Before signing Shaun Marcum, the Mets had internal discussions about the possibility of bringing in veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt to fill out their rotation.
The idea never got very far, and now that Marcum is on his way to Queens to back up Johan Santana, Jon Niese, Matt Harvey and Dillon Gee, a fit with Oswalt seems unlikely, unless it is in a relief role, similar to the one he had with the Rangers at the end of last season. Oswalt was 1-0 with a 3.65 ERA in eight relief appearances and 3-3 with a 6.36 ERA in nine starts for Texas.
The Mets still would like to add an arm or two in the bullpen, but the 35-year-old Oswalt wouldn’t be at the top of that list, partly because of injury concerns, as well as the fact he has been a starter nearly his entire career.
Just as pressing a need continues to be finding help in the outfield. The Mets remain interested in free-agent outfielder Michael Bourn, despite the possibility his signing could cost them the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft.
Although the 30-year-old Bourn didn’t immediately seem to suit the rebuilding Mets’ needs, the fact most other center fielders already have found a home could make him more affordable.
But with Scott Boras as his agent, Bourn’s price likely won’t fall too dramatically.
* The infant daughter of newly signed Mets catcher Landon Powell died Friday night, the family wrote on its Facebook page, “Prayers for Izzy.”
Izzy Powell, who was five months old, suffered from Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, an affliction which causes white blood cells to build up in an organ and destroy other cells. The family wrote that her liver grew so much it caused her ribs to break.