It's Quantity, Not Quality

Omar Minaya is going by the theory that if you throw enough shit at the wall, something is bound to stick. I for one sort of agree with that theory. We already know that there are a few guys who are locks to be in the bullpen in 2005 and the other 18 or 19 guys are left fighting for 3 or 4 spots. There are a lot of guys with a lot of upside and talent which should allow the Mets to be able to put together a solid pen. It will not be anywhere near as good as the Phillies or Angels bullpens, but it will be effective. In 2004 the problem with the Mets was not the bullpen. It was the offense that could not win the close games for their starting pitchers. Two of the worst offenders from the pen are gone in Stanton and Franco and some guys emerged at the end of the year to prove they are worth a shot. So for those of you keeping track at home, these are the guys vying for a bullpen spot.

1) Dae Sung Koo
2) Manny Aybar
3) Joe Nelson
4) Juan Padilla
5) Grant Roberts
6) Scott Strickland
7) Orber Moreno
8) Mike DeJean
9) Royce Ring
10) Jake Joseph
11) Braden Looper
12) Heath Bell
13) B. Fortunato
14) Matt Ginter
15) Jae Weong Seo
16) Aaron Heilman
17) Tyler Yates
18) Roberto Hernandez
19) Felix Heredia
20) Blake McGinley
21) PJ Bevis

I threw Heilman and Seo in there since they pretty much have exhausted their usefulness to the franchise and will possibly get one last shot to contribute to the major league squad. Also, I probably forgot someone since the Mets can almost put together an entire 25-man roster completely composed of relievers.

Anyone else confused as to why the Mets did not try and bring Bottalico back? He signed for the Brewers for less than a million dollars and pitched admirably after being out of baseball with an injury.


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The NY Post has two great covers today. Possibly the best cover tandem in the history of this storied paper.

According to the Post, Delgado has some lofty contract demands.

Delgado's camp has presented a proposal of five years and $80 million, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Asked about the price tag, Sloane declined comment.

Ummm, not going to happen.

Maybe Cammie is going to stay after all that hoopla.

"I had reservations about it for the simple reason of I've never done it before," said Cameron, who did not exactly sound thrilled about his new position last night. "The one thing we came to terms with [yesterday] was I'm here to do what's in the best interests of the ball club and try to put this team back on the map."

NJ.com still says the Mets need to cut payroll if they are to add Delgado.

Minaya is said to be under orders to cut payroll in order to sign Carlos Delgado. Cameron and left fielder Cliff Floyd are believed to be the two most likely to go.

I'm still not buying their need to clear payroll for Delgado.

Derek Jeter is the bestest base runner in all of the world. Nothing like a player loaded with intangibles and things that cannot be translated into stats.

If Jeter was drafted by Milwaukee and played for them the first seven or so years of his professional career, he'd be a pimple on the game of baseball today. Being on great Yankee teams has certainly helped him more than any other player.

Gagne got paid.

Gagne, 29, is guaranteed $19 million and would make $30 million should the 2007 option for $12 million be exercised. He will get $8 million this season, $10 million in 2006 and a $1-million buyout if he and the Dodgers part ways after two years.