Dec 10

What’s next?

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PEREZ: Next priority? (Photo: AP)

PEREZ: Next priority? (Photo: AP)

OK, the Mets have their closer. What’s next? Just adding Francisco Rodriguez won’t be enough. There’s still need of adding another reliever as well as a starter.

Whom do you choose?

My thinking is they’ll need to go after a starter first, which could translate into bringing back Oliver Perez. They have three starters as of now, with two questions in the back end of the rotation. Make it three questions if you’re concerned about John Maine coming back from arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Agree?

Dec 09

Mets to talk with Pedro ….

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MARTINEZ: Wants another year with the Mets.

MARTINEZ: Wants another year with the Mets.

The Mets’ rotation could again include Pedro Martinez, who wants to return and GM Omar Minaya has a reciprocal interest in bringing him back.

Said Minaya to ESPN.deportes: “We have interest in him. We’re going to talk to his agent when we have the opportunity.”

The Mets have three starters – Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine – but with their odds long on getting Derek Lowe, they might have to settle for bringing back Oliver Perez, and that’s not a given.

Jon Niese would be expected to compete with Martinez for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Dec 09

Should they add Fuentes, too?

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FUENTES: Could he still be in play?

FUENTES: Could he still be in play?

OK, you’re the Mets and you’ve landed the top reliever in the market, Francisco Rodriguez. Pending a physical, of course. So, do you also make a FA play for Brian Fuentes or make a trade for Huston Street?

Considering they first courted him as a closer, the Mets might have to offer more money if they want to Fuentes to take a lesser role. Street, of course, would have to come in a trade for prospects.

Dec 09

They have a deal ….

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The Mets reached agreement with closer Francisco Rodriguez on a three-year, $37 million deal, pending a physical. The deal includes a $14 million vesting option for a fourth year that would raise the total value of the contract to $51 million.

The option is based on innings pitched, which means he has to be healthy to get the year, and consequently, his money.

Dec 09

Bullpen notes ….

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Bullpen bits:

-Free-agent reliever Chad Cordero will meet with the Mets about a set-up/situational role. Cordero is coming off shoulder surgery so there is trepidation.

-Houston GM Ed Wade to ESPN.com: “I don’t like to talk publicly about potential trades, but I can assure that (Jose) Valverde is not being traded.’’

-The Mets do not have a meeting scheduled with Kerry Wood.

-The Mets have talked to Brian Fuentes and have mentioned money. However, there has not been an offer.