According to Metsblog.com, the Mets have designated pitchers Jorge Sosa and Nelson Figueroa for assignment. Figueroa did a nice job for New York spot starting while Pedro Martinez is out. Even though he posted a 5.12 ERA in 6 starts, the Mets won 3 of the 6 games in which he started. Sosa has been a […]
Filed under: New York Mets | 10 Comments »
I am sure many of you could be familiar with this story, as I have seen it floating around some media outlets and blogs this morning. But in this article written by Dan Graziano of the Star Ledger, we learn of an “interesting” exchange between Graziano himself, and David Sloane (the agent for New York Mets’ first […]
Filed under: New York Mets, _Off-Field Fleeces | 4 Comments »
Well, we’re one month into the 2008 season, and super-agent Scott Boras is already prepping clubs for a fleece of monumental proportions. This time, it involves New York Mets starting pitcher Oliver Perez. Perez, 27, is rumored to be seeking a 5 year deal worth roughly $60 million or above. Yes folks, that works out […]
Filed under: New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates | 3 Comments »
Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman has a piece out today about impending free agent Mark Teixeira. The Braves 1st baseman is, of course, close to cashing in on a phat contract this offseason if he can stay healthy and put together a fine year. The inevitable payload will be a payoff for Teixeira after he risked a lot of cheddar by not […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers | 4 Comments »
Each year in baseball, we notice a number of stars whose April/May numbers are nothing short of disappointing. For some players, it is alarming. Primarily in regards to aging veterans, where fans and media wonder: are they done as a player? This type of scrutiny can just lend to increased pressure on the ballplayer in question, […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, New York Mets, New York Yankees | 12 Comments »
In an interview with Steve Serby of the NY Post, Mets closer Billy Wagner reveals that he is likely to retire after next season, the last year on his current contract.
After putting the odds of him retiring after the ‘09 season at “somewhere around 99%,” Wagner says, “I’m ready to go see my kids play. […]
Filed under: New York Mets | 2 Comments »
We’re only 25 games or so into the 2008 season, but there are a number of teams who may have already begun shopping some of their higher priced veterans, according to Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports. Here is a brief breakdown of some of the players’ names we may be hearing all summer in regards to trade rumors:
Cincinnati Reds: […]
Filed under: Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers | No Comments »
John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports hearing that hall of famer, ESPN analyst, and baseball legend Peter Gammons has “floated the idea of the Mets trying to obtain Hatteberg to platoon with Carlos Delgado.”
While this rumor may seem speculative on the surface, Hatteberg’s status as a potential trade candidate can’t be doubted (Fleece Factor mentioned on Friday […]
Filed under: Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets | 7 Comments »
I’m not quite sure, but I’m guessing this is what your average Mets’ fan is like when he goes to a game in Philadelphia against the hated Phillies. Does anyone have any insight on this? lol
Filed under: New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, _Videos | 4 Comments »
According to Gordon Wittenmyer at the Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs’ officials are saying privately that they called Twins general manager Bill Smith when Johan Santana was put on the block last winter. Apparently, the Cubbies were told that Santana would not waive his no-trade clause for them, or any other team that didn’t train in Florida […]
Filed under: Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets | 4 Comments »
UPDATE: (4/22) 12:22pm (EST) - We knew it was too good to be true [Alou returning on Friday], and now David Lennon at Newsday tells us that Alou won’t return until next week, at the earliest. When he does return, it means Angel Pagan, who has filled in admirably, will be headed to the bench.
Apr […]
Filed under: New York Mets | 9 Comments »
As per Kevin T. Czerwinski at MLB.com, the Houston Astros have signed right-handed pitcher Alay Soler to a one-year deal. The split deal is worth $400,000 ($12k in minor leagues), and will officially be signed on Monday. Soler will then spend the next 2 weeks in extended Spring Training, and then report to AAA-Round Rock. The […]
Filed under: Houston Astros, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates | No Comments »
In keeping with today’s trend of dollar signs, Yahoo Sports! released a piece today (citing Forbes magazine) detailing how much each major-league franchise is worth. No real shocker that the Yankees were at the top of that list, valued at $1.306 billion, a rise of 9 percent from the previous year. The Bronx Bombers were […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays | 2 Comments »
The 2008 payrolls were released earlier this month by Major League Baseball, and there were a few surprises. What isn’t much of a surprise is that the New York Yankees were once again #1 on that list, topping $209 million (yet another payroll record).
Of interest though is that both the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets have leap-froged the […]
Filed under: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals | No Comments »
UPDATE: (4/13) 9:01pm (EST) - In case you have not heard, you can add Braves’ starter Tom Glavine to the list below. He left today’s contest against the Nationals in the 1st inning due to a strained hamstring. Glavine has never been placed on the DL before in his career.
Apr 13th - John Smoltz, Luis Castillo, and […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals | 8 Comments »
UPDATE: (4/12) 5:19PM (EST) - Jose Reyes had an MRI on Saturday morning, which revealed only a mild strain of the hamstring. He is expected to get rest through the weekend, and hopes to be back in the lineup vs. the Nationals.
Dontrelle Willis will go on the 15-day DL due to the hyperextended knee suffered […]
Filed under: Detroit Tigers, New York Mets | 8 Comments »
UPDATE: (4/10) 3:30pm (EST) - As per Matt Cerrone, the Mets have officially signed Vargas to a minor league deal. He will report to extended spring training in Port St. Lucie, FL., prior to going to AAA in New Orleans.
April 9th - According to the New York Post, the New York Mets could sign […]
Filed under: Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets | 4 Comments »
On Wednesday, we brought you the story of how Blue Jays GM J.P. Riccardi once tried to fleece the Reds for Johnny Cueto in 2006, courtesy of Tom Verducci of SI.com. That story led one Fleece Factor reader to remind us of another J.P. Riccardi move from the past. But this move is one that the […]
Filed under: New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, _A Look Back | 9 Comments »
In a Q&A with Athletics Nation today (good blog, by the way), San Francisco Gate reporter and Oakland A’s beat writer Susan Slusser said that she believes both Rich Harden and Joe Blanton will be traded this year as long as the A’s are not contenders. She believes Harden will be the first to go, and […]
Filed under: New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics | 6 Comments »
It’s been a while since we’ve handed out a Homer Award here at MLB Fleece Factor. But today, we’ve been made aware of a person who wears his “Homer-ism” on his sleeve. Literally.
Fleece Factor has been sent a picture from today’s Mets game of a New York Mets homer who has accepted his homerism to the fullest, […]
Filed under: New York Mets, _Homer Awards | 11 Comments »
Just wanted to get you caught up with some injury updates from around the league:
Tigers relief pitcher Fernando Rodney did not have a good bullpen session, and is still feeling quite a bit of pain in his shoulder. No timetable has been made for his return, but one can expect late April at the earliest.
Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson […]
Filed under: Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres | No Comments »
Ken Rosenthal speculates that free agent starting pitcher Freddy Garcia could be an option to pitch for the Mets this coming summer. Garcia is currently re-habbing from major off-season shoulder surgery. He is “good friends” with Johan Santana, and Pedro Martinez had previously joked with Garcia about signing a contract with the Mets.
Not really sure how Garcia helps […]
Filed under: New York Mets | No Comments »
According to David Lennon at Newsday, New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya spoke with the agent of free-agent pitcher Claudio Vargas today. However, as Lennon notes, the Mets may be willing to wait a bit longer before seeking pitching help outside of the organization.
The Mets won’t need a fifth starter until April 12th, and […]
Filed under: New York Mets, Texas Rangers | 3 Comments »
REMINDER: Don’t forget to vote in our FINAL FOUR OF OFFSEASON FLEECES! We have some very close ballgames below that will be determined by late voters. Polls close tonight.
On March 24th, MLB Fleece Factor kicked off the 2008 Sweet Sixteen of Offseason Fleeces. This tournament - whose winner will be determined by you - is Fleece […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, _Polls | 6 Comments »
UPDATE: (4/2) 6:59pm (EST) - Once again, Matt Cerrone has the scoop. Pedro Martinez has a “mild strain” of his left hamstring. He is expected to miss roughly 4-6 weeks. The Mets have recalled P Nelson Figueroa to take his spot on the roster.
All things considered, this is good news for the Mets. The injury initially […]
Filed under: New York Mets | 32 Comments »
According to the New York Daily News, Mets’ manager Willie Randolph said he could foresee Aaron Heilman as the team’s future closer, but not as a starting pitcher. Heilman is under the Mets’ control under after the 2010 season. Heilman has often expressed his desire to become a starting pitcher once again, but the Mets […]
Filed under: New York Mets | 18 Comments »
Mets’ fans worst nightmare may be coming true.
One day after joyfully watching new ace Johan Santana mow down 8 Marlins while scattering only 3 hits over 7 strong innings comes the news they never wanted to hear… Santana is experiencing discomfort in his left forearm.
Right now, according to Paul Wright at PFYsports.com, Santana is scheduled to go for an MRI sometime […]
Filed under: Minnesota Twins, New York Mets | 11 Comments »
The New York Mets made some final decisions on the make-up of there roster, and there were some small surprises on there. According to the New York Post, relief pitcher Joe Smith, considered to be a long-shot in the spring, made the squad and will work out of the pen. If and when Duaner Sanchez […]
Filed under: Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets | No Comments »
According to the New York Daily News, the Mets are leaning towards starting the season with Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez on the DL. As a result, he’ll probably miss his first two starts. Mike Pelfrey should be in line to make these starts, the first against the Atlanta Braves, despite struggling this spring. “El Duque” […]
Filed under: New York Mets | 3 Comments »
According to the NY Daily News, the New York Mets have sent Rule 5 draft pick Steven Register back to the Colorado Rockies. The Mets had hoped to work out a trade with Colorado to keep the relief pitcher Register and send him to their AAA affiliate in New Orleans. The two sides were unable to […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets | 8 Comments »
On March 24th, MLB Fleece Factor kicked off the 2008 Sweet Sixteen of Offseason Fleeces. This tournament - whose winners will be determined by you - is Fleece Factor’s version of the NCAA March Madness Tournament. The last FLEECE standing in this tournament will be awarded the 2008 Offseason Golden Fleece Award.
After an incredibly impressive turnout for first […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, _Polls | 2 Comments »
Some news and notes brought to you today by Jon Heyman over at Sports Illustrated:
The Indians are the latest team to inquire about right-hander Freddy Garcia, who will be out until at least June. Several teams had shown prior interest, including the Red Sox.
A member of the Orioles ballclub said this about Brian Roberts, “He can’t […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Texas Rangers | 3 Comments »
Bart Hubbach of the New York Post writes that the New York Mets could turn to former Brewer Claudio Vargas to fill out their rotation.
Vargas, 29, was somewhat surprisingly released by the Brewers (considering the injury to Capuano) earlier this week in what has to be considered a salary dump and has cleared waivers. The versatile right-hander […]
Filed under: Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets | 9 Comments »
UPDATE: (3/25) 9:17am (EST) - According to the NY Newsday , Mets’ GM Omar Minaya plans to meet with Johnson’s agent in the next day or so. The Mets appear to have interest here, as Reed has always hit lefties well.
Mar 24 - Recently released outfielder Reed Johnson is drawing interest from several clubs, […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays | No Comments »
Because March Madness shouldn’t just be for college hoops fans…
MLB Fleece Factor introduces the Sweet Sixteen of Offseason MLB Fleeces!
We’ve set up the brackets, and we’re leaving it up to you to determine the winner of this honor…let’s call it the 2008 Offseason Golden Fleece Award!
Here’s a complete set of brackets for you:
Click Here For Your “2008 Sweet […]
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, _Polls | 14 Comments »
