DBAHO Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 From the New York Daily News The names on the long-awaited non-tender list aren't likely to sell any tickets at Shea, but they could at least help the bargain-hunting Mets fill their glaring need for a late-inning relief presence. GM Jim Duquette did not comment yesterday on the newly available possibilities, but was already making calls to agents for some of the 58 players around the majors who became free agents Saturday night when they weren't tendered contracts by the midnight deadline. Topping Duquette's list were two potential closers, the Marlins' Braden Looper and Danys Baez of the Indians. Both are young, with powerful arms and at least somewhat successful track records as closers, a spot that looms as the Mets' top priority at the moment. As for starting pitching, the Mets were interested in Mark Redman, the lefty who was non-tendered by the A's, but he quickly re-signed with them yesterday. That leaves little more than a couple of Orioles, righthander Jason Johnson and lefthander Damian Moss, as rotation candidates One eye-catching name the Mets aren't likely to pursue, according to a club official, is ex-Yankee Orlando (El Duque) Hernandez, who was non-tendered by the Expos after an injury-plagued season. There's not much in the on the list either to help the Mets in the outfield. Ex-Met Jay Payton, who was non-tendered after a nice season for the Rockies, may be the most appealing possibility, but the Mets don't expect him to be interested in platooning with Timo Perez in right field. All in all, teams such as the Mets were expecting to find a little more quality than actually surfaced among the non-tenders. "As much talk as there was about the non-tender date," one National League executive said yesterday, "I thought there would be more proven players out there." Even so, the Mets likely will be happy if this new group provides them a closer in either Looper or Baez. Ironically, the 29-year-old Looper was non-tendered because the Marlins signed ex-Met Armando Benitez Saturday night to a one-year deal for $3.5 million. Looper made $2.4 million last year and the Marlins feared he could make over $4 million in arbitration. In his first full season as closer for the Marlins, Looper converted 28 of 34 save opportunities, to go with a record of 6-4 and a 3.68 ERA. He had a strong first half, but wasn't the same after the Marlins acquired Ugueth Urbina in July, posting a 6.14 ERA after the All-Star break. In any case, Looper is open to the idea of becoming a Met, according to his agents, Randy and Alan Hendricks. "We are very interested in the Mets, with Art Howe and Rick Peterson there," Randy Hendricks said via E-mail yesterday. Perhaps more intriguing than Looper is Baez, a 26-year-old fireballer who didn't live up to expectations after signing a four-year, $14.5 million contract with the Indians when he defected from Cuba in 1999. Less polished than the Indians were led to believe, Baez spent a year and a half in the minors before being called up to the majors. He has been inconsistent, but some baseball people believe he still has great potential, largely because he dominates at times with a fastball clocked consistently from 95 to 97 mph. Moved into the closer's role last season, Baez blew 10 of 35 save chances before being moved back into a setup role, but an AL scout last night said he believes the righthander just needs to get comfortable. "He's got great stuff but he tended to overthrow when he was really under the gun, and he'd get hurt by location," the scout said. "With better command, he could be a dominant closer." The Indians tried to re-sign Baez with a two-year, $4 million offer, but he rejected it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulokis Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 There goes the Koch to the mets deal. I think KW does not want to trade Koch to prove everybody he got the better end of the deal against Beane just like when they keep putting Ritchie in. Anyway, DBAHO I like your plea there. I am hoping the SOX will go after Damian Moss. I really like him ever since when he was with the Braves. Hopefully we get him and he will fit right in as another lefty in the rotation. I dont want Scotty as our 4-5th starter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted December 23, 2003 Author Share Posted December 23, 2003 There goes the Koch to the mets deal. I think KW does not want to trade Koch to prove everybody he got the better end of the deal against Beane just like when they keep putting Ritchie in. Anyway, DBAHO I like your plea there. I am hoping the SOX will go after Damian Moss. I really like him ever since when he was with the Braves. Hopefully we get him and he will fit right in as another lefty in the rotation. I dont want Scotty as our 4-5th starter. I'm doin what I can to get an Aussie on this team. Spread the word! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capn12 Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 Well, I may be the only Sox fan NOT wanting to trade Koch, but my sig still says it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
israel4ever Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 WE should be going after Looper and Baez...our bullpen ain't looking too good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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