Church, Duaner and Feliciano Gear Up For Arbitration

We were all quick to tell you who the Mets non-tendered, and in the process we never reported who the Mets did tender. The Mets decided to retain Ryan Church, John Maine, Pedro Feliciano, Duaner Sanchez and Jeremy Reed. Those five players can all file for salary arbitration starting on January 5th, and the Mets must exchange salary figures with them by January 19th. If both parties cannot agree to a contract in the ensuing weeks, they will enter arbitration hearings which begin on February 1st. I'm interested in seeing how the Mets handle Church, who earned $2 million last season, but had an injury riddled season. Duaner Sanchez is also in a peculiar situation after a terrible season coming back from shoulder surgery. Even Maine and Feliciano don't look to be in any solid negotiating position. I think the Mets are going to most likely sign them before going to a hearing, but if they do face an arbitrator, I really like the Mets chances.