Tom Seaver Fan Club

With Mets star 3b David Wright set to play for the United States in the 2nd annual World Baseball classic, I will be covering Team USA for the site.

Quick run down of the players who have come aboard to play for Manager Davey Johnson.

Accepted-

SP John Lackey- Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

SP Roy Oswalt- Houston Astros

RP Joe Nathan-Minnesota Twins

1b Kevin Youkilis-Boston Red Sox

2b Dustin Pedroia-Boston Red Sox

OF/3b Ryan Braun-Milwaukee Brewers

SS Derek Jeter-NY Yankees

OF/3b Chipper Jones-Atlanta Braves

C Brian McCann- Atlanta Braves

CF Grady Sizemore-Cleveland Indians

SS Jimmy Rollins-Philadelphia Phillies

3b David Wright-NY Mets

Inf/OF Mark DeRosa- Cleveland Indians

Declined -

1b Ryan Howard- Philadelphia Phillies

OF Josh Hamilton- Texas Rangers

OF Nick Markakis-Baltimore Orioles

SP CC Sabathia-New York Yankees

SP Brandon Webb-Arizona Diamondbacks

SP Cole Hamels-Philadelphia Phillies

RP Brad Lidge-Philadelphia Phillies

SP Josh Beckett-Boston Red Sox

Waiting for decision-

SP Roy Halladay- Toronto Blue Jays

SP Jon Lester-Boston Red Sox

SP Tim Linecum- San Francisco Giants

C Joe Mauer- Minnesota Twins

My wish list- 

Add 2 of those 3 starting pitchers above, Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon, Mets set up man JJ Putz, Toronto Blue Jays BJ Ryan and free agent reliever Brian Fuentes would make a strong bullpen. Indians AL CY Young winner Cliff Lee would round out the starters. Lineup wise, Free agent Adam Dunn would be an ideal DH, while Oakland A’s LF Matt Holliday and Phillies OF Shane Victorino would be great OF additions. Add Mauer to give them a great tandem at C. I would make one last phone call to a man that drives fear into every pitcher around the world…. Barry Bonds!!! 

Lots of media reports linking the Mets to a trade of Los Angeles Dodgers (Long time Atlanta Brave) free agent disaster, CF Andruw Jones. The clubs discussed Jones at the Winter Meetings but nothing came of it. Does not make sense for the Mets(Carlos Beltran in center with long term deal) or LA.(would probably get Mets 2b Luis Castillo back and they do not have a major need at 2b).

Look for the team to make contract offers to starting pitchers Derek Lowe, Oliver Perez and Randy Wolf in the next week or so. Team was loosely linked to Boston Red Sox signing, starting pitcher Brad Penny.

The next signing or trade by Mets GM Omar Minaya would more than likely involve a starting pitcher. Numerous media outlets have the club in deep discussions with veteran right hander Derek Lowe(Previously pitched for the LA Dodgers and Boston Red Sox) as well as veteran lefties Randy Wolf(ex Dodger and Phillie) and the Mets own Oliver Perez. The club has 3 strong starters returning in Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine.

Happy Holidays to everyone….

With all of the excitement about the bullpen upgrades of the past 2 weeks,(K Rod signing,Putz trade) I failed to mention the minor trade of LH relief specialist Scott Schoeneweis(and cash) to the Arizona Diamondbacks for relief prospect Connor Robertson.

In the news of the week, Mets star 3b David Wright committed to playing in the 2009 World Baseball classic for Team USA. He is the 7th player to sign on, joining Cleveland Indians CF Grady Sizemore, New York Yankees SS Derek Jeter, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starting pitcher John Lackey, reigning AL MVP 2b Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves 3b/OF Chipper Jones and C Brian McCann. The team will be managed by Mets legend Davey Johnson, who led the the great mid 80s Mets clubs , notably the 86 World Champions.

K Rod introduced at the  Citi-Field complex today— sounds very excited about his new team and could not stop smiling at the presser. JJ Putz intro Thursday….Rodriquez, Manager Jerry Manuel and Pitcher John Maine joined  starter Mike “Santa” Pelfrey at the club’s annual Christmas Party.

Lots of questions and concerns from readers and listeners about the unfortunate scandal involving Mets ownership and Bernard Madoff, who stands accused of swindling hundreds of millions of dollars($50 billion estimate) from his clients. Club COO Jeff Wilpon stated today that the club or any of the baseball related ventures will not be affected. He also strongly denied the club is for sale.

While taking time out from cursing our new favorite Phillie, Cole”The Mets are chokers” Hamels, check out Jayson Stark’s great column on espn.com— Mets now have terrific twosome in Pen. Great information!!

Note to Mr. Hamels– He pitches in the National League! You hit in Shea Stadium, Cole! Hope you guys practice ducking in spring training! Have a nice season of at bats vs the Mets pitchers!!! Valuable prizes to anyone who can tell me the ML record for Hit by pitch in a season……

In the span of 3 days, a major weakness is now a team strength for the New York Mets , thanks to the work of GM Omar Minaya and his staff. In a stunning follow up to the signing of record breaking closer Francisco Rodriquez, the team have acquired Mariners all star reliever JJ Putz in a 3 team trade that involved 12 players. New York moved RP Aaron Heilman, folk hero OF Endy Chavez, LH Jason Vargas and 3 minor leaguers. The club received RRP Sean Green and OF Jeremy Reed in the package as well.

Putz(6-5,3.88,15 for 23 in save chances) will serve as a set-up guy for K Rod and features scary stuff with a high 90s fastball and elite drop off slider. He was among the top closers in the game in 07 but battled rib cage and elbow injuries last year. He is a team leader and NY fans will love him. Reed was a top prospect in both the Mariners and White Sox system that can play all 3 OF slots. Green looks like a 6-7th inning reliever. 

Just a great week so far for the club, hats off to management!

3/37 as reported—- Francisco Rodriquez is now the New York Mets closer. Good job by Minaya but much more work to be done. Starting pitcher, 8th inning set-up guy, Leftfield and a 2nd baseman should be his next targets.

According to several sources, the Mets are about the finalize a deal with Angels record setting closer Francisco Rodriquez(62 saves in 2008). Contract is in the 3 yrs/37 million dollar range.

Check out Joel Sherman today in the NY Post….. Focus on the 8th and 9th inning issues of the Mets

http://www.nypost.com/seven/12072008/sports/mets/mets_need_pair_of_studs_for_final_six_ou_143081.htm

Great article by espn MLB writer Buster Olney Saturday about the Mets offseason plan and approach regarding the closer situation with Billy Wagner gone for the season.

Summary-

1- Mets will target all 3 major free agent closers but offer varying dollars and years. Angels Francisco Rodriquez(3 yrs/36 mill), Rockies Brian Fuentes(3/30) and Cubs Kerry Wood(2/16 to 18) will all be targeted.

2- Team would like to add 2 starting pitchers and would prefer to retain LH Oliver Perez. Derek Lowe is another option but they will not bid highly on a CC Sabathia or A.J. Burnett.

3- Omar Minaya is not looking to trade top prospect OF Fernando Martinez(major reason they are not in on Mariners closer J.J. Putz).

Look for Minaya to look at mid level FA options in LF,2b and C as well as middle relief. An solid month would be KRod,LF Raul Ibanez, Lowe and RP Juan Cruz. Should be an interesting holiday season!!!