The Return of El Duque
-- UPDATED --
Sorry guys. A not so slight misunderstanding on the El Duque deal. His two-year contract, which should be announced later today, is for a total of $11 million, not six. I could see one year -- maybe -- but two? Seems very, very risky. El Duque is listed as 37 in the team's media guide, but his actual age is closer to 43, and that's dangerous territory. With Hernandez getting a deal like this, it's definitely a seller's market. The Mets better dip into that Citigroup slush fund if they hope to lock up Barry Zito this winter.
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Comments (5)
I'm actually begining to think that money means nothing, at least in terms of baseball. I mean honestly $42 MILLION dollars to simply talk to some pitcher. Now to El Duque: sure he's old, but he's been pitching decently for the past two years and has tons of experience. I can't actually conceive of this, but I don't get the feeling that this winter $6 million really means that much, nor do I believe that they would do this if they didn't beleive that they could snag Zito (or some help) as well. Don't get me wrong, I'm with every other right-minded Mets fan who is hoping for an improved rotation, not wasted money, but frankly the Mets have money to waste, and why not take a chance on a guy with some history, some intangibles as far as rotation support and inspiration...think how he helped Contreras with the White Sox, and maybe he can help Oliver Perez turn his career around. All I know is that the team feels special for the first time since the 80's, and while a late edition, El Duque seemed to fit right into that. Am I disappointed by the lack of positive rotation action pre-playoffs? Sure, but do I trust this particular set of people in the Mets organization? Very much so. I prefer the fingers-crossed method to the told-you-so one.
To heck with Zito and the rest. Re-sign Glavine, hope Pedro returns -- and in the mean time, leave three spots open for the young arms.
Even the Yankees have got religion, as the Sheffield trade shows. They've had one young arm in the rotation last year, and could have three this year.
Dontrelle would be great, because he's got a lot of years ahead too. Anyone else, forget it.
I would have preferred a 1 year deal, but 2 years doesn't really bother me. If Duque suddenly acts his age, the Mets can afford to eat the contract. A league average starter is currently earning around $8 mil per year, so the $5.5 mil/year factors in the age-related risks.
WT: "Lets hope Pedro returns" ?
HOW ABOUT:
A)Lets hope Pedro can move without a cane.
B) Lets hope Pedro can wipe himself right handed in the men's room.
C)Lets hope Pedro still has all ten toes to use.
Forget Pedro, he is done....name me one guy who had so many things wrong with him , and came back at that age. Pedro is done, period.
D-Train. The Mets need to get Dontrelle Willis, a 24 lefthanded ace. Along with Beltran,Wright,and Reyes the core would be young and strong. Heilman, Milledge, and a prospect hopefully would get the deal done. The bullpen without Heilman would require the Mets to resign Bradford, Mota(50 game suspension = reduced price)and give Henry Owens and his 100mph fastball time with Rick Peterson and the big league team. With D. Sanchez comimg back strong and possibly adding either Ring or a free agent the bullpen would still be a strength. LETS GO METS