Molina Rejects Mets Again, Time to Focus on Arms
By Mike Silva ~ January 19th, 2010. Filed under: Mike Silva, New York Mets, Offseason Speculation.
The Mets courtship of Bengie Molina has hit the ridiculous stage. Buster Olney just reported that Molina turned down the Mets most recent offer, and now the Seattle Mariners might be the catcher’s likely destination.
All winter we have reported a mutual interest between the Mets and Molina. The problem is each side has a far different opinion on the 35 year olds value. The Mets would prefer to go one year and an option, two at the most, while Molina is asking for a three year deal. With February 1st right around the corner, I believe the Mets should pull their offer and move on to signing an arm for the rotation. As a matter of fact, I would now only do a one year deal for Molina, as I predict he will come crawling back to the Mets in the near future. The market for mid thirties catchers isn’t filled with prospective buyers in this economy. Last week there were rumors that Joel Pineiro could be had for 2 years and 15 million dollars. That may be the “value” pitching contract of the offseason, however I stand by my assertion the Mets would be wise to take a flier on Ben Sheets.
According to those that attended Sheets workout, he showed good velocity (hit 91 MPH on the gun), and was snapping off some 6-10 curves. It’s no secret that, if healthy, Sheets can be a top of the rotation type starter. Wouldn’t one year of Sheets at $10 to $12 million be a better investment than Pineiro at 2 years and $15 million? The comparison I would make is Sheets is a possible lottery ticket, while Pineiro is small guaranteed income. You still will have to work if you have Pineiro, but Sheets might make you fabulously wealthy. Sheets in his prime could produce a 130 or better OPS+. Think 200 innings, 15-16 wins, and an ERA around 3.00. A Mets rotation of Santana, Sheets, Maine, Perez, and Pelfrey is solid top to bottom. Jonathan Niese could be the sixth pitcher/second lefty out of the pen. Pineiro fits in well too, but he is far more hittable, and could be a creation of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan.
In the end, the Mets should be able to get what they want, a rarity these days. Molina might have to come back and accept whatever they offer, and either Pineiro or Sheets could be had on a reasonable deal. I predict the Mets wind up with Pineiro, but I sure would prefer Ben Sheets. One thing you can say about the Mets is they haven’t overspent on a weak free agent class.
