As the Mets continued to experience the baseball version of a “blackout” some industry scuttlebutt was communicated via contributor Joe Demayo on twitter:

Source says MLB unhappy with Mets for giving 24th rd pick Erik Goeddel $500k because he’s a college kid in 24th round, could set precedent.

Before I give my comments here is a brief scouting report communicated by Michael Diaz over at Mets Minor League Blog on Goeddel:

I was watching that game on TV, and was very impressed with Goeddel. The fact that the Mets went over slot on this kid is big news. He has shown the repertoire to be a dominant closer/set-up type, but with a potential 3-plus pitch arsenal, the Mets will probably develop him as a starter. He still needs to work on his change-up and refine his command, but the raw skill set is there.

Dave Perkin of Baseball America said during the College World Series that “Goeddel enjoyed an eyebrow-raising outing Sunday. He fired a blistering four-seam fastball that sat in the 93-94 mph range and peaked at 95. Goeddel added a harsh 86 slider.”

From what I understand Goeddel slipped to 24th in the draft because not many teams thought he would sign. Obviously the Mets going way over slot (500k) for a 24th rounder is the reason he spurned the last two years of college for pro baseball. Some believe he would have been picked in the first three rounds in next year’s draft.

Obviously the news that MLB is angry with the Mets shouldn’t be a surprise. What angers me is the Mets have played by the rules for years- mind you rules that are not “on the book” but just “industry recommendations” and best practices- yet across town the Yankees ignore such restrictions. They have gone over slot to sign players such as Austin Jackson, Andrew Brackman, David Robertson, and Joba Chamberlain. Those players have helped the big league roster and used to import stars (see Curtis Granderson). Is Bud Selig going to force teams to take the Mets average “slot picks” in exchange for their in prime stars? All these years the farm system was dry how did the commissioner’s office help? How about Selig work on cleaning up the lousy umpiring. His ownership philosophy never did much in terms of success with Milwaukee so how about minding your business. The ultimate “do nothing” commissioner is awfully good at getting strong with teams when country club politics aren’t followed.

Good for the Mets on taking a chance on an arm with upside. Goeddel has a history of arm problems, but he is well worth the risk. There are far worse ways teams can spend 500k (Kelvim Escobar cost $1.5 million) and I never see Selig say anything about that. Better yet, what is he going to do? Take away the 2013 All Star Game? The fact it’s been forever for the Mets, while the Angels have had two during the last twenty years, would make me thumb my nose at him on lots of things. Hey Bud, stay out of the Mets player development. They have enough obstacles to overcome in rebuilding this team.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Erik Goeddel, New York Mets