Your Friday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The Mets came really close to landing former A's closer Grant Balfour in free agency, but he decided to sign with the Rays for two years and $12 million instead. Just how close did the Mets come? That depends on whom you ask. Ken Rosenthal says that the Mets offered Balfour more money than the Rays. Adam Rubin says the dollar amounts were equal.
With Balfour now in Tampa, the Rays are unlikely to bring back their old closer Fernando Rodney. The Mets are reportedly not interested in Rodney despite just barely missing out on Balfour.
Oh sorry, you wanted some good Mets news? Well, Matt Harvey is optimistic about pitching during the 2014 season. Even if the young righty is healthy enough to pitch in September, the Mets are unlikely to let him unless they are in a heated pennant race.
Around MLB
The Brewers had reportedly reached a contract agreement with Matt Garza. The right-handed starter was set to make $52 million over four years with Milwaukee, but hold on, because the deal isn't complete yet.
Now that the Yankees' spending spree has pushed them past the luxury tax threshold, it seems the club doesn't care how much it spends this winter. The Bombers are reportedly consideringStephen Drew even though they already have a very expensive shortstop on their roster.
Former mediocre Mets relief pitches are getting snatched up all over the place. David Aardsmareached an agreement with the Indians, Jon Rauchsigned with the Royals, and Aaron Laffeyjoined the Orioles.
Looking for the next MLB city? Why not Portland?
The NBA's Brooklyn Nets are going to wear Dodgers-inspired jerseys for five games this season. The first occasion is a game versus the Celtics on March 21.
Yesterday at AA
Chris McShane broke down the list of remaining free agent relief pitchers.
Meanwhile, Ari Berkowitz examined bullpen arms that are already on New York's roster.
The 50th episode of Amazin' Avenue Audio is now available for your listening pleasure.
