Indeed, the NY Post called this one a few days ago. From MLB.com’s Marty Noble :
Convinced that Duaner Sanchez would not regain the form he had in 2006, the Mets released the 29-year-old right-handed relief pitcher on Tuesday morning.
Sanchez left the Mets complex with moist eyes after the club told him of its decision. He was scheduled to pitch Tuesday afternoon against the Nationals, having pitched on Monday against the Orioles.
The move enables the Mets to save five-sixths — $1.35 million — of his $1,687,500 contract.
Sanchez was an integral part of the Mets bullpen until July 31, 2006, when he was involved in a taxi accident in Florida. He suffered a dislocation of his right shoulder and upon his comeback in Spring Training 2007, he fractured a bone in the front of his right shoulder. He returned to the Mets early last season and provided uneven results for the rest of the year. He was 5-1 with a 4.32 ERA in 66 games.
Kind of a bummer, although Duaner was pretty sad to watch last year. It’d be less sad if I thought the team was going to take their savings and put them towards one of the more-effective, suddenly affordable FAs on the market — Will Ohman comes to mind, but there are others. Instead, I think it’s going to pay for operating costs and Ron Villone’s contract bonus. As I said: bummer.
What was he doing in that cab so late!?!? Theres nothing to do in Florider at night!!
Crazy Joe Biemel is still out there. I hope the Mets or Sox get him. I like that kid.
Duaner will probably resurrect his career and do just fine…when he pitches against the Mets. The Braves or Phils will probably get him. Then Mike Francesca will have even more to whine about.
Sanchez will find work somewhere but he isnt going to be a Phillie as the Phils are almost overloaded with righty relievers (but still need a lefty as a stop-gap until Romero returns).