Four file for free agency

Four 2009 Mets have filed for free agency in the two days after the World Series.

Carlos Delgado and Brian Schneider filed on day one.  Alex Cora and Ramon Martinez filed on day two.

Of those four, Cora is the only one possibly returning.

Send J.J. away [Updated]

Update – 2:42 p.m.: Looks like this is all moot. Bart Hubbuch tweets that the Mets have informed Putz that they will not pick up his option.  They will buy him out for $1 million.

Update – 2:44 p.m.: I still don’t think they should bring him back, incentive-laden deal or not.  I think the team can find someone to fill that role at a much lower cost and with less of an injury history.

If anyone thinks it’s a smart move for the Mets to bring back J.J. Putz and his $9.1 million option, they need to take all their Mets gear and light it on fire.

Putz, who appeared in a mere 29 games for the Mets after coming over in an 11-player trade, was oft-injured and mostly ineffective.  He posted a 5.22 ERA and 1.636 WHIP, notching the same amount of walks as strikeouts: 19.

His reoccurring elbow injury, which the Mets had to have known about when trading for him, kept him out for a majority of the season.

For $9.1 million, there is no way on God’s green earth that the Mets could even think about bringing him back for the 2010 campaign.  That much for an injury-prone set-up man?  No way, J.J.

So good day, Mr. Putz.  Off you go to another team.  I feel bad for anyone who bought a Putz jersey before this season.

This sums it up nicely [Image]

But, at least the Phillies didn’t win it.

Order your shirts here.

Second spitter

For no reason in particular, other than this is one of the best scenes in Seinfeld.  Ever.

Ike Davis: Rising star

First-baseman of the future, Ike Davis, was named to the Arizona Fall League’s Rising Star Game.

Davis is batting .340 (17-50) / .370 OBP / .640 SLG with six doubles, three home runs and 10 RBI in 12 games.

Davis, who in my mind will be playing first at Citi Field in 2011, has quickly become one of the hottest prospects in the Mets minor league system.  Hopefully this isn’t just another product of the hype machine.  So far, with these numbers and his minor league stats, he might be the real deal.

Francoeur has successful surgery

Via the Mets…

Francoeur today underwent successful surgery to repair a tear of the collateral ligament in his left thumb. The surgery was performed in Atlanta by Dr. Gary Lourie. Following the surgery, Lourie and Mets Medical Director Dr.David Altchek of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York discussed that the surgery went according to their plan. Francoeur is expected to be ready for spring training.

Seems like they’re intent on keeping him for next season.

NEW SHIRT: LOLidge [Part II]

This one is just beautiful.

The design was sent to me by David W. Ciccocioppo and I absolutely love it.  Check out these shirts!

Click here to buy this design on a bunch of different designs!

Francoeur under the knife

Jeff Francoeur, who tore a ligament in his left thumb this season, had surgery to repair the ligament this morning, according to Adam Rubin.

Francoeur, who I believe the Mets will re-sign, even if I don’t want them to, injured the thumb making a diving catch against Philadelphia.  Rubin notes that was mere moments before hitting into an unassisted triple play to end the game.

You may remember that Alex Cora had the same injury and subsequent surgeries on both his thumbs.

Twitter Poll: Holliday or Bay (or neither)?

I took to Twitter to ask that very question.

Which outfielder would Mets fans most want to see patrolling the grass in Citi Field next year (or, if they thought the team would be better off without them, why?).

Here are some responses…

saffir_99 said: Hmm.. Holliday, he could hit and is a better defender than Bay. I still think Minaya makes a huge offer to Johnny Damon.

mattclausen said: i'd love Holliday, but how likely is he to punch balls out of Citi?

jessespector said: I think both would be a nightmare in left field, especially with a question of Beltran's legs. One bat won't fix Mets.

swirlywand said: Bay!

charlieryczek said: Bay. Wouldn't cost as much as Holliday.

cutiepie0319k said: Holliday!

jdemayoNYBD said: please Holliday..

djeffreys said: If it had to be JUST one guy, I'd rather Lackey than either. But out of those two I'd definitely say Holliday

csball2000 said: Neither. I'd rather spend on pitching, pitching and more pitching

The overwhelming majority of fans (and outsiders) would rather see Holliday.  Interesting.

How about you?

New Shirt: LOLidge

A new shirt design added to the collection.  I think both Mets and Yankee fans (not to mention Braves, Marlins and National fans) may all enjoy this one. Click here to purchase the shirt.