The Mets may have gotten a break with the Phillies signing closer Jonathan Papelbon instead of re-signing Ryan Madson. Yes Papelbon is the better pitcher and makes the Phillies better, but not signing Madson to the reported 4 year $44 million contract, (Who reported this anyway? I bet they said they talked to a "source that has some information about the team." Its nice that reporters get paid good money to make up their own stories.) the market for closers may not be as bad as we initially thought. Papelbon's contract averages out to $12.5 million annually and he would have made a lot more had Madson signed for $11 million annually. Still most of the relievers on the Mets radar may be due for nicely paid contracts. And since a bullpen overhaul requires the team to add more than one reliever, the Mets may have to look more outside the box than they normally do.
One suggestion may be Juan Carlos Oviedo, the Marlins reliever formerly known as Leo Nunez. This all would be assuming he does not spend the 2012 baseball season in prison. Also assuming he is able to obtain a visa to return to the United States and is re-instated by Major League Baseball. Of course, Oviedo has to face whatever punishment avaits him for living and playing baseball under a false identity since he was 17 years old. But assuming he returns to pitch under is real name, could Oviedo be an option for the New York Mets. The Florida, I mean Miami Marlins are expected to have no interest in retaining him as they are pursuing other closing options as we speak. He is likely to be non-tendered a free agent and it is figured he will have to settle for less than he would he normally command. And by the time non-tender free agency starts, it is also likely that most of the big name closers, ie. Bell, K-Rod, Broxton, Nathan etc. will be off the board. That will also lower the expected salary for a guy like Oviedo. So, if he is in this country and not in jail, I expect the Mets to be in the mix for his services.
One suggestion may be Juan Carlos Oviedo, the Marlins reliever formerly known as Leo Nunez. This all would be assuming he does not spend the 2012 baseball season in prison. Also assuming he is able to obtain a visa to return to the United States and is re-instated by Major League Baseball. Of course, Oviedo has to face whatever punishment avaits him for living and playing baseball under a false identity since he was 17 years old. But assuming he returns to pitch under is real name, could Oviedo be an option for the New York Mets. The Florida, I mean Miami Marlins are expected to have no interest in retaining him as they are pursuing other closing options as we speak. He is likely to be non-tendered a free agent and it is figured he will have to settle for less than he would he normally command. And by the time non-tender free agency starts, it is also likely that most of the big name closers, ie. Bell, K-Rod, Broxton, Nathan etc. will be off the board. That will also lower the expected salary for a guy like Oviedo. So, if he is in this country and not in jail, I expect the Mets to be in the mix for his services.
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