The John Delcos New York Mets Report Featuring Mets' commentary, analysis and news.

Even should the Mets sign Derek Lowe, he won’t be enough for their pitching staff. Lowe would put the Mets’ rotation four deep, with a question for No. 5. I like Jon Niese’s potential, but I’m not ready to say with confidence 30 times, “here’s the ball, give me six strong.”

Are you?

With Lowe, I’d still make a run at Randy Wolf. Oliver Perez? Yeah, it would be nice to get him, but I’m thinking the Mets won’t spend that much.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

The Mets have a three-year, $36-million offer on the table to Derek Lowe, which is considerably less than the five year, $90-million he was seeking.

Lowe has averaged 15 wins and over 200 innings the last seven seasons, which statistically would make him the Mets’ No. 2 pitcher.

His production blows away that of Oliver Perez, who has being 27, left-handed and a blazing fastball in his arsenal.

While Lowe’s career is marked by durability and inconsistency, Perez’s is the opposite.

Agent Scott Boras is throwing out the mystery teams again, saying there are more teams interested now than a week ago.

He doesn’t have to go to the trouble, because in addition to the Mets, there is Boston and Philadelphia.

The Mets rank their pitching priorities as Lowe, Perez and Randy Wolf.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Has been an eventful few days. Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and are bracing for the New Year. Just pulled in from visiting my family in Ohio. Decided to drive. Yup. That was a mistake. Should have sucked it up and gone with the flight. But, not working full time has me thinking about saving the bucks.

Lousy weather before the trip has leaks coming in later. Buckets all over the place. Gift card from Home Depot came in handy.

Have been busy which explains the lull in posting the past week. But, there’s been a lull with the Mets, too.

Last I checked, they were hot after Derek Lowe. Their fourth starter priorities are Lowe, Oliver Perez and Randy Wolf. I thought Lowe would end up back with the Red Sox. Didn’t think the Mets would go that hard for him, but they are tired of Perez’s inconsistency.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

Whatever you celebrate, I wish you peace and happiness on this day and all days.

This blog has gone from an assignment when I was with my old paper to a passion now. You’ve made it something I look forward to doing, and of course, reading your comments. For that, I can’t thank you enough.

Looking forward to chatting with you again soon, but until then, enjoy the day with your families.

Thanks and have the happiest of Holidays, JD

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

I don’t believe the Mets would make a player decision simply in response to something the Yankees did. They know they need pitching, which, despite speculation he was headed to Boston, the Mets pressed hard for Derek Lowe.

Word is they are deep in negotiations, with the numbers three years for around $13 million a season. Could be a little steep, but considering his durability and reliability, it might not be such a bad deal afterall.

Definitely, less risky than say giving that money to Oliver Perez. A rotation of Johan Santana, Lowe, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine is solid to the point of being one of the best in the National League. And, if you match them up, it is as good as what the Yankees put together this winter.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

WRIGHT: To play for Team USA. PHOTO: Mets

After Alex Rodriguez opted to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic this spring, and with Chipper Jones expected to be the DH, third base opened up for David Wright. Team USA will have an all-New York left side of the infield with the Yankees’ Derek Jeter at shortstop.

Wright will likely be the only Met playing for Team USA, but the Mets could also send Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado (Puerto Rico), Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez (Venezuela), and Jose Reyes (Dominican Republic).

I found it interesting that Phillies Ryan Howard, Brad Lidge and Cole Hamels said they preferred getting their work in during spring training and preparing for the season to play for the team that pays them. Yankees’ CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett said the same thing.

Yes, I am well aware a player can get hurt anywhere, but I’m especially wary about pitchers throwing in game conditions that early in the spring. But, that’s just me. Does anybody have a problem with players leaving teams during spring training to prepare for the WBC and exposing themselves to injury.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

REDDING: On the Mets' radar.

Redding will be 30 when spring training opens. His most important stat is 182 innings. He had a 120-65 strikeouts-to-walks ratio last year.

His record wasn’t great, but it’s sure to improve with the Mets’ offense.

GM Omar Minaya wouldn’t confirm Redding by name, but did say the Mets would look at “anybody that could help us.’’

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09

VALENTINE: Can you picture him in pinstripes?

“They just wanted to go in a different direction,” said Valentine. “They wanted to change things and I certainly understand that.”

After winning the Japan Series championship in 2005, but the team finished in fourth place this past season and did not make the playoffs.

OK … we all know Valentine won’t sit still. So, where do you think he’ll end up? I can see him with the Yankees if Joe Girardi doesn’t get them back into the playoffs following their winter of free spending.

Posted under New York Mets 2008-09