Andres Torres Could Be in Flushing for 2013; Dickey Wants to Stay

With the GM Meetings wrapping up in California on Friday, there were plenty more tidbits of news that flew around the Mets over the weekend. Did you miss anything? Don’t worry, I’m going to try and help you play catch up so you know exactly what’s going on as we head into this second full week of November.

So, the first bit of news may make most fans scratch their head, and I’m going to be honest with you, I did the same. MetsBlog reported that Dan Martin from the New York Post found out New York is still considering bringing back center fielder Andres Torres for 2013. However, don’t expect him to be tendered a contract through arbitration. After a trying 2011, the Amazins were hoping a change of scenery would help turn back the clock to the player who helped the Giants win the World Series in 2010, but a .230/.327/.337 line shows the opposite has happened. He earned $2.7 million in 2012, and if tendered a contract, wouldn’t be allowed to earn less than 80% of his salary from the year prior. So, it’s likely the organization will non-tender him, then consider bringing him back for a much lower number. Michael Baron mentioned the possibility of him being a fourth outfielder, and I could see that being a good fit for him at this point in his career. At the age of 35, he won’t be the player he was in 2010 again, and if he’s used correctly (late-game defensive replacement, pinch runner, pinch-hitter vs. LHP) he could be a positive asset on the field and in the clubhouse. If the Mets do pursue him after non-tendering him and no other team is bidding, they’d likely try to sign him to a deal worth around $1 million.

However, I’d rather the Mets start fresh with someone else and let Torres walk.

September 25, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets center fielder

(56) scores a run during the seventh inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

We heard a lot from the rumor mill about players Sandy Alderson could potentially want for 2013. First, with the Red Sox signing backup catcher David Ross to a two-year/$6.2 million deal, Ben Cherington may put one of his two incumbent catchers on the trade market. Here are some of my thoughts about pursuing Jarrod Saltalamacchia, but Ken Rosenthal says there’s a chance Ryan Lavarnway will be shopped as well, which I’ll have more on later this week.

From a Ross that catches to a Ross that plays the outfield, it looks as if Cody Ross is seeking a contract for three-years and worth approximately $25 million. If that’s the case, Mets fans can kiss the idea of signing him good-bye. He is an established bat, another World Series champion that had a bounce back year after a not so impressive 2011, but that’s too much to invest in a soon-to-be 32-year-old outfielder, especially when there’s no wiggle room in the payroll to begin with. On the flip side, there are a handful of teams that are interested in the recently suspended Melky Cabrera, but both New York teams haven’t come knocking on the door yet. I know I’ve said it plenty of times, but thank goodness. There are too many variables when it comes to the Melk Man, and I want none of it on my favorite team.

Meanwhile, R.A. Dickey accepted the Branch Rickey award this weekend in Denver, CO and talked about how he wants to stay with the Mets:

"“I don’t want to go, let’s put it that way. I like being a Met. … I understand the business that I’m in. I’ve always understood it’s a possibility and there would be no acrimony. It’s not an acrimonious situation. Sandy is doing his due diligence because that’s what he’s paid to do for the New York Mets. I can hold it the way it’s supposed to be held. I don’t take it personally.”"

I think that pretty much says it all right there. I don’t expect the monster numbers of five years and $40 million to be thrown around if he wants to stay with New York that badly. It will just be a question as to whether Sandy feels he can get more out of Dickey by keeping him in Flushing, or trading him away while his value is the highest it will ever be. We’ll see.

Oh, and apparently, a source told Michael Salfino of the Meadowlands Media Group that the Wilpons are broke, aren’t able to actually extend Dickey or David Wright, and will could lose the team within the next two years. Read the details at Amazin’ Avenue.