Mets Granderson, Wheeler Help Get the Mets Another Win

The Mets got another win today with some help from one of their big off season acquisitions at the plate and on the mound from one of their promising young pitchers. They beat the Houston Astros by a final score of 6-2

Curtis Granderson, who crossed town this winter on a 4 year deal hit a two run line drive shot in the first inning to get things going. In the second inning he hit a solo blast. Both homers were way deep to right field.

On the mound, Zack Wheeler got his first start of the season and through three innings struck out three, walked none, and kept the Astros off the board. He needed only 40 pitches to get through his day of work. His fastball was in the mid 90's and judging from the replay his curve ball had its bite.

Travis d'Arnaud collected a pair of hits while Chris Young doubled, scored, and gunned down Cesar Izturis who was trying to leg out a double. Brandon Nimmo added insurance in the 8th with a frozen rope to right field to score Daniel Muno.

Kyle Farnsworth, Vic Black, Jeff Walters, and Scott Rice all held the Astros to no runs. Houston's only scoring was that of a two run homer in the 5th by Jonathan Villar off Erik Goeddel.

The Mets have split squad games tomorrow against the Nationals and Marlins.

Photo Courtesy: ajgmets.net

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Mets' Alderson Talks Finances Again

Here we go again. The Post and various other media outlets are reporting that the banks that have issued the Mets loans are keeping them on a payroll restriction. A claim that Sandy Alderson denies. He is quoted as saying the current payroll is just north of $85 million which if memory serves me correctly is similar to last year. That said they unloaded some big nasty contracts for two (who I won't name) who never saw the field. We have added Chris Young, Curtis Granderson, and Bartolo Colon to major league contracts along with Kyle Farnsworth and Jose Valdverde on minor league contracts with zero guarantee of making the team out of camp.

The latter of the two coming off the heels of "missing" out on Grant Balfour and Fernando Rodney to rumored similar deals. And then there is the ongoing saga of the Stephen Drew situation be it money, years, opt out clauses, etc. I then meander over to see what Adam Rubin is saying to find this:

“I said it was unlikely that we would sign another major free agent,” Sandy Alderson said. “I think that’s still the case.” #mets
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) February 13, 2014

Unlikely? I think it is more like guaranteed and while the fan in me wishes that weren't the case if it is true then fine. I don't like it and it won't make me cheer on this effing team any less but whatever. I just want this season to start so we can talk about who is doing well, who isn't, and what we as fans are getting for our $85 million payroll.

Photo Courtesey of: NYPost

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Mets Still In The Market For A Closer

Per a report by  ESPN's Adam Rubin, the Mets remain on the prowl for a closer type.  Citing a source from outside of the organization, it is believe the Mets have set aside money to make such an acquisition and that the addition of Kyle Farnsworth earlier this afternoon doesn't change the teams plans.

It is believed that Fernando Rodney may be the team's first choice, but others to include Kevin Gregg, Ryan Madson and/or Joel Hanrahan could all be options.

If they continue to go this round, its reasonable to assume that the team has come concern for Bobby Parnell and his recovery from season ending neck surgery.  Parnell resumed baseball activities last month and believes he will be ready for opening day.  However, the Mets appear less confident.  Regardless, the more quality arms the better as the team's bullpen has been a question mark in recent years.

Mets Add Kyle Farnsworth On MiLB Deal

#Mets sign Kyle Farnsworth to minor-league deal.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) February 3, 2014

In a move that likely rounds out the back end of the team's bullpen, the Mets have signed Kyle Farnsworth to a minor league deal which includes an invitation to major league spring training. The Mets will become the eighth team on which Farnsworth will have played in his major league career. He will turn 38 this upcoming April.

The Mets have been seeking a veteran reliever with closing experience all winter long.  Farnsworth doesn't really fit the mold of the latter despite 54 career saves, with nearly half (25) coming in 2011 while playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.

More recently, Farnsworth was released by the Rays in August of 2013 after a less than stellar summer that saw him pitch to a 5.76 ERA over 39 appearances.  He promptly picked up with the Pittsburgh Pirates and pitched well down the stretch, but did not appear in the post season.

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Farnsworth is a back up plan and its for that reason I don't think anyone should go crazy over this deal.  Yes, he is a far cry from Grand Balfour, but he is the low risk type of guy the Mets were probably looking for all along.  Bullpens are always in a state of flux, so if the team gets 40-50 quality appearances from Farnsworth then the deal will be considered a win.  If not, then he's just another minor league deal gone astray.