Bay and Lackey?

As you likely know, the Mets have extended a four-year, $65 million deal to free agent Jason Bay.

I don’t love the deal and I really hope the Mets are not the rumored team that have offered Bay five years.  (Is that you, Seattle?)  But, with the offered deal, the Mets might be able to swing another free agent on the market.

Not that I’m condoning it, but with the money the Mets save on the deal (by going for Bay over Scott Boras-client Matt Holliday), it is in the realm of possibility they could also sign John Lackey.

Yes, the Mets want to stay within a reasonable distance of their payroll from 2009.  Yes, adding Lackey and Bay would probably be silly, devoting so much of the payroll to these two players (and add in Johan Santana for an even bigger chunk).

Likely? No. Plausible? Slightly. Going to happen? Doubt it.

But as JP said in Angels in the Outfield, “It could happen!”

Link: Johan’s home

Head over to The New York Times to read a fascinating story about Johan Santana’s annual pilgrimage back to his hometown in Venezuela.

SNY was on hand to tape the events, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing it at a later date.

I love Johan more and more each day.

Poll Results: Do you trust Omar Minaya?

My latest poll shows that fans don’t trust Omar Minaya much at all.  But are you really surprised?

Next poll: What ticket plan will you get next season?

Mets non-tenders [Twitter]

From Newsday’s David Lennon…

Sounds about right

Where’s Everth Cabrera when we need him?

Alex Cora leaves winter-ball game with back discomfort

According to Beisbol Invernal, via MetsBlog, Alex Cora was forced to leave a game for Criollos de Caguas with apparent back pain.

Reads Google Translator…

The Creoles also seen leaving the pitch with back discomfort alleged in the second inning for his valuable 'infielder', Alex Cora, who started last night in defending the run. He was replaced by Danny Gonzalez.

I love that ‘infielder’ is in quotes, as if he’s some sort of imposter.

But he’s worth $2 million with a vesting option for another $2 million, right Omar?

Mets re-sign Elmer Dessens

In a long-rumored deal, the Mets have re-signed Elmer Dessens to a minor-league deal.

Dessens, 39, signed a split contract that would earn him $700K in the majors and $90K in the minors.  There are also bonuses worth up to $150K with $30,000 paid out for each of 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 relief appearances.

Stickin’ to them like glue, eh Dessens?

Why do some fans want to trade Jose Reyes?

Yesterday, while listening to WFAN, a caller proposed a trade idea to Mike Francesa.  If you follow my Twitter feed, you may know what I’m talking about.

The caller came on the line and immediately said, “Reyes for Hallday? I’d do that in a second!”

Um…why?

Throwing the trade idea out the window and using it simply as a jumping off point, why are so many fans so ready to trade away Jose Reyes?  What has he done, outside of missing most of 2009, since he became an established player to make you want to move him?

Is it the “lack of effort”? The dancing? The injury?  What is it?

If you’re one of the fans that wants to trade Reyes, please post your reasoning in the comments.  Or e-mail me.  Something, anything – I just want to know what your thinking is.

Ex-Mets: White Sox sign Putz for $3 mil [Updated]

The Chicago White Sox have signed reliever J.J. Putz to a one-year, $3 million deal.

Good luck with that elbow, Chicago.

Update – 2:27 p.m.: $3 million base salary, $250K on appearance bonuses and another $3 million in games finished bonuses, according to Ken Rosenthal.

Twitter Poll: Do you support the Jason Bay offer?

With the Mets extending a four-year, $65 million offer to Jason Bay yesterday, Mets fans are seemingly split on the matter.  Do you support this move or no?

I took to Twitter and asked that very question.  Here are the responses…

djshort: Only if it's four years or less.

joewhitmarsh: Yes.

DanReilly11: I'd prefer Holliday or Lackey, but I'm fine with Bay at 4 years.

kramtelak: Mets need an OF with power period Bay Holliday whoever If it takes 65-70 then that's what it takes. Do we want to win Jeff?

dances_w_vowels: I support the offer, Bay would be a good offensive addition, but I can't see him putting up .280/35/110 in Citi.

cutiepie0319k: i like it. at this point i just want someone new that can hit and can make a difference.

With Matt Holliday still on the market, where do you stand?