Site was down for about 5 days…. I AM BACK!!!
Big News of the week is the club has resigned free agent LH Oliver Perez(10-7,4.22 era). The deal is for 3 years and 36 million and now solidifies the Mets pitching staff. With the bullpen upgrades(JJ Putz trade, K Rod signing) as well as the strengthening of the overall rotation(added a top 5th starter in Tim Redding to the 4 returnees), this club appears to be set to start the season and have an excellent staff.
Very strong off-season for GM Omar Minaya!
News on other fronts…
Minaya claimed their will be no other big moves at the Perez’ press conference, So no Manny Ramirez or Adam Dunn. The 2 positions that could be upgraded are LF(current platoon of RH veteran Fernando Tatis and LH rookie Daniel Murphy) or 2b where fan whipping boy Luis Castillo(.245, 17 steals for 9 million a year!) resides. Any more signings would require someone take on Castillo’s 2 year/18 million dollar contract.
Lots of noise about a potential issue with the Mets new stadium, CitiField. As many are aware, Citigroup has a 20 year/$400 million dollar contract for the naming rights on the state of the art of facility. However, the company has faced severe financial problems and was part of the recent government bailout, receiving $45 billion dollars. Several reports had the company looking to back out of the stadium deal, however, Citi and the Mets denied the story and will honor the contract.
One small move that is hitting the rumor boards(NY Post as well) is a possible trade of back up catcher Ramon Castro to clear salary dollars(2.5 million dollar contract). The club is high on fellow C Robinson Cancel to relieve starter Brian Schneider.
