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?
Of the 3 I like the idea of Jon Rauch closing the most.
ReplyDeleteRauch would be cheap and if we get Chris Young, qualify us for tallest pitching staff. Daniel Herrera directly counter-acts this.
ReplyDeleteLidge 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.
I really think Rauch is the cheapest option for the Mets. I would imagine that he gets an incentive-laced deal.
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