LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Sandy Alderson may leave the Magic Kingdom today a little Grumpy and Sleepy, but probably not Happy.
The Mets general manager has bolstered his bullpen and catching depth at these Winter Meetings, but target No. 1 — a pitcher for a thin rotation — continues to elude him. Cliff Lee won’t be signing a Mets contract this winter, and at this rate neither will Chris Young or Jeff Francis.
Both reclamation projects remain on Alderson’s radar, but at these prices, the Mets are willing to play a game of chicken.
“I’d say it’s likely not to happen here,” Alderson said yesterday, when asked about the possibility of adding a starting pitcher before he departs the Winter Meetings today. “We may want to go into January. That’s a possibility. Players have a different perspective. That different perspective could come tomorrow or all the way into February, conceivably.”
According to an industry source, Young and Francis are each seeking upwards of $4 million for next season — about double what the Mets are willing to pay for either starter. Alderson has already made it clear the Mets can only afford one veteran starter, and sources say Young is the Mets’ preferred option.
“We’re not very far down the road,” Alderson said, when asked about the team’s progress on the starting pitching front.
For now, Alderson will have to be content with reliever D.J. Carrasco and catcher Ronny Paulino, both of whom have agreed to free-agent contracts. Carrasco is viewed as a seventh-inning option and potential spot starter. Paulino is expected to be the backup catcher, although he told an acquaintance he’ll arrive at spring training gunning for the starter’s job, ahead of Josh Thole.
Alderson still has interest in adding a lefty reliever, perhaps Ron Mahay or Will Ohman, and outfield depth. If Alderson can’t land Young or Francis for the rotation, he may eventually turn to a list that includes Kevin Millwood, Brandon Webb and Doug Davis.
“We’re not feeling constrained at this point from doing other deals,” Alderson said. “Some days you make them and some days you don’t. It’s hard to predict sometimes.”
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Carlos Beltran
‘s agent, Scott Boras
, said the center fielder has not been asked to waive his no-trade clause and fully expects to play for the Mets in 2011.
The Red Sox have shown lukewarm interest in Beltran, according to sources, but talks have not become serious and last night’s deal with Carl Crawford
makes it more unlikely Boston would want Beltran.
“We have not been given any information from anyone about Carlos being anything other than a Met,” Boras said. “That is Carlos’ and [wife] Jessica
‘s mindset. They have a home there and there have not been any other factors to suggest he won’t be with the Mets.”
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Right-hander Boof Bonser
agreed to a minor-league deal with the Mets yesterday. Bonser had a 6.12 ERA in 15 relief appearances for Boston and Oakland last season.
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The Mets are expected to finalize their coaching staff before the weekend. Ken Oberkfell
, who managed Triple-A Buffalo last season, is a strong candidate to become the bench coach. Andy Van Slyke, Don Long
and Dave Hudgens
are the finalists for the hitting coach position and Mookie Wilson
could become the first base coach. Moises Alou
is not believed to have interest in a coaching job.
Frank Viola
reportedly will interview to become Brooklyn Cyclones pitching coach.