Since Derek Lowe has officially been snatched off the radar, the New York Mets were expected to zero in on starting pitcher Oliver Perez-a promise they have intended to keep. It has been reported that the Mets may have added more money or another year to the 3-year, $30MM money bag that continues to sit on the table for Perez.
Speculation also places the Mets interest in signing starter Andy Pettitte. However, mutual talks and negotiations between the Yankees and Pettitte still remain apparent. The Yanks have made a 1-year offer to Pettitte in the $10MM range, a pay cut from his $16MM earnings last season. Pettitte has not budged on the offer. How can you blame him? Maybe.
With the recent addition of Tim Redding and Freddy Garcia, adding Perez could just be the reinsurance the Mets had hoped to add to the depth of their rotation.
Ben Sheets is also part of the mix, reportedly a possible signee by both New York clubs. With pitchers and catchers due to Spring Training in just a few weeks, this could be one crazy week for all of those free agents still floating on the market.
Of course I can blame Pettite! So can every other right-thinking baseball fan and GM. Pettite simply is not worth 16 mil. I’m pretty sure he wont be worth 10 mil either. Most ballplayers come to grips with their age and fading production–which should be matched by a commensurately lower salary. Pettite is too stubbornly proud.
He is stubbornly proud…he should be happy with an $8MM offer…you are right on Knut!
Seriously, as nice as Pettite would have been, I would like Oliver in Citi Field more. Yes, he’s erratic, but when he’s on, he’s on and it’s impressive. He’s got personality, heart, tenacity and amazing movement. When he’s not wigging me out with the walks. I hope Boras doesn’t lead him to ideas of grandeur in the current economy and he makes the move with the Mets and my heart to Citi Field.