Yep. It happened again. So much for the courtship of Jorge Posada. The Mets had to know Posada's heart was still in the Bronx, and despite Omar Minaya's lunch chat with him yesterday, it became crystal clear last night when the Once-and-Future Yankees' backstop agreed on a four-year, $52.4-million deal to stay right where he is.
The Mets already are moving forward on locking up Ramon Castro for backup duty, but they still need a starter, and Posada's decision could let Paul Lo Duca creep into the picture. Here's where it gets tricky with Lo Duca, however. Maybe Lo Duca is OK for one year, possibly two, but if he's thinking a three-year deal, adios. The smart money is probably on Yorvit Torrealba at this point.
Comments (9)
I always felt that the Mets should bring back Lo Duca. Yes he offended and upset a lot of teamates and fans this past season, but he is a good catcher and right now there are no good catchers on the market.As for pitching I think the Mets are going to have to make trades, for the ones that are available are asking for too much,I wouldn`t over pay them even if I was desparate. As for secondbase, I really do not know what the Mets options are outside of Castillo. If they are going to sign him better do it fast before, greed gets in the way. I think 4 years and close to 3o million is what it will take to resign Castillo. Other then that who can we find? Wouldn`t go baCK to Valentine, Gotay, I think he is not ready to be an everyday player, but a platoon of Gotay and Easely may work.It is day one of the free agency..Lets see What direction the Mets take, but at this point I believe that the Mets will be Trade partners instead of players in the free agent market.
Torrealba has ugly home-away splits for the last 3 years. If you thought his bat was weak take a look at his away stats during this time. They're uglier. His CS% this year was Piazza-esque. So if that's a trend and not an aberration, then they need to stay away from him like the plague. Jesus Flores had a much better CS% and an OPS+ of 78 vs. Torrealba's 80. So overall Flores was better than Torrealba this year. Which just points out how stupid the Mets' decision was last year not to protect Flores.
Protecting Julio Franco while exposing Flores was criminally insane. Re Posada, never wanted him, not on the terms he commanded. I think it will be considered an ugly commitment as soon as next August. Questionable fit considering aging, paid for an abberational season, poor game calling skills will create tension. The Yanks had to bring him back to keep the masses happy, but I expect many regrets going forward. Sox let Pedro walk, these are the hard decisions a winner has to make.
Hey Omar!
Sign Arod (to play first base) and trade Milledge, Pelfrey, Delgado, and Anderson Hernandez to the Orioles for Ramon Hernandez, Brian Roberts, and a reliever. Then use Gomez and Humber as the centerpieces to getting Johan Santana!
It seems like just yesterday (actually 2006) that Posada's age was mentioned on the radio on a regular basis. He was going down-hill and catcher was becoming a problem for the Yankees. A four year deal? Did he get younger when I wasn't looking. I am thankful that the Mets weren't able to sign him.
efnorlando- how did Lo Duca offend his teammates? Are you buying that crap about him saying something about Latino plyers?
Onan, the O's have no 2nd baseman or catcher in minors or anything to take over the job. Unless they sign somene or put Gotay instead of Anderson in the deal it won't work. Either way we would get older a team. And Hernandez is not very good. Would rather have Castro and Lo Duca for less money.
Good move going younger at catcher. Any offensive production they get from Torrealba is gravy. He is an upgrade behind the plate. Lo Duca's offense fell way off last season compared to 2006. He is not getting any younger. The Mets as a team need younger blood.
Whay is Torreballa an defensive upgrage? he CAN NOT pick anyone off? hello! david ortiz moved around the bases and Torrey watched! Lo duca/castro, worked just fine this year, why not next?
The Orioles are interested in trading SP Beddard and SS Tejada for 1B Delgado, OF Miledge and SP Pelfrey or Humber.