The Mets have been linked to nearly every closer on the market this offseason, probably because their bullpen was just dreadful down the stretch and Omar Minaya is desperately trying to keep his job. Free agent closers like Francisco Rodriguez, Kerry Wood, and Brian Fuentes have been mentioned as possible targets. Well, according to published reports, we can add Mariners closer J.J. Putz to the list. Actually, it sounds like we can shoot his name to the top of the list. The Mets have targeted Seattle closer J.J. Putz as their priority. He is signed for 2009 at $5 million with an option for 2010 at $8.6 million or a $1 million buyout, which is a lot less than the expectation of prime free-agent closers such as Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes.Since the Mets have more needs than just adding a closer, it would make sense -- since they are playing for now -- to trade a few prospects to the rebuiling Mariners for Putz and use the big free agent bucks elsewhere. Perhaps they can continue to shore up the bullpen, or add a stud outfielder to the fray.
Either way, Putz would be a quality addition. He'd likely benefit from the move to the NL, and he dominated the AL in 2007, garnering 40 saves with a 1.38 ERA and 0.70 WHIP. He didn't fare quite as well in 2008, but he battled injuries.
Still, he'll only be 32 next season, and his arm has a relatively low amount of mileage for his age. If the Mets are willing to pass off the huge jump in ERA and WHIP last season (3.88 and 1.60) as being due to his injury woes -- and I am -- then he would be a nice addition.
Hat-tip: MLB Rumors
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-21-2008 @ 1:34PM
Wu-Tang's HAZE said...
I think that would be the best option to get Putz. The already have Kunz lined up behind him , he's one of the top prospects for closer. Then the Mets can sign Cruz and throw the rest of the money at Ram MAM
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11-22-2008 @ 3:25PM
arthur said...
we need a top quality closer now not for a year or two down the line and we need a setup man. until we get those two in place you will have trouble getting quality starters to come to citi field. Kunz and play for a seventh inning guy for 2009 during spring training and the mets can tell where he should fit in during 2009 and 2010
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11-23-2008 @ 7:20AM
LEW said...
CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP. MUTS GO GET PUTZ WHAT A JOKE. HE SUCKS. K ROD IS THE ONE WHAT A SMART MOVE GETTING THE BEST, NETS ARE SO CHEAP. YOU WILL LOSE 90 GAMES NEXT YEAR SO CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP.. YOUR PRIORITIES ARE TO SPEND THE LEAST MOINEY. YOUR MORONIC OWNERS ARE CHEAP CHEAP. METS GO TO HELL YOU WILL SUCK IN2009 LIKE THE LAST 2 YEARS. CHEAP BASTARDS.
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11-24-2008 @ 4:45AM
Stephen Folkson said...
I really do not think it would be in the best interest of the Mets to get someone with a name like PUTZ. I can just imagine the signs in the bleachers this summer. This man should have changed his name a long time ago. I grew up with a fellow
who had as a last name Schmuckler. Just as bad as PUTZ
and almost the same.
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