The Mets have announced a series of moves that will guarantee their position playing October baseball next season. Let’s start from the top.
Miguel Batista’s Triumphant Return — The veteran righty made the Reds weep in the season finale last year, as he threw a two-hit gem against them. I can hardly argue the rationale to bring him back. They gave him a minor league contract to hopefully fill the role that was supposed to go to D.J. Carrasco, who I would have designated for assignment instead of Daniel Herrera.
Mets Sign Sean Kazmar — When you first read that, did you think what I did? I had to do a double-take because I thought it said Scott Kazmir. This guy is quite different though, as he is a shortstop that was rather unimpressive with a .253 batting line for Seattle’s Triple-A affiliate last season. He will act as organizational depth.
Fernando the Bull — Okay, I get it. That wasn’t funny. Either way, the Mets signed Fernando Cabrera to a minor league deal, and this is one of those low-risk moneyball type signings that Paul DePodesta has been known for. Another one I have no problem with. Last year, for the Athletics’ Triple-A team, Cabrera registered a 2.71 ERA to go along with a 73-26 K/BB ratio in 63 innings of work. And why didn’t he get a spot in the big league bullpen? Ask Billy Beane.
Think any of these guys will have a big roll this year?
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