When the Mets say they have inflexibility with free agents it might not just be money they are talking about.

I have been discussing with fans on Twitter the issues with the Mets current 40 man roster. It’s no secret that Sandy Alderson is looking for another starting pitcher and a left handed situational reliever. The problem isn’t just money because, as of today, the Mets entire 40 man roster is full. Therefore, they could only offer any potential free agent a minor league deal. It goes without saying that any quality starting pitcher or reliever will not sign such a contract. A minor league deal is what amounts to a “free look” for a ballclub, as the team is only responsible for 1/6th of the player’s salary if they cut. For players the Mets are interested in, like Chris Young, this won’t be nearly enough severance for taking that risk.

All the pitching names associated with the Mets are players that will require big league deals. This includes LOOGY’s like Joe Beimel and Tim Byrdak. Many fans email me saying why don’t the Mets just take players like Mike Nickeas, Luis Hernandez, or Jason Pridie off the roster since it’s unlikely another team will claim them. I reached out to a league source and asked for clarification about roster rules. This is what I found out:

1) Any player that was on the active roster in September can’t be removed from the 40 man before March 15th. If he is, then it’s the equivalent of releasing him. The league does this because they don’t want players left on the roster early in the offseason so teams can protect them from the Rule V draft.

2) Any player that wasn’t active (i.e. Pridie, Stoner), could be removed, but would potentially be at risk for being claimed. You saw this with Ryota Igarashi, who was taken off the roster when the Mets sign Taylor Buchholz to a big league deal. The only reason Igarashi will be back with the club is the fact he is due $1.7 million dollars in 2011, an amount that most teams will pass on after a poor season.

Also keep in mind the Mets really can’t release Nickeas, Hernandez, or Pridie because there is a need for their services. Nickeas is currently the third catcher, and will probably make the opening day roster due to Ronny Paulino‘s suspension. If Chin-lung Hu doesn’t work out who will be the backup middle infielder? The Mets have gone on record saying they want Ruben Tejada spending 2011 in Triple-A, so that leaves Hernandez as next in line. Pridie is a bit more expendable, but right now he would be the logical fourth outfielder because he is far more versatile than Nick Evans, Lucas Duda, or Fernando Martinez. Even pitchers like Tobi Stoner and Pat Misch are necessary due to depth issues. Of course, the Mets could release Luis Castillo or Oliver Perez, but whatever team they sign with will pay them the league minimum while the Mets foot the rest of their deal. It may eventually come to that, but I am not sure that is a wise move until you see what both have left in spring training.

This might be more of an issue in signing a starting pitcher than a LOOGY. I don’t think Beimel or Byrdak will get minor league deals, and the Mets could turn to a lefty like Taylor Tankersley on a minor league invite. They also have Mike O’Connor coming to camp as a non roster invitee. Any of the remaining starting options – Jeff Francis, Chris Young, Dave Bush- will require a big league deal.

The bottom line: although there are reports the Mets are inflexible, it could be the roster, not money, which is causing this issue.

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: Mets 40 Man Roster, New York Mets