Steve and I did a Pro Baseball Central last night. Feel free to listen to the right or go to www.probaseballcentral.com.

Also Dan Graziano has a new blog. You can read all about his baseball stuff at NY Baseball Hack.

Posted under Link, Pro Baseball Central

Not too much to report from the weekend, but this story in the Denver Post, mentioned Brian Fuentes will be visiting the Mets soon as part of the free agent process.

Also the Mets have until today to offer arbitration to the free agents they plan on retaining. Of the 11 that filed, Oliver Perez is the most likely to get an offer. Of the others only Pedro Martinez and Damion Easley played significant roles with the Mets last season.

Personally, outside of Perez, I would expect Easley to be offered something, but not Pedro, because the Mets would be in a pickle if he accepts.

Posted under Hot Stove, Link, New York Mets

On his blog at 1050, Rich Coutinho writes about why Luis Castillo deserves another chance at second.

He writes:

“I watched Castillo all year and noticed he seemed widely out of shape early trying to recover from off-season medical procedures but he has accepted responsibility for that fact. He had an awful year and you can not really defend it but there is also no denying this guy has talent. After all, he is a 3-time All Star and provided great numbers for a Marlin team that short circuited the Yankees from winning it all in 2003. He has a knack for getting on base and can be a real defensive weapon around the second base bag when he is healthy and motivated.”

Posted under Hot Stove, Link, New York Mets

My friend Rich Coutinho put in writing what he reported last night on 1050 ESPN. Rich mentions that an offer has been made for 3-years, with an option, and the Mets let agents for K-Rod and Brian Fuentes that they have last call when it comes to a contract.

“I do know that the Mets have given K-Rod a formal contract offer and the major sticking point is contract length with the Mets hoping for a three year deal with a 4th year club option while K-Rod would like at least 4 years of guaranteed money. It is possible that the compromise could be a 4th mutual option year similar to the deal Tom Glavine had with the team 2 years ago. The Mets have also been promised by the both the representatives of K-Rod and Brian Fuentes that they would be given the chance to match or top any offer they deem acceptable from other teams.” 
 

Anyway check out Rich’s blog on 1050, a very underated place for Mets information.

Posted under Link, New York Mets