State of the Mets Rotation (Part II)

Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal wrote, “The Mets and Yankees have emerged as the leading contenders for free-agent right-hander Freddy Garcia.” He also cited a major league exececutive here who predicts “the price (for Ben Sheets) will be in the $6 million to $8 million range for one year, with incentives that could push the total value past $14 million. A lucrative club option also might be part of the package.”

Meanwhile, on Monday, Jon Heyman wrote “The Mets currently have no offer on the table and believe Oliver Perez is still seeking about $60 million (for five years). Perez remains by far the Mets’ first choice for their final rotation spot and are surveying other viable starters, including Ben Sheets, as well as Randy Wolf and Jon Garland.”

As I wrote last week, it seems to me that if the Mets wanted to, they could afford both Perez and Sheets while remaining under $160 million. Click here for the updated 40 man roster with salary projection and here I’ve added Perez and Sheets.

Given that all teams (except the Yankees) seem to be saving for a rainy day, I’d guess the Mets will only sign one of Perez and Sheets. I’m okay with that, as long as they also sign one of Jon Garland and Randy Wolf  who have been reported to be requiring a $6 – $8 million deal. Ideally, the Mets would also sign one of Freddy Garcia or Pedro Martinez for $5 million on incentives based contracts (to give the team pitching depth similar to the Red Sox’s Brad Penny and John Smoltz deals).

That would give the Mets the following rotation depth:

1. Johan Santana
2. Oliver Perez or Ben Sheets
3. Mike Pelfrey
4. John Maine
5. Jon Garland or Randy Wolf
6. Freddy Garcia or Pedro Martinez
7. Tim Redding
8. Jonathan Niese

If you were the Mets GM what pitcher(s) would you sign?

Now that the Mets have signed Tim Redding to a one year deal worth $2.25 million, if you were the Mets GM, Omar Minaya, what pitcher(s) would you sign next?

I prefer Lowe because of his consistency, but not at four years. In the end, though, I hope the Mets sign Derek Lowe, Pedro Martinez and Freddy Garcia. I really like the Red Sox signing of veterans Brad Penny and John Smoltz to compete for the last spot in the rotation and to fill-in in case of injuries to the rotation, and think the Mets can do the same with Martinez and Garcia.