Nymet31
12-27-2004, 07:57 PM
By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- Despite a published report on Monday that would imply something to the contrary, Omar Minaya appears to have truly filled out the Mets starting rotation for the 2005 season.
Southpaw Odalis Perez, whom the Mets courted briefly before signing Pedro Martinez two weeks ago, told the Associated Press in the Dominican Republic that Minaya would be headed there this week to discuss the possibility of his signing with New York. MLB.com has confirmed, however, that New York's general manager has no plans on visiting the Dominican Republic any time soon. However, Perez's agent, Fern Cuza, said that discussions with Minaya about Perez would continue.
"We haven't set up anything [a meeting up]," said Cuza, who also represents Martinez. "But we do expect to talk about Odalis."
Perez, however, told the Associated Press on Monday of what he believed to be Minaya's plan to visit him in the Dominican Republic.
"My agent informed me that Minaya is coming to the Dominican Republic to talk to me personally. After that conversation, I will have a more clear picture about my immediate future in the Major Leagues," Perez said. "I'm excited about the possibility of joining Pedro Martinez in the Mets' rotation. Pedro's intelligence and maturity and my abilities to pitch would be a tremendous combination."
Indeed. But if Minaya is serious in his pursuit of Perez or any other additional starter, then such a signing would likely be a precursor to another move. Martinez and Kris Benson, who also recently signed a multiyear deal, are locks to remain in the rotation. It would seem that Tom Glavine isn't going anywhere either, and trading Victor Zambrano, for whom Scott Kazmir was dealt, doesn't seem to be a likely option either.
While Steve Trachsel signed a contract extension in April, of the starting five it would appear that he would be the most likely to be dealt should Minaya opt to add anyone else. Trading a starting pitcher right now, however, is a scenario that isn't even being considered though Minaya has insisted all along that no one is untouchable and moves can be made at any time.
Besides, Perez also said that he wants to sign a deal similar to the three-year deals signed by Benson [$22.5 million] and Boston's Matt Clement [$25.5 million], and if the Mets are going to add a big bat or two to their lineup, signing another big-money pitcher might not be possible.
Minaya has also yet to set up a meeting with Carlos Beltran or his agent, Scott Boras, though the matter continues to be discussed internally. Beltran, however, told Primera Hoy, a newspaper in Puerto Rico, over the weekend that "the Mets have been very aggressive. So far, they haven't made any offers. I think we'll have a meeting very soon to talk personally."
Meanwhile, Carlos Delgado's agent, David Sloane, wouldn't comment on where negotiations stood with his client and the several clubs with whom he is speaking, other than to say the situation is ongoing.
NEW YORK -- Despite a published report on Monday that would imply something to the contrary, Omar Minaya appears to have truly filled out the Mets starting rotation for the 2005 season.
Southpaw Odalis Perez, whom the Mets courted briefly before signing Pedro Martinez two weeks ago, told the Associated Press in the Dominican Republic that Minaya would be headed there this week to discuss the possibility of his signing with New York. MLB.com has confirmed, however, that New York's general manager has no plans on visiting the Dominican Republic any time soon. However, Perez's agent, Fern Cuza, said that discussions with Minaya about Perez would continue.
"We haven't set up anything [a meeting up]," said Cuza, who also represents Martinez. "But we do expect to talk about Odalis."
Perez, however, told the Associated Press on Monday of what he believed to be Minaya's plan to visit him in the Dominican Republic.
"My agent informed me that Minaya is coming to the Dominican Republic to talk to me personally. After that conversation, I will have a more clear picture about my immediate future in the Major Leagues," Perez said. "I'm excited about the possibility of joining Pedro Martinez in the Mets' rotation. Pedro's intelligence and maturity and my abilities to pitch would be a tremendous combination."
Indeed. But if Minaya is serious in his pursuit of Perez or any other additional starter, then such a signing would likely be a precursor to another move. Martinez and Kris Benson, who also recently signed a multiyear deal, are locks to remain in the rotation. It would seem that Tom Glavine isn't going anywhere either, and trading Victor Zambrano, for whom Scott Kazmir was dealt, doesn't seem to be a likely option either.
While Steve Trachsel signed a contract extension in April, of the starting five it would appear that he would be the most likely to be dealt should Minaya opt to add anyone else. Trading a starting pitcher right now, however, is a scenario that isn't even being considered though Minaya has insisted all along that no one is untouchable and moves can be made at any time.
Besides, Perez also said that he wants to sign a deal similar to the three-year deals signed by Benson [$22.5 million] and Boston's Matt Clement [$25.5 million], and if the Mets are going to add a big bat or two to their lineup, signing another big-money pitcher might not be possible.
Minaya has also yet to set up a meeting with Carlos Beltran or his agent, Scott Boras, though the matter continues to be discussed internally. Beltran, however, told Primera Hoy, a newspaper in Puerto Rico, over the weekend that "the Mets have been very aggressive. So far, they haven't made any offers. I think we'll have a meeting very soon to talk personally."
Meanwhile, Carlos Delgado's agent, David Sloane, wouldn't comment on where negotiations stood with his client and the several clubs with whom he is speaking, other than to say the situation is ongoing.