10/24/11

Cheap Options for Closer

The Mets will be looking for a closer this offseason. The team did not have alot of success with the pitchers they put out on the mound (that could fill that closer role that K-Rod left after being traded). Despite the need for a closer, don't expect Alderson to go out and get a "big-ticket" closer. There are many players that are going to be out on the free-agent market, but here are some cheap options that Sandy Alderson could look at as a way of filling the void at the closer role.

1.) Jon Rauch: He would definitely be a cheap option for the Mets. He will be coming off a 3 million dollar contract, and I would expect to see him sign an incentive-laden deal as a way of reestablishing himself.

2.) Brad Lidge: With Brad Lidge coming off of recent injuries, Lidge may end up getting a contract thats smaller than what he got from the Phillies this year ($12 Million). Lidge will probably have to prove he will remain healthy all season for a team to go after him. He is a great reliever with great stuff, but the injuries will be the factor into his contract. That could be good for the Mets...

3.) Johnathan Broxton: Jonathan Broxton would definitely be an interesting closer to take a look at. Broxton definitely has that potential to become a great closer, but really needs to show that he can still be the dominating closer we've seen in '09 and 10. My guess is that Broxton will also get a incentive-laden contract.

I believe that Sandy Alderson will take a look at these guys as a way of getting a closer, but at a cheap price. I know that Sandy Alderson has gotten players at an incentive-laden price, and I feel that its going to be the way that he goes with the closers. What do you think?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Of the 3 I like the idea of Jon Rauch closing the most.

David Groveman said...

Rauch would be cheap and if we get Chris Young, qualify us for tallest pitching staff. Daniel Herrera directly counter-acts this.

Lidge would be a so-so option as long as he was NO MORE than $1 Mil guaranteed. He's just too iffy.

I think Broxton has the right age to actually leverage his price tag up a bit from that friendly level.

Brandon Butler said...

I really think Rauch is the cheapest option for the Mets. I would imagine that he gets an incentive-laced deal.