Mets are the Frontrunner for Santana

In his blog for Newsday, Ken Davidoff writes that “The Mets are undoubtedly the most motivated buyers in the race for Santana, and they might very well be the only team willing to both give a package of young players and commit to a lucrative contract extension with Santana”.

In my previous article I cited a news story that had Carlos Gomez sitting out the Caribbean World Series. Recent rumors suggest the the deal for Santana would center around Gomez and Mets pitching prospects Deolis Guerra, Phil Humber and Kevin Mulvey.

The stars seem to be aligning for this deal to get done. It’s time to see if Omar has the juevos to get it done.

Gomez out of Caribbean World Series, Santana deal eminent?

Impacto Diportivo is reporting that it is unlikely that the Mets will not give permission for OF Carlos Gomez to play in the Caribbean World Series. Below is a translation I picked out of a comment on MLB Trade Rumors.

” IT IS DOUBTFUL THAT CARLOS GOMEZ OF THE TIGERS CAN HELP THEM IN THE CARIBBEAN WORLD SERIES

Carlos Gomez, who was selected by the Licey Tigers to help them in the world Series, has been placed as a doubtful player.

It is reported that the New York Mets will not give the Licey Tigers permission to play him.

Journalist Elías Wehber revealed from Santiago, in his Amanecer Deportivo, that Gomez’ family has said that it will be difficult for Gomez to play in the series.

The only thing left is for licey to make a formal request to the New York Mets for Gomez to play.

It is the case that it is doubtful for Gomez to play for the Licey Tigers.“

Thank you to NYMETS 2008 CHAMPS for the translation.

I am not a baseball insider and I have no league or team sources to fall back on. I am just an ordinary fan with the ability to read and use Google. With that said I can see no reason that the Mets would not want Gomez to play, other than there being some kind of trade involving him eminent. Does this mean Santana, Bedard? Who knows?

Do the Mets need Santana?

Over at the Bleacher Report, Johnny Shea does a nice writeup contemplating if the Mets need Johan Santana.

… on a personal note, I wish my parents had named me Shea, or at least used it as my middle name …

“They need the pitcher the most, and Omar Minaya will quietly lay out a deal to snag Santana. It will come at a cost, but will not involve any household names such as David Wright and Jose Reyes.”

… recent rumors suggest that it could involve OF Ryan Church, whom was brought to the Mets along with C Brian Schneider in exchange for Lastings Milledge. I suppose I would have liked to have seen Milledge shipped to the AL where, if he does blossom into a stud, will have a less likely chance to come back and bite the Mets in the ass …

“After last season’s collapse, the Amazins’ need something to spark their energy, and Santana would be the perfect fit. He would help put the collapse behind the Mets, and give an enthusiastic spark to the team heading into the 2008 season”

… I am of the opinion that the Mets do not need a spark. They are professional athletes and the only “spark” they need is to remember how it felt to have a ticked punched to the playoffs only to crap it away in the end. I want Santana to be a Met, not because of any motivational factors, but because hes the best damn pitcher in baseball and I want to crush the NL …

“I remember the sunken feeling all Mets fans experienced as we witnessed Tommy Glavine, future Hall of Famer, drop seven runs to the Florida Marlins, the fourth place team in the NL East.

Could this historic fall follow the Mets into this coming season? Or will they put it behind them and look forward to rebounding into success?

With the loss of Lo Duca to the Nationals and Glavine to the Braves, the Mets may be lacking enthusiasm and drive, no matter how hard David Wright tries.”

… the nightmare of the last few weeks of the ‘07 season still haunt my dreams. I do see a silver lining though, revenge. I think the team will come out more focused, more driven, and hella angry this season. We have a great group of core of young players and seasoned vets. I look forward to a productive spring and a worldwind summer …

… thanks again to Johnny Shea for opinions stated in his article, keep em comin’ …

Mets Sign LHP Ricardo Rincon to Minor League Contract

Overview

Rincon, who last year spent time with the San Francisco Giants Triple A affiliate, was signed Wednesday to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Ricardo last pitched in the majors in 2006 with the St. Louis Cardinals where he tossed in five games before injuring his left shoulder, which required season ending surgery on his torn labrum and rotator cuff.

Stats

In 557 big league games with the Pirates, Indians, A’s & Cardinals, Ricon has a record of 21-24 with a 3.58 ERA. He also has 21 saves and has held left handed batters to a .207 batting average in his 10-year career.

Financial

$750,000 salary if added to the Met’s major league roster and $150,000 in the minors. Incentives of $50,000 for 40 & 45 relief appearances and $75,000 for 50, 55, 60, & 65 relief appearances.

… this seems like a situation where they want to bring him in and see what he has. I am not expecting anything great, but who am I to judge. If he shows some promise I can see him in the minors, being called up if the need arises …