For the exception of the Mets trade of Cy Young award winner RA Dickey, the Mets have done little to address needs the team has going into the 2013 season. It is safe to say the team is not ready to compete for the coming year. The glaring needs the team has in the outfield and in the bullpen may or may not be addressed through conventional free agency or trade. Similar to my earlier suggestion of signing free agent Ryan Spilborghs to a minor league contract to give him a chance to become a poor man's Scott Hairston, I will assume the Mets are only interested in bringing players who either make no money or will come to NY for nothing. I will feel differently when proven otherwise. That being said, here are three pitchers the Mets can bring in on minor league contracts and simply get rid of if they do not help out.
Rafael Perez LHP Indians: Perez was an important part of the Indians bullpen in 2010 and 2011. He lost 2012 due to injury and will not be brought back by Cleveland. He pitched 70+ games for each of his last two healthy seasons, and would be a solid pick up to replace Tim Byrdak, who could miss all of 2013. A reason Perez may be had for a minor league deal is there are questions over whether Perez will be ready for spring training. To me, it is a chance worth taking.
Chris Volstad RHP Royals/ Cubs: Volstad was taken with the 16th pick in the 2005 draft by the Florida Marlins, the same draft the Mets took Mike Pelfrey. With Pelfrey going to the Twins, a cheaper 26 year old with still some upside should be considered. Last year, he was just 3-12, 6.31 with the Cubs and still has minor league options if it is a matter of getting this guy back on track. It was only 2010 when he was 12-9, 4.58 in 175 IP for the Marlins. Pelfrey got paid because he pitched well before his injury. Volstad will end up with a minor league contract because he has digressed over the past two seasons. It cannot hurt.
Juan Oviedo RHP Marlins: Oviedo missed all of last season due to his intentionally mistaken identitiy. He managed over 30 saves over both the 2010 and 2011 seasons. His strikeout to walk ratio went down over those two seasons and there are questions of him being as effective after a full season lay off. He should be had on a deal similar to the other two pitchers, with perhaps some performance incentives to sweeten the deal.
If the Mets add these three pitchers, it will cost them nothing. None may help, but at least it will create some possibilities. To simply give a spot in the rotation to Jenrry Mejia and bullpen spots to Robert Carson and Jeurys Familia is not responsible. I know that many "want to see the kids", but I prefer to see them earn their spot on the team, not take an empty space that is given to them.
Chris Volstad RHP Royals/ Cubs: Volstad was taken with the 16th pick in the 2005 draft by the Florida Marlins, the same draft the Mets took Mike Pelfrey. With Pelfrey going to the Twins, a cheaper 26 year old with still some upside should be considered. Last year, he was just 3-12, 6.31 with the Cubs and still has minor league options if it is a matter of getting this guy back on track. It was only 2010 when he was 12-9, 4.58 in 175 IP for the Marlins. Pelfrey got paid because he pitched well before his injury. Volstad will end up with a minor league contract because he has digressed over the past two seasons. It cannot hurt.
Juan Oviedo RHP Marlins: Oviedo missed all of last season due to his intentionally mistaken identitiy. He managed over 30 saves over both the 2010 and 2011 seasons. His strikeout to walk ratio went down over those two seasons and there are questions of him being as effective after a full season lay off. He should be had on a deal similar to the other two pitchers, with perhaps some performance incentives to sweeten the deal.
If the Mets add these three pitchers, it will cost them nothing. None may help, but at least it will create some possibilities. To simply give a spot in the rotation to Jenrry Mejia and bullpen spots to Robert Carson and Jeurys Familia is not responsible. I know that many "want to see the kids", but I prefer to see them earn their spot on the team, not take an empty space that is given to them.
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