MINAYA: Said team didn't give OK.
He said there was no need for any side to apologize, but also said: “I did not say not to have surgery. What I said to him was, ‘I’m happy to hear there’s a plan in place, but we have to go through the protocol.’ He said the plan was to be operated on (Wednesday). At that point in time, I had not heard from my doctors on whether we had agreed to it or not. I didn’t tell him not to do it. I said as long as the protocol is met, that type of stuff.’’
So, the team endorsed the idea of surgery but didn’t OK it? Sounds muddled to me.
I’m thinking Beltran figures since he spoke with Minaya that he believes protocol was met. OK, so the Mets didn’t take out an ad to say go ahead and do it. But, since their was communication, they had plenty of opportunities to say NO, if they were uncomfortable. But, if they were uncomfortable why would they have sent the workers compensation papers needed for the surgery?
Either way, I wouldn’t be too quick to believe it’s paradise with Beltran and the Mets.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks designated Eric Byrnes for assignment. He is to make $11 million next year.
Also:
* FoxSports reported the Mets are in contact with free-agent Jerry Hairston Jr., who can play both the infield and outfield. Hairston, 33, hit .251 with 34 extra base hits in 131 games for the Reds and Yankees last season.
* On the arbitration front, John Maine avoided the process and signed a one-year deal worth $3.3 million plus incentives.
Also, Pedro Feliciano, Jeff Francoeur, Sean Green and Angel Pagan filed.
No surprises on any of that, as the Mets traditionally avoid the arbitration process.
