Nov 04 2008 07:29 AM
Here is the article for completions sake.
| ] The Mets might make a pitch for former Colorado Rockies closer Brian Fuentes. DANA POINT, Calif. - Francisco Rodriguez may be the new single-season record holder after posting 62 saves with the Angels. But the better free-agent value among closers is Brian Fuentes, according to agent Rick Thurman. Thurman acknowledged his Beverly Hills Sports Council, which represents Fuentes, has a meeting scheduled with the Mets during the GM meetings, which opened Monday at the St. Regis Monarch Beach resort, the site of the infamous AIG convention that drew Congress' ire after the bailout package was passed. "New York is on our radar," Thurman said. "I think New York would be a great place for him. He thrives on the pressure." With Billy Wagner likely lost for the entire 2009 season following Tommy John surgery, the Mets need to find a new closer. Rodriguez's likely contract demands appear too exorbitant for the Mets, though that won't stop team officials from flirting with his agent here. Fuentes' asking price actually may drift too high as well. In fact, Mets VP Tony Bernazard said if the Mets strike out through free agency or trade, they're prepared to potentially use Bobby Parnell or Eddie Kunz in the closing role. "Why not? What's wrong with that?" Bernazard asked. "You can't sign one of those guys, what are you going to do - not play?" Bernazard acknowledged the Mets' "No. 1 priority" is pitching. He suggested, however, that if the Mets can't address it to their satisfaction, they could opt to add an extra run producer - with Raul Ibanez among the projected targets in that case. Ibanez would further tip the Mets to the left side of the plate, but he hits southpaws well. "If you can't find the pitching, you have to find more offense," Bernazard said. Mets officials concede that it's entirely possible their '08 starting lineup will return intact. Omar Minaya, while acknowledging no one is untouchable, all but declared Carlos Delgado his first baseman rather than trade bait. "Delgado will be our first baseman," the GM said. That also means Luis Castillo likely remaining at second base and a potential left-field platoon of Daniel Murphy and Fernando Tatis. Murphy is now playing second base in Arizona, but Minaya reiterated he'll play outfield this winter in Puerto Rico and will come to spring training competing for the left field job. With Tatis re-signed, Nick Evans may be ticketed for Triple-A Buffalo to open 2009, where he'd play both first base and outfield. The Mets already have Marlon Anderson, Ramon Castro, Chavez and Tatis under their control for next season, so it's likely the popular Damion Easley has played his final game as a Met. Despite appreciating Easley's contribution, the Mets need a bona fide backup shortstop for their final bench spot as well as someone less susceptible to injury. As for Fuentes, who went 1-5 with a 2.73 ERA and 30 saves in 34 chances in '08, it's expected the lefthander will seek a deal in the four-year, $46 million range that Francisco Cordero signed with the Reds last winter. Mets officials also are expected to look into trades for closers such as Oakland's Huston Street and Seattle's J.J. Putz. |
I know nothing about Putz.....a headline writers dream name though.