ERIK GOEDDEL HYPE

For all you Metropolitan fans be careful. This guy is not a starting pitcher as many hope. If you are not already aware he was selected in the 24th round this year from UCLA. He was chosen this late because nobody believed the draft eligible sophomore would sign.
As reported by Aaron Fitt and others the two sides have reached an agreement which is yet to be approved by the commisssioner's office for $500,000. My sources tell me that the number is much lower and Mets fan should hope that is correct.
Goeddel is a fine pitcher, but many Mets fan sites are claiming victory because they only saw him deal in the College World Series, thinking he is a steal.
I have seen him pitch since he was 16 yrs old and please note he is listed at 185lbs which is really 180. He has a great delivery and is very tenacious on the hill, but TJ surgery took 2 years to recover. In addition, he only threw some 23 inning this year at UCLA.
Goeddel is a great kid and a great pick where they got him, but only under the following conditions:
1) Don't assume his frame is projectable as some scouts have said.
2) Because he is slight of build, don't count on him to be a horse as a SP.
3) Don't pay $500K for what amounts to a middle reliever in the majors.

Rich Valle