Mets and Yankees lose out on potential free agent additions
Both New York baseball teams lost out of adding a pair of free agents they had been pursuing. Each one could have devastating effects to their rosters.
The New York Mets need to add a starting pitcher. They know it. The fans know it. The organization has been public about there attempts to add to their starting rotation. John Lackey seemed to be their top target, but he quickly signed with the Boston Red Sox. Lately, they had been very interested in signing Ben Sheets. Many fans, including myself felt it was basically a must that the Mets sign him. Unfortunately, for Mets fans, Sheets signed a one year deal with the A's today. The deal will pay Sheets $10 million plus performance bonuses. That is quite a deal for a guy that missed all of last season while recovering from arm surgery. It's unlikely the Mets offered anywhere near $10 million.
Another option on the free agent market was Jon Garland. He is now off the market as well. Garland signed a deal with the San Diego Padres today that is for one year with an option for a second.
It appears the Mets are not focused on John Smoltz. The veteran appears to also be interested in joining the Mets. Hard to believe that Smoltz may be the best option remaining for the Mets. I guess that just shows how bad of an offseason it has been for the Mets.
Across town, the Yankees also lost out of a player they had been interested in. The Yankees are in the market for an outfielder and Xavier Nady was thought to be their top target. Nady signed a deal with the Chicago Cubs today. MLBTradeRumors.com reports the final offer Nady's agent, Scott Boras, presented to the Yankees was worth $5 million. The Yankees apparently turned that down, however Joel Sherman of the NY Post tweeted the Yankees would have considered signing Nady for the price he signed for today.
Where do the Yankees turn now? It's obvious they could stay with Brett Gardner as their left fielder, but they still need an adequate backup. I think Gardner is better suited to be the fourth outfielder where he can be used as a pinch runner and defense replacement at all three outfield spots. Apparently the Yankees were in talks with Rick Ankiel and remained in it until he finally signed with the Royals. Joel Sherman said the Yankees would only consider Rocco Baldelli on a minor league deal. I do not want them to sign Baldelli at all. Johnny Damon is still out there as well and his suitors seem to be dwindling. Damon may eventually need to decide whether or not to take a small deal or retire. I can't imagine him calling it a career. If the Yankees truly would have considered Nady at $3.3 million, I don't see why they wouldn't consider Damon around the $4 million mark if it came down to that. Damon needs to realize he is likely not getting a big deal this offseason. I think his best spot is still in the Bronx. The only other options on the free agent market might be Reed Johnson and Randy Winn. I don't think either of them are good fits for this club. The Yankees have said they do not have interest in Jermaine Dye or Jim Edmonds. They may look into trade options but I am not sure what is really available on that front.
Regardless, we can talk about what-if's for a long time. The bottom line is, both New York clubs still have holes to fill and the options are getting slim. Spring Training is right quickly approaching. These roster spots very well may not be determined before then. Stay tuned!