to clear room for the former all-star.

I wouldn't mind seeing Carmona in a Mets uniform. If he is anywhere near healthly he can be a clear cut #2 starter. Especially in the NL and behind Johan. I think I am with everybody else with the O-Dog situation. I would prefer him over Castillo but he'd have to be traded away. I don't think it's that difficult to trade Luis, I just think Omar thinks he can contribute and wants to keep him (at least for this year).

Mets sign Josh Fogg

The Mets signed pitcher Josh Fogg to a minor league deal, reports Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post.

Despite poor peripheral stats, Fogg managed to post a 3.74 ERA in 45.6 relief innings for the Rockies last year. He tossed another 40.3 ugly innings as a starter in the minors. In his best days, Fogg was able to chew up 30 starts with an ERA around 5.00 for the Pirates and Rockies.

Not a great addition to me but he most likely won't have that much of an important role if he were to make the Opening Day roster.

Mets re-sign Tatis

The Mets have re-signed Fernando Tatis to a one-year, $800,00 deal, with incentives, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

This spells the end of Carlos Delgado's time as a member of the New York Mets.

Smoltz to Mets gaining traction?

According to Ken Davidoff of Newsday, the Mets and John Smoltz are "looking more and more like a fit."

Davidoff says that Smoltz is seeking $4 million guaranteed, and is being viewed by the Mets as a starter.

This has the makings of being an absolute disaster. Smoltz is 42 years old. Why Omar Minaya would want to touch someone who is an injury waiting to happen is beyond me.

Tatis returns. First open for Davis?

The New York Mets are nearing a deal with "Big Tati" (as per Dave Sverchek) aka Fernando Tatis, according to reports, which likely means Carlos Delgado will not be back with the club in 2010.

Scouts have had negative reports on Delgado's defense as he plays the winter league schedule to show clubs he's healthy, which may be a big reason for the Mets move on Tatis.

They'll likely go with Daniel Murphy as the first-base starter instead, which may mean the position is open for prospect Ike Davis when he's ready.

Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, the first to report the pending Tatis signing on Wednesday, said the deal with the 35-year-old Tatis, will become official in a few days. Tatis had a solid season for the Mets in 2008 (.297), but his numbers slipped slightly last season (.282, 8 homers).

Tatis can serve as the righty-batting complement at first base and also plays the outfield.

Keith Law, whose Top 100 Prospects were released Thursday, adds more on Davis' future:

"He has raw power, especially dead pull power, and showed that he can murder a fastball and lay off a lot of pitches out of the zone against right-handed pitchers. On the downside, Davis doesn't hit left-handed pitching at all, and even against right-handers struggles to recognize off-speed stuff. He's a reasonably good athlete who can handle first base and actually has a plus arm -- he was 92-94 mph as a reliever in college -- although that's less relevant at the position. A full year in Double-A/Triple-A to work on pitch recognition and on improving his approach against left-handers is probably critical for his future as an everyday player, but he has a chance to be an above-average one if he can shed the "platoon player" tag with more reps."

Mets interested in Josh Fogg

The Mets have expressed interest in free agent RHP Josh Fogg, according to MetBlog.com.

Fogg, 33, had a 3.74 ERA in 24 relief appearances last season for the Rockies, during which right-handed batters hit .176 against him.

Timo Perez to Dodgers

According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed former Met OF Timo Perez to a minor league deal with an invite to the big league camp.

Maybe now Timo has finally learned to run out balls, even if he thinks they are home runs. Yeah, I am still a tad bitter about that.

The Mets Top 10 Prospects

Keith Law of ESPN just updated his Top 10 Prospects by Organization, here are his Mets Top 10:

1. Jenrry Mejia, RHP
2. Wilmer Flores, 3B
3. Ike Davis, 1B
4. Fernando Martinez, RF
5. Brad Holt, RHP
6. Jon Niese, LHP
7. Josh Thole, C
8. Reese Havens, 2B
9. Jefry Marte, 3B
10. Juan Urbina, LHP

For his entire list of every MLB team go here

Updated: Smoltz to pull a Pedro?

Original Post: Another round of free agent pitchers came off the market this week when Ben Sheets and Jon Garland found new homes. That likely increased the leverage of John Smoltz, but the veteran right-hander may be in no rush to make a deal.

It was reported earlier this week that the Mets were active in discussions with Smoltz's agents and would use him as a starter.

Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News says Smoltz could also chose to pass on the Mets for now and wait until mid-season to find a new team. That approach worked last year for Pedro Martinez, who ended up in the World Series with Philadelphia.

Smoltz could avoid the grind of a long season and also chose a team that is assured on being in playoff contention.

I'm not in the business of telling other people what to do in their careers and this would be no different. If I were Smotlz and 43 years old, I'd probably do the same thing. If he waits it out, it leaves him more opportunities to pick his club. He wants to go to a team that's going to compete, so waiting helps him again there. Not to mention the clubs themselves can tell later on in the season what their needs will be. Especially after seeing Pedro's success and World Series run, if I were Smoltz there is no way I'd sign anytime soon. If the Mets can stay in playoff contention, they will stay in John Smoltz contention.

Added by Tom Pich at 11:27 am: Smoltz's agent denies the report, saying that the Mets never offered Smoltz a contract, and that Smoltz is open to joining the Mets.

Redding goes to Rockies

Various reports say Tim Redding has agreed to a minor league deal with the Rockies and will try to make the team as a starter or long reliever.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post writes that Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd nearly acquired Redding on two previous occasions and likes his versatility.

O's, Dodgers, Mets, BoSox & Giants keep eye on Japanese pitcher

The Orioles, Dodgers, Mets, Red Sox and Giants are among the teams believed to have an interest in free agent pitcher Hisanori Takahashi, who is looking to make the transition from Japan to Major League Baseball at age 34, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.

Takahashi, a left-hander whose best pitch is the screwball, posted a 10-6 record with a 2.94 ERA last year for the Yomiuri Giants, who play their home games in the hitter-friendly Tokyo Dome. His best season came in 2007, when he went 14-4 with a 2.75 ERA in 186 innings.

Takahashi, who's looking for a major league deal, could be an alternative to Jarrod Washburn and Noah Lowry, the top lefty starters still on the market. He has also expressed a willingness to pitch out of the bullpen.

Ollie is feeling good

Oliver Perez threw a successful side session in St. Lucie today, on the final day of the team’s three-day mini camp.

“I’m excited,’’ Perez said this morning, according to Kevin Kernan of the New York Post. “I feel very good. Next week I will do two bullpens in Arizona and that will be my routine until spring training. I feel good being here with my teammates.’’

Kernan says the Mets are working with Perez to get a full extension when he throws, putting more weight on his front foot, which will help eliminate, as Kernan described it, ‘that nasty pirouette he does so often when he loses control of the pitch and control of his head.’

Read more on Perez’s side session and more, here.

Fernando Tatis close to re-signing

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets are close to re-signing Fernando Tatis.

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 preference is to play for the Mets.

The 35-year-old hit .282 with eight homers and 48 RBIs last season, but incurred the wrath of Mets' fans by hitting into 13 double plays in 340 at-bats.

Mets Did Not Make Offer to Garland or Sheets

According to Ken Davidoff, from Newsday, the Mets never made an offer to Ben Sheets, who signed today with the A’s; nor did they make an offer to Jon Garland, who signed today with the Padres.

Davidoff says the Mets were aware of the going rates for both pitchers, ‘and deemed them to high.’

However, he believes the Mets are still in talks with free-agent RHP John Smoltz.

That leaves pitchers Smoltz, Erik Bedard and Chien Ming-Wang as the most possible choices I can see the Mets going after. The other possibility is to have in house candidates John Niese, Fernando Nieve, Nelson Figueroa and Pat Misch battle it out in Spring Training for the 5th spot.

Johan's return to mound goes smoothly

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports that the Mets ace threw in a bullpen session at the Mets minicamp Tuesday. Santana threw off a mound for the first time since surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow and said he felt "very good."

Under the watchful eyes of a traveling party that included Mets manager Jerry Manuel and pitching coach Dan Warthen, Santana threw 24 pitches Tuesday morning at the team's Spring Training complex, coming away reporting no pain or irregularities.

"We had a chance to get on the mound today, and it went really well," Santana said in an interview with WFAN after the bullpen session. "Everything was there. Of course, we have to work our way up to build on the strength and everything, but being the first time, there was nothing in my elbow. I felt like the mechanics and everything were loose, so that's a good sign."

Santana, who went 13-9 with a 3.13 ERA last year, missed the final month of the season after undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow on Sept. 1. His 25 starts were his fewest in any season since 2003, when he was a part-time reliever.

Delgado still on Mets radar?

ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure, Jr. tweeted this afternoon that theMets still have interest in Delgado, who remains one of a few first base options for the club, along with Russell Branyan.

Even before undergoing hip surgery, Carlos Delgado made his money more with his bat than with his glove. Delgado has been playing winter ball in Puerto Rico, hoping to demonstrate to the Mets, or any team for that matter, that he is fully recovered and at least a functional player at first base.

One scout tells ESPN.com's Jayson Stark in the latest Rumblings & Grumblings that Delgado should consider being a DH.

"He's got no range at first -- none," said one scout. "He actually limps out there. He can't play first on a day-to-day basis. I think he can still DH, because he's still got power. But to play first for a team like the Mets? Can't see it."

I hope the Mets move on from Delgado and get Branyan. And I hope they do it quickly.

Mets Still Looking

Jon Garland was a possible candidate for the Mets in New York, at least on the surface, but San Diego has signed the right-hander, reports MLB.com's Corey Brock.

The Padres replace some of the veteran presence vacated by the trade of Jake Peavy, and Garland could provide some solid innings to help save the bullpen.

For the Mets, they have lost out on Ben Sheets and now Garland all within hours Tuesday, but could still be interested in John Smoltz.

Pedro Martinez, Jarrod Washburn, Chien-Ming Wang and Erik Bedard are also free agents, and as ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported to us this afternoon, the Mets are expected to be in attendance when lefty Noah Lowry throws for teams next Tuesday in Phoenix.

Wrapping up a hectic Tuesday

P Ben Sheets signed with the Oakland A's for one year at $10 mil. Sheet is coming off elbow surgery that cost him all of the 2009 season. He is 31 years old, has 86 career wins and has pitched 1,428 innings in his career. There has been questions about his toughness over the years but if he can stay healthy, he is a number 1 starter.

P Jon Garland signed with the San Diego Padres for one year at $5.3 mil. The first year is $4.7M plus a $600,000 buyout. The contract includes a 2nd year and that would be a mutual option at $6.75 mil. He has been an extremely durable pitcher over his career and is even younger than Sheets. He is 30. He has 117 wins in his career and just over 1,829 innings pitched. He should help a young Padres staff.

DH Jim Thome and the Minnesota Twins agreed Tuesday on a one-year, $1.5 million contract. This will allow the 39-year-old slugger to return to the division he knows well and play for a contender with his time in baseball winding down. He will most likely be a bench player or an occasional DH against righties, with PH's rarely being used in the AL. Thome's deal includes about $750,000 in incentives, according to the Pioneer Press of St. Paul, Minn. Thome has 564 career home runs.

OF Xavier Nady signed a $3.3 million base salary with the Chicago Cubs, with performance bonuses that could bring his deal to $5.35 million. After having a second Tommy John surgery on his right arm in 2009, Nady, 31, is said to be doing well on his rehab. Nady's best season came in 2008 when he batted .305 with 25 home runs and 97 RBIs for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees.

Thought Jon Heyman had a funny tweet on twitter: "what a day. a's get sheets, cubs get nady, padres get garland, twins get thome, mets get no one."

According to Ken_Rosenthal, Garland's deal is one year, $5.3M with Padres for 2010. $4.7M plus $600,000 buyout on $6.75M mutual option for 2011.

Garland signs with Padres

Jon Garland has signed with the Padres according to Jon Heyman via MLB.com. The terms of the deal have not been stated but it is all but confirmed.

Russell Branyan a solid option for Mets at first

Russell Branyan is still a free agent after hitting 31 home runs in five months last season, and there are still options for the 34-year-old, despite Nick Johnson, Adam LaRoche and Casey Kotchman filling holes for three of Branyan's perceived suitors.

Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun suggested late last week that maybe Branyan was a fit with the Orioles, but the club signed Miguel Tejada which officially pushes Garret Atkins to first base, which was apparently the plan all along.

Joseph Vazquez recommended the Mets sign Branyan, which appears to be a fit with the poor reports from afar on Carlos Delgado's defensive prospects.

The Chicago White Sox make sense, though the South Siders have been linked recently to Jim Thome.

Branyan, with 31 homers last season, has a ton of power. He has also showed he can play 1B at a decent level. He has a lot more range than their other recently spoken about options, Carlos Delgado and Fernando Tatis. Delgado will be 38 in June. Tatis just turned 35 and Branyan just turned 34. Branyan is coming off a back injury but he wouldn't have to play everyday with Murphy backing him up. Facing right-handed pitching he's slugged .519 in the past three seasons. He is a notoriously streaky hitter, but he can hit homers in bunches and the Mets could use some power from the left side of the plate.

Heyman on Tatis: "If the Mets really do sign Fernando Tatis mostly for 1B (his worst position), they should have heads examined."

Some Met Notes

We've read a lot of reports recently centered around the New York Mets potentially adding a catcher, Rod Barajas or Yorvit Torrealba, a starting pitcher -- possibly free-agent right-handers Ben Sheets, Jon Garland or John Smoltz -- and there is always the chance they take the leap for second baseman Orlando Hudson.

Considering what the Phillies (Roy Halladay, Placido Polanco, Danys Baez) and Braves have done this offseason to improve their rosters, the Mets may feel the need to continue to push to acquire impact players.

Adam Rubin of the Daily News mentions that the club's interest in Carlos Delgado isn't real high considering how ginger he looked at first base in the winter league, and suggests that Fernando Tatis may be more likely.

Mets' Santana to test elbow Tuesday

New York Mets ace Johan Santana is set to throw off a mound, hoping his left elbow has recovered from surgery late last season.

Santana is scheduled to pitch Tuesday during the Mets' three-day minicamp at their spring training complex. He expects to ready for Opening Day after having bone chips removed Sept. 1.

"I'm feeling good. Time will tell, but I am feeling good," the two-time Cy Young winner said Monday. "We did a pretty good job with the offseason, working out and doing all the rehab, and I'm feeling good. Everything is on schedule."

Santana went 13-9 with a 3.13 ERA in 25 starts. He struggled after June, going 6-7 with a 4.02 ERA before the Mets shut him down in late August.

$8 million: The cost of Ben Sheets

Ben Sheets will cost $8 million a year, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com, who spoke to an NL Executive.

Sheets, who is often injured and didn't throw a pitch at all last year, reportedly has interest from the A's, Mets, and Rangers. But, it seems that the Mets are the only team with enough payroll flexibility to sign Sheets.

Sheets' injury history scares me, but I think he's worth the risk. His upside is huge.

Mets split on catching options

According to Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News, the Mets are split on whether to go with internal options at catcher or to go sign a free agent like Rod Barajas.

Should the Mets go with internal options, Omir Santos would likely be the starting catcher.

I like Omir, but I don't think he can produce like he did last year. I would rather go with a sure thing, like Rod Barajas, or even trade for someone like Ryan Doumit or even Chris Snyder.

Mets Week in Review: January 17-23

Here's a whole week's worth of Mets news in one handy post:

• The Carlos Beltran situation settled down, with Omar Minaya and Beltran clearing the air.
• The Mets will be holding a voluntary mini-camp for players.
• The Mets avoided arbitration with Pedro Feliciano and Jeff Francoeur.
• Ben Sheets pitched in front of 20 teams, and the Mets were in attendance.
• Bengie Molina turned down the Mets, and re-signed with the Giants for less money.
• The Mets and Sean Green settled on a contract to avoid arbitration. Angel Pagan is still holding out for more money.
• Four more players will be added to the Mets Hall of Fame.
• Omir Santos is reportedly the favorite to be the Mets starting catcher.
• The Mets are among three teams interested in infielder Adam Kennedy.
• Joel Pinerio signed with the Angels over the Mets.
• The Mets will reportedly go hard after Ben Sheets.
• The Mets acquired Gary Matthews Jr. from the Angels in exchange for Brian Stokes.
• Fernando Tatis could be coming back to the Mets.
• Carlos Delgado is not moving well in Winter Ball.

Scout on Delgado: "He actually limps out there"

Jason Stark of ESPN.com passes along an interesting quote from a scout about Carlos Delgado:

"He's got no range at first -- none. He actually limps out there. He can't play first on a day-to-day basis. I think he can still DH, because he's still got power. But to play first for a team like the Mets? Can't see it."

Delgado is currently playing in the Puerto Rican winter league.

I feel for Carlos, because I know he's trying really hard. But if he's not healthy enough to play the field, then he's not a match for the Mets. At this point, they're better off taking a flier on Ryan Garko.

Matthews Jr. a clubhouse cancer?

ESPN's Buster Olney had an interesting comment on his blog today, based on what he's heard from scouts:

"Matthews is a player to be avoided. Slow bat. Declining range. And above all else, a player who wants to be a regular and will be an unhappy distraction in your clubhouse when he's not in the lineup every day."

The Mets acquired Matthews Jr. yesterday in exchange for Brian Stokes. The Angels will pay all but $2 million of his two-year $23 million salary.

The more and more I hear about Matthews, the more I don't like this deal.

Tatis back to Mets?

According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets could have interest in bringing back Fernando Tatis.

Puma says that Tatis would become an option to platoon at first-base with Daniel Murphy should Carlos Delgado not prove he's healthy enough to move on the field in Winter Ball.

I wouldn't be totally opposed to bringing back Tatis. He's clutch...at times. But, he hits into a lot of double plays.

Audio: Minaya on Matthews Jr.

To listen to Omar Minaya's conference call regarding the Gary Matthews Jr. acquisition, click here. (Courtesy MetsBlog and SNY.)

Mets eyeing Wang, Sheets

The New York Mets appear to be eying free agent pitcher Chien-Ming Wang, as well as Ben Sheets, the New York Daily News reports.

But, competition for Wang is stiff because, according to Wangs' representative, 15 MLB teams are interested in the righty.

Both the Mets' targets are injury concerns, so the Mets may be watching closely to make sure there are no red flags in their pitching motions. Wang's reps assure that he's been "under the very watchful eye" of renowned Dr. James Andrews.

Other Mets targets might include Jon Garland, John Smoltz, Jarrod Washburn and Braden Looper.

Keith Law adds:"I think Wang is worth a flier to see if he has something left. While people can question what's left after surgery, a sinkerballer can survive with a little less velocity, so he's worth a look."

Mets acquire Matthews Jr.

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Mets will acquire Gary Matthews Jr. from the Angels. In return, the Mets will send reliever Brian Stokes to Anaheim.

Matthews, who will likely compete with Angel Pagan for the center field job while Carlos Beltran is hurt, is due to get paid $23 million for the next two years. The Angels will pick up $21.25 million of his contract.

Matthews has been on the decline since having a great year in 2006. He hit .250 with 4 home runs and 50 RBI's last year. Stokes, who has been one of the Mets most reliable relievers the past two years, was 2-4 with a 3.97 ERA in 69 games last year.

Matthews, who is the son of Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Gary Matthews, was accused of using performance enhancing drugs in 2007.

I guess it's not a terrible trade since Anaheim is paying for most of his salary. Stokes was average, and can be easily replaced.

Mets to go hard after Sheets

According to multiple reports, including an article from Buster Olney of ESPN.com, the Mets are very serious players for pitcher Ben Sheets. This has been confirmed by Joe Demayo on Twitter, who says he heard from a source that the Mets will go after him "very hard."

Sheets must really be healthy if the Mets are going after him. Because, if he wasn't, there is no way Omar would put his job on the line and sign a guy like this. He still is a question mark, but the upside is huge. This guy is like an ace when he's healthy.

Poll: Who do you want to be the Mets starting catcher?

Poll closed.

Taylor Teagarden to the Mets?

Matt Pignataro of SevenTrainToShea.com has an interesting article up on why the Mets should try and acquire Taylor Teagarden for their catching post. Here is that article:

Yesterday, Bengie Molina agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Giants.

The Mets options for available catchers outside the organization are running thin with YorvitTorrealba and Rod Barajas the only viable free agent catchers left.

There is the trade route the Mets could take with guys like Chris Snyder orDioner Navarro.

A name that intrigues me who the Mets should possibly trade for is Rangers catcher Taylor Teagarden.

Teagarden, 26, hit .217 with 6 HR and 24 RBI in 60 games last season.

He is a premium defensive big league catcher, who is an average hitter with average to above average power. Teagarden does have power potential and is an intelligent player, according to scouts.

The one knock I have on him is that he strikes out a lot. Last season, Teagarden struck out 95 times in 245 at-bats. But other than the strikeouts, Teagarden is a solid catcher, who should be looked at by the Mets.

According to an MLB source, it doesn't seem the Rangers are going to make Teagarden available as of now, but could make him available if the Rangers sign a veteran catcher. My source also says the Mets have yet to call about Teagarden, but said that could all change with Molina signing.

I am a big fan of out of the box thinking and I like where Matt is going with this. If you're running a franchise you should look at all possibilities, not just the prototypical one's.

Former Met Wilson attempting a comeback

Jim Edmonds isn't the only former Cardinals outfielder interested in making a comeback. Preston Wilson, who started 41 games down the stretch and in the postseason for the 2006 World Series winners, is also looking for a spring-training invite, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.

Wilson is now 35, hasn't played in the big leagues since injuring his knee in 2007 and actually announced his retirement at one point. But he un-retired last summer to sign with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League and hit .302, with a .474 slugging percentage in 48 games for the Ducks. But his season got derailed by two different injuries.

First, he got hit in the face by a pitch and broke an eye socket. Then, shortly after he returned, he separated a shoulder sliding into second base.

He has now healed from both of those injuries, however, and has been contacting teams in search of a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. But with nearly three dozen free-agent outfielders still unsigned, Wilson, like Edmonds, is still jobless with a month to go before spring training.

Dodgers & Mets move on from Pineiro

According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, now that Pineiro is bound for the Angels, the Dodgers are expected to focus on signing free-agent right-hander Vicente Padilla.

The Dodgers have been talking to Pineiro, Padilla, Jon Garland and Braden Looper. But money remains an issue. And Padilla is likely to be willing to sign a one-year deal for a relatively low base, plus incentives.

Padilla went 4-0 in seven regular-season starts for the Dodgers down the stretch last season, then made two spectacular postseason starts (1-0, 0.63) before getting raked for six runs in three innings against the Phillies in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series.

But who do the Mets go after? I have heard rumors on Sheets but have also heard the Rangers plan on making a strong push for him. Some other free agents besides the one's mentioned are Jarrod Washburn and Erik Bedard. They can try and sign one of this guys or go the trade route.

Update: Pinerio signs with Angels

Joel Pinerio has signed a two-year $16 million deal with the Angels, according to SI's John Heyman.

The Mets reportedly had interest in Pinerio, especially after they lost out on Bengie Molina.

I'm not the least bit upset. I think Pinerio is extremely overrated. Hopefully the Mets acquire someone like Bronson Arroyo, who I have said all along is the better option.

Sullivan signs with Astros

Cory Sullivan has signed with the Astros on a minor-league deal.

Sullivan spent last season mostly in the minors for the Mets, but played well in his short stint with the big club, hitting .250 with two home runs and 15 RBI's in 136 at bats.

Three teams interested in Adam Kennedy

John Morosi of FoxSports.com quotes the player’s agent as saying free-agent 2B Adam Kennedy has narrowed his search down to three teams, two of which see him as an every-day second baseman, while the third team likes him as a ‘super-utility player.’

Last month, during the MLB Winter Meetings, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com said the Mets and D-Backs had interest in Kennedy, with both teams viewing him as a ‘super-utility player.’
The 34–year-old Kennedy, who bats left-handed, hit .289 with a .348 OBP, 11 HR, 29 doubles and 63 RBI in 129 games for the A’s last season.

Kennedy has played played all four infield positions, plus left and right field, during his career.
He is a career .249 hitter in 1009 at bats against left-handed pitching.

Matt Cerrone of Metsblog adds: "He would be a very, very interesting player for the Mets… he’s significantly better in the field, at second, then he was earlier in his career… in the box, he strikes out a lot and doesn’t walk enough, but he puts the ball in play and can move runners around pretty well… that said, if the Mets were to bring him in to spot Luis Castillo and Daniel Murphy from time to time, as well as sliding in to the outfield, he and Alex Cora, plus Angel Pagan, could essentially cover the entire bench…

I still prefer Ryan Garko, though, whose name i have not heard in a long, long time.

Mets to stay with Santos at catcher

According to Marty Noble of MLB.com, the Mets are set with Santos behind the plate after Bengie Molina re-signed with the Giants.

The Mets' preferred plan -- signing Molina for one year -- didn't work. So now they are forced to turn inward. Their primary catcher will be Omir Santos, and his understudy will be Henry Blanco. Call it "Plan B."

Santos was one of the more pleasant surprises the Mets found in the most unpleasant 2009 season. He demonstrated power beyond expectations and earned a place as an on-call understudy late in Spring Training. And when Brian Schneider's knee squawked in mid-April, Santos got the call. As his 28th birthday approached, Santos was promoted to the big leagues for the second time in his career.

Santos proved to be an adequate receiver and an occasional run producer. Throw him a fastball and he knew what to do with it. Throw him something that wrinkled and the results weren't so good. But the '09 Mets weren't going to win the division even if Johnny Bench had been their catcher.

The Mets could look elsewhere for someone to keep the shin guards and chest protector warm until Josh Thole is big league ready in 2011. Rod Barajas and Yorvit Torrealba remain on the shelves of the free-agent market. Chances are the Mets will make no purchase, though.

A person familiar with their thinking said Wednesday the club is unconvinced that either free agent would constitute a significant upgrade over a Santos-Blanco tandem. He said the club is inclined to put its wallet back in its pocket for now and determine whether the Molina money would be more prudently spent in another area -- pitching.

And I hope that it is. That's what they need most right now

Doug Davis signs with the Brewers

According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, LHP Doug Davis has agreed to a one year, $5.25 million contract with the Brewers.

McCalvy says Davis will earn $4.25 million in 2010, and there is either a mutual option for 2011 or a $1 million buyout.

That makes 2 left handed free agents the Brewers have signed this winter along with Randy Wolf. Solid signings for Milwaukee who are still trying to bounce back from losing CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets.

Jeremy Reed signs with Blue Jays

According to MLB.com, OF Jeremy Reed has signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays with an invite to Spring Training.

Earlier this offseason, Toronto inked OF Joey Gathright to a similar Minor League deal. Reed and Gathright will likely compete for a backup outfield role on the Opening Day roster.

Reed spent 2009 with the New York Mets, hitting .242 over 126 games. Over the course of his career, the left-handed hitter has batted .255 with 11 homers and 107 RBIs in 462 games.

Some notable arbitration signings

OF Josh Hamilton - Texas Rangers
RP David Aardsma - Seattle Marniers
OF Ryan Ludwick - St. Louis Cardinals
LHP Jonathan Sanchez - San Francisco Giants
RP Chad Durbin - Philadelphia Phillies
RHP Carl Pavano, SS J.J. Hardy, OF Delmon Young & LHP Francisco Liriano - Minnesota Twins
INF Rickie Weeks and OF Carlos Gomez - Milwaukee Brewers
C Russell Martin, LHP George Sherrill and 1B James Loney - LA Dodgers
2B Howie Kendrick, C Mike Napoli and RHP Jered Weaver - LA Anaheim Angels
OF Michael Bourn and RHP Matt Lindstrom - Houston Astros
1B Jorge Cantu and RHP Leo Nunez - Florida Marlins
LHP John Danks - Chicago White Sox
RHP Manny Delcarmen and RHP Jonathan Papelbon - Boston Red Sox
RHP Peter Moylan - Atlanta Braves

Where does Delgado end up?

For a brief period on Tuesday afternoon, it looked like Carlos Delgado was headed back to the Toronto Blue Jays.

A major leaguer told an MLB.com on-air personality that he had heard Delgado was signing with the Jays. According to the website, that led to an unconfirmed tweet that was later retracted. In addition, Jays GM Alex Anthopolous quickly denied any deal.

So where does that leave Delgado? The veteran first baseman played winter ball in Puerto Rico in an effort to show that he is healthy after having hip surgery.

The Mets have not closed the door in a Delgado return, and New York is still searching for another bat after catcher Bengie Molina decided to stay in San Francisco. The Mets also could be looking for insurance after Carlos Beltran underwent knee surgery.

The Mets could obviously use Delgado's power from the left side of the plate

Tim Hudson to Mets??

It's no secret that the New York Mets are in the market for a starting pitcher. They are among the teams interested in Joel Pineiro and took a look at Ben Sheets in his public workout Tuesday.
The New York Daily News cited a Mets insider who said the team could even try to trade for Atlanta's Tim Hudson, but another official dismissed that idea.

Hudson recently signed a $28 million contract extension with the Braves and would have the right to refuse any deal. The right-hander signed the deal so he could pitch close to home, so a move to the Mets appears unlikely.

As for the Braves, they already traded one starter this offseason, sending Javier Vazquez to the Yankees. Why would they deal another?

Mets Hall of Fame adds 4 more

The New York Daily News reports that the 'new' New York Mets Hall of Fame will add Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, GM Frank Cashen and skipper Davey Johnson to their hollowed halls. This class will be the first one inducted since Tommie Agee in 2002.

The foursome will be inducted before the Mets-Diamondbacks game Sunday August 1st.

Mets and Sean Green settle, Pagan still holding out

According to MetsBlog, the Mets and relief pitcher Sean Green avoided salary arbitration before tonight’s deadline, agreeing to a one-year deal. He is not believed to be paid more than $2 million.

In addition, Angel Pagan and the Mets have yet to reach an agreement, as the two sides are roughly $500,000 a part. Matt Cerrone was told the team figures Pagan will get roughly $1.5 million in arbitration.

Earlier today, Jeff Francoeur and Pedro Feliciano joined John Maine in avoiding arbitration, also agreeing to one-year deals with the Mets.

Tom Pich had that article here, earlier today on this site.

More on Molina plus other catching options

As you know by now, Bengie Molina has signed a one year contract with the San Francisco Giants worth approximately $4.5 million. He went back out west and back to his old team but not without turning down more money from the Mets. The Mets offered him $5+ million for the one year. They did not budge on their stance of only offering one year and for good reason.

My stance on this? Good riddance. I am extremely glad they didn't give in and offer him more than a one year deal. He has some power, sure, but why the Mets would want a fat, old, slow catcher with diminishing skills is beyond me. He is a double play machine when hitting the ball on the ground and his skills behind the plate have worsened every year. He's 35 years old. Not exactly a good age to be signing your #1 catcher at. Plus there were other rumors that Molina didn't sign because the state of the Mets front office right now and all the negativity surrounding it. He really thought it was that bad that he took less money to go back to SF? I don't believe that but if it were true then he wouldn't have fit in, in New York anyway. Bye Bye Bengie.

ESPN's Keith Law added: 'In the Mets best move of the offseason, the Giants re-signed Bengie Molina.'

ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney tweets that he's heard the Mets have shifted their focus from Bengie Molina to Yorvit Torrealba.

The Mets still need pitching, too, and if Torrealba comes cheaper than Molina would have, perhaps it will aid in GM Omar Minaya's attempt to add a starter, such as Joel Pineiro.

Torrealba couldn't get a deal worked out with the Colorado Rockies earlier this winter.

Anything that will aid Minaya in the signing of Pineiro and possibly John Smoltz (source: MetsBlog) is a great thing. They can really use both pitchers and could definitely use some positive publicity right now. I would like the Mets to sign Torrealba depending on his price tag. You can use him and 4-5 days a week and use Blanco or Santos the other 1-2 days. He doesn't have a lot of power but he is clutch and is used to hitting all over in the lineup. He batted as high as 5th in the NLDS this past post season. In 17 playoff games and 64 plate appearances he has hit .311 with 2 homeruns and 13 RBI. And Met fans have to love that he hit .500 against the Philadelphia in the 2007 NLDS. Leading Colorado to their sweep of the Phils and eventual World Series appearance.

Jon Heyman of SI tweeted earlier that the Mets seemed unenthused by Torrealba and other free agent catcher Rod Barajas. Heyman believes the Mets may stand pat with what they have right now; Omir Santos & Henry Blanco.

Subway Squawkers has a funny and opinionated article about the Torrealba/Mets grievance situation here

Thoughts on Molina re-signing with Giants

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Giants have re-signed catcher Bengie Molina to a one-year $4.5 million contract.

Earlier today Molina turned down a one-year $5 million "take it or leave it" offer from the Mets.

This is discouraging to me. Yes, I would have liked Molina's production in the lineup, but it's not that. Molina took a discount to return to the Giants, and that says something about the state of the Mets right now. Not only that, but I am not at all a fan of having Yorvit Torrealba on the Mets. I think he is extremely overrated. I have a feeling that the Mets might end up trading for a catcher like Chris Snyder from the D-Backs, and maybe send Luis Castillo packing to Arizona.

Molina turns down Mets

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Bengie Molina has turned down an offer from the Mets. He says that the team is now making pitcher Joel Pinerio their top priority.

This is one of the longest negotiations I have ever seen, especially when the Mets and Molina seem to be a perfect match. This is most likely a tactic by Bengie's agent, but how much longer can you wait? I strongly recommend the Mets explore other options at this point, like Rod Barajas.

Ben Sheets Update

Ben Sheets pitched for about 20 scouts today in Louisiana. The Mets were in attendance, according to multiple reports.

Sheets topped out at about 91 mph, according to the MLB Network. A scout later told the MLBN that he "looked good and had good mechanics."

I am almost certain that Sheets will not be a Met, unless his asking price comes way down. I just don't see Omar Minaya committing almost $10 million to him, especially with his job on the line.

Mets avoid arbitration with Feliciano and Francoeur

The Mets today avoided arbitration with two players.

Pedro Feliciano agreed to a one-year $2.9 million contract, and Jeff Francoeur agreed to a one-year $5 million contract.

The next wave of shortstops are making a splash

Doug Miller of MLB.com writes about the up and coming star shortstops making a big splash early on in their careers. Here are his top 5 and what they did in 2009:

1. Hanley Ramirez: He won the NL batting title with a .342 clip and added career-high numbers in RBIs (106) on-base percentage (.410) and OPS (.954) while hitting 24 home runs and scoring 101 times. He also had a career low 10 errors in the field.
2. Troy Tulowitzki: After a slow start, Tulo made last year his best one yet and proved to be among the premier power hitters at his position, hitting 32 homers, driving in 92 runs and putting up his best batting average and OPS numbers to date (.297/.377/.552). He is also a marvelous fielder.
3. Yunel Escobar: He hit .299, put up a .377 on-base percentage, hit a career-best 14 homers and drove in 76 runs while scoring 89 to finish 20th in NL MVP voting. Also, is a more than capable fielding his positions.
4. Jose Reyes: Tendinitis in Reyes' right calf led to more leg problems and his year ended on May 20 but we all know about his ability. In '08, he racked up 204 hits, hit 19 triples and 16 homers, stole 56 bases, scored 113 runs, hit 37 doubles and drove in 68. I'd take those type of numbers any day of the week. In addition to his bat, Reyes is also a great fielder with one of the strongest arms in the league.
5. Erick Aybar: in his first full campaign he had 504 at-bats, leading the Angels with a .312 batting average and also improving in OBP (.353), walks (30), slugging (.423), runs (70), RBIs (58) and steals (14). To go along with Miller's other 4 in the Top 5, Aybar is also stellar in the field.

Mets to hold Mini-Camp

According to Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger, the Mets will hold a voluntary 3-day mini-camp next week in Port St. Lucie.

Some of the attendees will be Johan Santana, Daniel Murphy, Oliver Perez, John Maine, and Jon Niese.

It's good to see them all putting in the extra work. It shows that they truly want to have a good season and make themselves and the team better (not to mention healthier.)

Spring Training Q&A

John Delco over at the New York Mets Report has a column up answering 10 of the Mets Spring Training questions here.

Added by Tom Pich He has some great points. It's a must read.

More Pineiro buzz

There hasn't been a lot of talk on this front today.

Heading into the weekend, Chris Bahr of The Sporting News wrote that the Los Angeles Dodgers are the contender that needs right-handerJoel Pineiro the most. But another Sporting News writer, Stan McNeal, contends that the Mets need him more.

"With Pineiro on their side, the Mets wouldn't have to worry so much about Oliver Perez, John Maine and Mike Pelfrey all having bounce-back seasons," McNeal writes.

As for the Dodgers, they are looking to shore up their pitching staff after losing Randy Wolf.

Xavier Nady remains on schedule

According to John Morosi of FOX Sports, Scott Boras said free-agent 1B-OF Xavier Nady is on schedule in his rehab from Tommy John surgery and will be ready in spring training.

Morosi believes the Cubs are among the teams with interest in Nady.

Although he is coming off of a major injury which cost him most of the 2009 season, I think the Mets should at least inquire about him. He can play the all 3 outfield positions and could even platoon with Daniel Murphy at first base.