Your Thursday morning dose of New York Mets and MLB news, notes, and links.
Meet the Mets
The Mets made a stunning move at the winter meetings on Wednesday afternoon, signing 40-year-old starter Bartolo Colon to a two year, $20 million deal. The team had previously said they would not give a starter a multi-year deal this offseason. Despite his age, Colon is a huge upgrade to a Mets rotation that will be without Matt Harvey this season.
The Ike Davis saga took a positive turn for the Mets, as the Marinerssigned first baseman/outfielder Corey Hart to a one-year deal, and acquired Logan Morrison from the Marlins. The two moves reduce the number of available first baseman on the market. The Brewers reportedly are back in on Davis, but might have more interest in free-agent James Loney. The Rays also have interest in Davis, but like Milwaukee, are also in on Loney. A third team, the Pirates, may be in on Davis but not nearly to the same extent as the Brewers and Rays.
Stephen Drew is still on the market, and the Mets do have interest but payroll issues are supposedly getting in their way. They also do not want to give him more than two years. Baseball sources still think he returns to the Red Sox, possibly on a two-year deal.
The Mets met with the agent for relievers John Axford and Kevin Gregg in their pursuit for a late-inning reliever
Ervin Santana was also on the radar, as Mets officials met with his agent, but after the Colon signing, a deal is unlikely.
Daniel Murphy is now unlikely to be traded. Marc Carig of Newsday says the team would only trade him if they could replace his production, which is unlikely with the other internal options.
Randy St. Claire is out as pitching coach at Triple-A Las Vegas.
Around the Majors
The MLB rules committee has decided to ban home plate collisions. The rule works against both catchers blocking the plate and runners trying to collide with the catcher, with possible fines and suspensions coming to those who violate it. Considering the kind of physical and mental damage that can result from these collisions, it's a good move.
Shin Soo Choo, the best hitter left on the market, lost a potential suitor in the Mariners after their moves for Hart and Morrison. Choo is said to be looking for an eight-year deal. The Rangers look to be his best bet at this point, and the two sides are having discussions, although they have not offered him a seven-year deal.
The Mariners are still in on Nelson Cruz, along with possibly the Rangers, Rockies, and Orioles. The Orioles' interest may not be as significant as previously stated though.
Bronson Arroyo's market looks to be primarily the Twins and Reds at the moment, although other teams may be in the mix. The Reds expect Arroyo to land elsewhere though.
The Reds offered Brandon Phillips to the Yankees for Brett Gardner, but were turned down.
The Pirates signed right-hander Edinson Volquez to a one year, $5 million contract.
The Astros are engaged in serious discussions with outfielder/first baseman Michael Morse.
In their pursuit of an ace, the Diamondbacks have designated Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka as their primary target. They, like the Mets, have met with the agent for Ervin Santana.
Kendrys Morales may not sign until after the draft due to pick compensation attached to him.
Yesterday At AA
Bartolo Colon's impact on the 2014 Mets was analyzed, as were the reactions to his deal. 47% of AA readers approved of the signing.
Jeffrey Patternostro and Rob Castellano talked about a number of things on the AA Podcast, including what the Mets will do in the Rule 5 draft.
If you read an article or find a link that you think would be a great addition to a future edition of Mets Morning News, please forward it to our tips email address tips@grission.com and we'll try to add it in.
