Alderson is Cooking on the Mets Hot Stove

What has happened at the GM Meetings in Orlando this week? According to Sandy Alderson, "We met with some clubs. We met with some agents. Laid some groundwork. Had some phone calls. Some agents didn't attend these meetings. We made progress." That’s painting with a pretty broad brush. Not much action usually occurs at the November GM Meetings. The biggest news coming out of Orlando was the Phillies’ signing of Marlon Byrd, a deal that many are saying the Phils will live to regret. One of the major reasons for these meetings is to lay the groundwork for future trades and signings. It appears that Aldersdon has accomplished just that. A Mets team official outlined Sandy Alderson’s wish list,which includes bringing in two corner outfielders, two starting pitchers, a shortstop, a veteran backup catcher and late-inning relievers. Nothing was said about bringing in any bench players.
 Shortstop
It now seems to be common knowledge that Alderson met directly with Jhonny Peralta, the free agent who is looking more and more like the Mets first big target of the off season. Buster Olney reported today that Peralta’s agent is looking for “Big-Time Money” and far more than a three-year, $45 million contract. If that is true, the Mets could lose interest in Peralta, since they do not want to tie up a large amount in a single player when they have so many holes to fill. They could move on to the trade market. We heard today that Jed Lowrie, who Joel Sherman says was at the top of the Mets’ wish list of potentially available shortstops, will not be traded by the A’s. Many thought when the A’s signed Nick Punto to a one year deal, it was a signal that they would make Lowrie available. On the other side of the coin, we keep hearing that rival executives think the Rangers middle infield log jam is an“untenable situation.” and that one of the infielders, Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar, therefore must go.

Outfielders
The Mets have had conversations with the Orioles about Nick Markakis, although nothing seems to have resulted. Coming off a down year, when his power seemed severely reduced, he could be a big bounce back candidate. Unless the O’s are willing to pick up salary, it is hard to justify the Mets interest, since Markakis is due $17 million in 2014, including a $2 million buyout of his 20015 option. Meanwhile, Kristie Ackert of the N.Y. Daily News tells us that “the Mets are going hard after (and may be the early leader for) Nelson Cruz.” Ackert’s source says that the Mets and Mariners were the two teams making the biggest push for Cruz. So add Cruz to Curtis Granderson, about whom we have heard on and off stories about the extent of the Mets interest. Alderson has repeatedly maintained that losing a draft pick will not deter the Mets from signing a free agent that they believe is a good fit. Will he put his money where his mouth is, and demonstrate to Met fans that he is indeed serious about improving the team this year.

Trade Chips
The Mets have received numerous calls about the availability of first baseman, Ike Davis. In Orlando, they began to meet with several of the teams who expressed interest. Team sources indicate the Rays, Orioles, Rockies, Brewers, and Astros are team with which the Mets have had preliminary dialogues. More than one major league source have stated a belief that Davis could be of great value with a change of scenery. WFAN’s Mike Francessa said yesterday that Ike Davis told him over the All Star break that he would like to leave the Mets because he believes the fans and the team have given up on him. Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal tells us not to be surprised if the Mets also move Daniel Murphy, one of their best hitters. Interested clubs view Murphy as a solution for their third base needs or as a super utility guy, as well as a sound second baseman.
Joel Carreno
On a completely different note, Ben Badler of Baseball America was extremely complimentary of the Mets’ signing RHP Joel Carreno. According to Badler, Carreno “could be one of the steals of the minor league free agent class.” He goes on to say that he “throws in the low 90s with a curveball that can help him miss bats.” In his minor league career, Carreno has struck out 1 of every 4 batters he faced. Last year, in 66.2 relief innings, he had a combined 2.43 ERA, 0.945 WHIP, striking out 90 batters. Badler goes on the say “The Red Sox just paid $4 million for 27-year-old Cuban RHP Dalier Hinojosa, who might not even be as good as Carreno,” Carreno may just wind up one of those late inning relievers leading to Black and Parnell that he said was on his wish list.