LHP Dave Williams was designated for assignment by Cincinnati yesterday, and ESPN.com’s Buster Olney suggests the veteran could fill a spot in the Mets’ rotation.
It wouldn’t cost them much more than the prorated portion of the $1.4 million he is making in salary. The Reds probably would be thrilled to simply rid themselves of the contract. At a time when the Mets don’t want to trade top prospects, and may prefer not to try to count on pitchers who have never worked above Class AA, Williams would seem to be a sound mid-level gamble. If he flames out and continues to struggle — so far this year, he has a 7.20 ERA — then it would only cost the Mets a bit of cash.
¢ Williams is only 27 and he generally has been at least adequate for much of his career, accumulating a 4.56 ERA in his 74 games (66 starts).
Longtime Mets IF Edgardo Alfonso (above) might’ve played his last game in the big leagues. Fonzie, hitting just .100 this season, was waived yesterday by the Angels, who called up RHP Jason Bulger from their PCL affiliate in Salt Lake.
IF Alex Gonzalez, most recently with the Phillies has had his name placed on the voluntarily retired list. At CBP this afternoon, Willy Mo Pena was just involuntarily retired by Corey Lidle, as the Red Sox and Phillies are scoreless in the 2nd.