Significant Interest in Mike Pelfrey; David Wright to Get Physical Today

Happy Winter Meetings Monday, everyone! We here at Rising Apple will be doing our best to bring you every rumor that concerns the Mets or has an affect on New York’s agenda for the week and rest of the winter, as well in depth analysis to follow. Sandy Alderson is once again talking about being more active in trades rather than the free agent market, but could also switch gears and offer some multi-year deals to available outfielders if no potential trade partner offers what he wants. For now, let’s give you what’s going on with the Amazins as of this morning, right as the burners are starting to get the stove nice and hot.

After being non-tendered by the Mets before last Friday’s 12am deadline, the rehabbing Mike Pelfrey has seen a number of teams show interest in the big right-handed starter. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports tweeted at least seven teams have contacted Big Pelf’s representation in regards to his services. He was off to a good start in 2012 (2.29 ERA in three starts) before he went under the knife on May 1st for Tommy Johnsurgery. Although the rehabilition takes at least 12 months to fully recover, the hurler insists he’ll be ready for Opening Day, and is planning on scaling back his throwing program so he’ll be able to peak at toward the end of Spring Training, which one would think his agent, Scott Boras, would use to his advantage in any contract negotiations.

August 25, 2012; Flushing, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) reacts against the Houston Astros at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray/The Star Ledger via US PRESSWIRE

Both Terry Collins and Dan Warthen have expressed hopefulness in seeing Pelfrey back with New York next season, whether it be as a starter or reliever. However, Pelfrey told Adam Rubin earlier this week he has no interest in relieving, and also doesn’t want to be considered as a back-up plan for any rotation. So, him being the 2013 version of Chris Young is unlikely for the Mets. Due to these comments, don’t look for them to actively pursue Pelfrey unless we see an incumbent starting pitcher get dealt for some offense.

We’ve heard recently that the Royals want an ace for their rebuilt rotation and have an interest in R.A. Dickey, but aren’t willing to part with top prospect Wil Myers. However, ESPN’s Jayson Stark makes the prediction that Kansas City will cave to get the type of arm they desire. The 2012 NL CY Young winner was at the site of the Winter Meetings yesterday, which are taking place in his backyard, but it wasn’t for any contract negotations. He was meeting with Ray Ramirez to have a quick check-up on the healing of his abdominal surgery he underwent after the regular season. He chatted with Sandy Alderson for about 10 minutes, but it was reported to be purely social, as Sandy won’t talk contract without Dickey’s agent present. It sounds as if the Mets GM is aware of the connection Dickey has with New Yorkers, his ability to put butts in Citi Field seats, and the knuckler’s desire to stay with the team, but will be talking to fellow executives to see if there is a deal he can’t refuse. Meanwhile, word on the street is the Red Sox have not engaged anyone in trade talks regarding catchers Ryan Lavarnway or Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

One of my favorite things about Alderson is that he’s able to find humor in what are usually very serious conversations. For instance, after talking to reporters about the Dickey situation and the potential of signing free agents this week, he ended it by saying it looked unlikely David Wright would get traded while he’s in Tennessee. To have a stressful job like he does, people need to know how to have some fun with it.

Speaking of the devil, Adam Rubin reported Wright will be getting his physical today, which would be the last step before making his 8-year/$138 million extension official. The organization agreed to the financial terms with Wright’ camp very early Friday morning, but this last hoop was delayed because the third baseman was in Jacksonville, FL this weekend watching teammate Daniel Murphy get hitched. He’s also expected to be in Nashville today to officially announce his extension; Jeff Wilpon is also expected to make the trip.

Enjoy the start of the Meetings, as this will hopefully be the most active the Mets have been since they acquired both J.J. Putz and signed Francisco Rodriguez in a matter of hours at the 2008 Winter Meetings. Sandy has his plan, and now we’ll be able to see him put it into action. Our team is (hopefully) about to get better, giving us hope this next season. Now, we wait to see how everything unfolds after the dust settles.