Though he’s slightly trumped by a Post report of an all-but certain Jorge Sosa signing, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal weighs in on the thin talent pool from which the Mets can select another starter.
Jorge Sosa (above). Ramon Ortiz. Aaron Sele.
Those are the types of free-agent pitchers the Mets are considering as they continue their search for additional help for their starting rotation, with Sosa perhaps the leading option.
The Mets are not interested in right-hander Jeff Weaver, and they’re not one of the two teams offering righty Tomo Ohka a two-year contract, according to major-league sources.
Ohka, 30, spent 77 days on the disabled list last season with a partial tear of his rotator cuff. The condition of his shoulder is a concern for several clubs.
Sosa, who turns 30 on April 28, intrigues the Mets because of the quality of his arm and his ability to work both as a starter and reliever.
The problem with Sosa ” and virtually all of the remaining free-agent pitchers, frankly ” is that teams can’t be certain of what they’re getting.
The Mets would want Sosa to start. He went 10-3 with a 2.62 ERA in that role for the Braves in 2005, 1-8 with a 5.53 last season.
The Braves traded Sosa to the Cardinals on July 31, after which he posted a 5.28 ERA in 19 relief appearances. Manager Tony La Russa did not use him in the post-season.
The Mets still could trade for an established starting pitcher, but appear to be constructing a team similar to the World Series champion 2002 Angels ” strong offense, powerhouse bullpen, five-inning starters.
With those “five-inning starters” in mind, Oliver Perez signed a one-year, $2.35 deal with the Mets on Friday.
Anderson Hernandez is hitting .419 for Tigres Del Licey in the Dominican Winter League playoffs. While I don’t suppose that will have any bearing on Hernandez’ playing time next spring, it does offer some encouragement in the event Jose Valentin’s pact with the devil is nullified.
If Richard Hidgaldo and Roger Cedeno are worthy of one-last-chance, how come Derek Bell’s cell isn’t blowing up?
Jeff Nelson signed with the Yankees on Friday…for the sole purpose of being allowed to retire as a Bomber the same day. No word on when Nellie’s bust in Monument Park will be unveiled, but this is truly a said day for Yankee fans and fellow members of the Lt. Dangle Lookalike Club. The next time Nelson beats up a groundskeeper, he’ll be doing it for free.