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Pending a physical, the New York Mets have signed Jason Bay to a four year, $66 million contract with a vesting option for a fifth year which could make it $80 million.
What’s next you may ask for the Amazin’s? The Mets will now be looking to secure themselves a reliable number 2 starting pitcher to go alongside Johan Santana. For that to happen, now that John Lackey went to the Boston Red Sox, it looks like the best possible way of finding another gun would be through trade. However, here are my top 5 remaining pitchers, signed either through free-agency or trade options available for the Mets.
1. Carlos Zambrano- There are rumors out there that the Chicago Cubs are willing to part ways with their ace for the right price. What better way for the Mets to package a trade with the Cubbies involving Luis Castillo, John Maine, Jonathan Neise and Fernando Martinez for Carlos Zambrano and one or two low level prospects and then go sign Orlando Hudson at second base. Lets face it, F-Mart is solid, but he’s not going to make an impact on this team especially since there’s Kirk Nieuwenhius who looks to have a much brighter future. Jonathan Neise is an average player with an above average curveball, but that’s all he has. The Mets have a kid named Brad Holt in their farm system that projects to be a future number 2 starter with a mid-high 90’s fastball and excellent breaking pitches, which would make Neise expendable.
2. Ben Sheets – He may be coming off of surgery, but the Mets need to take a look at him because when he was good, he had electric stuff. He has a career ERA of 3.72 and a record of 86-83. You have to realize that is very impressive considering he’s been on some bad teams in the past. Maybe offering a two year, $16 million contract with an option for a third year could get the job done.
3. Erik Bedard- Very intriguing player, he has a career ERA of 3.71 with a 51-41 record on very bad Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners teams. Try signing him for a two year, $20 million contract Omar.
4. Josh Johnson- Maybe the Mets could make another trade with the Marlins for their young stud. This scenario is highly unlikely but its worth taking a look at. He has a career record of 34-16 and an ERA of 3.40 with the Florida Marlins.
5. Chien-Ming Wang- Also coming off of surgery, this is an excellent option. The Mets could look to get him cheap also because he’s coming off surgery and had a 9.46 ERA last season when he did play. He played hurt, but when he’s healthy he’s a proven winner.
