Latest News and Rumors on the Mets’ Search for Pitching

There were enough news and rumors regarding the Mets and free agent pitchers yesterday that it made my head spin, so I figured it would be nice to have all of these reports in one spot. Here ya go!

Despite his desire for a multi-year contract, the Mets continue to stay interested in signing left-handed starter Joe Saunders. He’s also drawn interest from three other teams, including the Orioles, Padres, and Twins. If Sandy Alderson is able to find an established pitcher off the free agent market, that will not only mean Chris Young won’t be returning to Flushing, but it will change Jenrry Mejia‘s focus once again heading into Spring Training.

September 30, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher

(48) pitches in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports the young right-hander has a fourth option that could be used by New York, meaning he could break camp going back to Triple-A. Before R.A. Dickey was traded, it was rumored that Mejia would be given the chance to win the last spot in the rotation, but if an external free agent is signed (which is the preference), he’ll be forced to audition for the Big League bullpen. One can only imagine what is going through Mejia’s head as his role with the Mets seemingly changes on a daily basis. I’ve said it plenty of times, but I wish they would put him in one role, whether it be as a starter or reliever, and just stick with it so he can adequately develop.

Daisuke Matsuzaka, who hasn’t been able to stay healthy during his last two seasons (19 appearances since ’11) is looking for a new home now that he’s not a member of the Boston Red Sox anymore. MetsBlog reported early yesterday morning the righty is deciding between the Mets, Indians, and Marlins. Despite that report, there have been two sources who have said otherwise. First, Adam Rubin’s team insider said the organization hasn’t even talked to Dice-K, and Marc Carig of Newsday said his source told him New York has not extended a minor league offer to the Japanese pitcher.

Like I said earlier this week when talking about New York’s interest in Javier Vazquez and Brandon Webb, Dice-K hasn’t proven that he can be the innings eater Sandy Alderson is reportedly in search of. He’s been injured the last two seasons, and when he’s been on the mound, it hasn’t been pretty (3-3, 5.30 ERA, 37.1 IP in’11, 1-7, 8.28 ERA, 45.2 IP in ’12). If they want to give him a chance to work through the minors and be nothing more than an insurance policy in case a starter in Flushing is traded (cough, Johan Santana, cough) or injured, then that’s absolutely fine. However, pleaseeee don’t focus on this guy. Plus he’s already said he wants to pitch for the Padres. Thankfully, Alderson isn’t wasting his time on him- at least, that we know of.

Then comes the latest chatter about the bearded one, Brian Wilson. After having a private workout over the weekend for Sandy Alderson and Mets executives, it didn’t look like a potential union would be worked out, as the organization felt he still has a ways to go in his rehab before they are willing to hand him a Major League contract. However, Marc Carig tweets the Amazins are not planning on simply walking away from the possibility of signing Wilson to such a deal. He’s drawn interest from a few teams, and is currently also talking to the Tigers and the Giants, but according to Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog, Wilson remains very interested on the prospect of playing in New York.

Although there is always risk bringing a pitcher in on a guaranteed deal after Tommy John surgery, there seems to be more risk involved with Wilson since he’s recovering from the surgery for the second time in his career. However, what he can bring to the Mets outside of his performance on the field could also be keeping Sandy Alderson and company interested.

With the departure of R.A. Dickey, New York needs another dynamic personality to add to the roster, and to make the team attractive enough for the casual fan to pay the price of admission for a game at Citi Field, and that’s what Wilson would do. They need someone that can bring some sizzle, while also being an important part of the team. If Wilson’s playful antics and comments aren’t enough to convince you the Mets would benefit from his personality, then I’m not sure what will. On a serious note, it is most important that he’s healthy and will be able to contribute, and although Sandy doesn’t think he’s ready just yet, the fact that he’s still interested means he believes he will be getting to that point by the time April rolls around.

Bobby Parnell and the Mets have agreed to a one-year/$1.7 million contract last night, which means they will avoid arbitration with their reliever, who posted a 2.49 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 68.2 innings pitched during 2012. Now, the only two possible arbitration cases left are for Daniel Murphy and Ike Davis.

Also, Sandy Alderson was on WFAN yesterday afternoon for quite a while with Mike Francesa, and Danny Abriano gives us a fantastic summary of what the Mets GM said, along with some of his own comments.

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