Right before the holidays I discussed the free agent LOOGY market with a league source very familiar with the situation. I was told the Mets preferred Joe Beimel to some of the other situational left handed relievers. This shouldn’t be a surprise as the team has flirted with Beimel the last three seasons. I was also told the team would prefer to bring on two lefties since they are in a division with numerous quality left handed bats.

Over the weekend, Zach Links of MLB Trade Rumors broke down the LOOGY market as it pertains to the Mets. He cited an Adam Rubin report that floated names like Tim Byrdak and Randy Flores as individuals who might interest the Mets. With Beimel claiming he has multiple offers, I believe he will land a deal more in line with Randy Choate‘s 2 year/$2.5 million dollar deal signed with Florida, thus pricing himself out of the Mets range. Out of the remaining top LOOGY’s – Will Ohman, Ron Mahay, Dennys Reyes, Tim Byrdak- the best option very well may be Byrdak.

It would probably only take a one year deal for about a million dollars to land someone like Byrdak. Statistically he isn’t all that different from former LOOGY Pedro Feliciano. For his career he’s averaged 8 strikeouts per nine innings, and held left handed batters to a .202 batting average against (.677 OPS).

One issue I did realize is the Mets have used all their remaining 40 man roster spots. I doubt any of the aforementioned relievers will accept a minor league deal, at least not right now, so they will have to remove someone to make room. Assuming they will also sign a starter (see Chris Young), two players would have to be removed. Mike Nickeas and Luis Hernandez come to mind as I can’t see the team losing either on waivers.

Either way, they are going to need to add another starter and reliever. This will require creative 40 man roster management to get it done.

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: Joe Beimel, New York Mets, Tim Byrdak