Market On Cespedes Heating Up

Yoenis Cespedes's market seems like it has finally heated up. The White Sox, Mets and Nationals seem to be front runners in this race. There could always be a dark horse that enters the race and the Angels are always a threat but their payroll doesn't seem like it would allow for that. The Cardinals could also be a fit with Heyward signing with the rival Cubs but that seems like a long shot. The Astros could flirt with the idea of Cespedes strolling around the outfield at Minute Maid Park but that would be a crowded outfield with Coby Rasmus signing the qualifying offer,  George Springer and Carlos Gomez set in the outfield. The Padres seem like they could get in the mix if the price goes down.

So it comes down to three teams. If the White Sox sign him they help out their lineup in an AL Central that is shaping up to be very tight. If the Nationals sign him in a crowded outfield then they will have to find a way to juggle Ben Revere, Jayson Werth, Michael Taylor and Cespedes. A part of me thinks the Nationals want to sign him to take away one of the Mets weapons down the stretch even if they don't have room for him. That would be Daniel Murphy AND Yoenis Cespedes that could be seen in the Nationals lineup. Those two guys played a huge part in the Mets making it into the World Series.

Now for the Mets. The Mets would be able to keep him away from the Nationals which in itself is huge. He was a huge piece that saw the Mets blow past the Nationals and propel into the playoffs. Now I don't think he keeps that second half pace up-see postseason- but I do think he would be a bat that helps this club win a few extra games. His hustle has you yearning for more. The Mets could find him time in centerfield, which would then stick defensive wizard Lagares rotting on the bench for yet another year. They could also use him as a safety net for Conforto if he doesn't perform and he shows signs of needing more seasoning in the minors. Another long shot idea is putting Granderson in center and putting Cespedes in right field. With Cespedes's arm, I don't think right field would be a problem, even with not having any major league experience at that position. It's going to be interesting what unfolds in the next week because I think he makes a decision in the next week or two. Whether Cespedes is saying he has a desire to stay in New York because he truly means it or because he wants to up the other offers, it would be a shame to see another 2015 Met hero in a Nationals uniform. I am on the fence if I would like to see Cespedes in the Mets outfield but I would hate to see him the Nationals lineup. If the NL had a DH, which seems like it will be happening sooner rather than later, I would say the Mets should sign him and one of the four outfielders could fill the DH slot. The money shouldn't be the issue here as it is New York. The years, that could be a sticking point but with all of these teams putting in opt out clauses in high-profile deals, maybe the Mets could benefit from that. Can their be a team opt-out clause with a backloaded contract or even a mutual one? Only seems right that teams are able to do if players are. Also if he signs in New York, that more than likely leaves fan favorite Curtis Granderson having to find another team after next year.

Where do you think Cespedes signs? Would you like to see Cespedes sign as a Met? What would offer Cespedes? If he signs with the Mets, where does he play?

Quality Back End Reliever Signed

The signing you all have been waiting for happened last night! Okay so he's a signing that they Mets need, maybe you haven't been waiting for that signing but he is a valuable piece for the Mets. In a bullpen that scrambled all year for a guy that could get out lefty's late in the game, this signing looks good. He can get the big guys out like, Freddie Freeman and Bryce Harper. He can also stay in there for a full inning if needed. Hopefully his second half of the 2015 season is the kind of pitcher the Mets get but either way he is a good pitcher from the left side out of that pen. Maybe the price might be a little steep with $12 million over two years but that seems to be the market for a quality lefty that can perform under pressure. I still think they need one more reliever to help sure up that pen.

What do you think of this signing? What other reliever do you think the Mets should set their sights on?

Mike Piazza Memories

I remember on May 22, 1998, being 10 years old and my dad coming into the house saying, "The Mets got Mike Piazza." Not knowing much about baseball at the time, I just saw someone taking over my Todd Hundley's position and I didn't like it. Todd Hundley was my favorite player up until he was traded on that cold December morning.

My dad came into the house after work and exclaimed that Mike Piazza was a Met, he had the newspaper in hand and the back page was of Mike Piazza. I only recognized the name "Wilson," being the son of Mookie, I was sad that he was traded. Then little by little I warmed up to him. His bat had me cheering and hoping for a trophy. In 2000 he made the final out in the last game of the baseball season. In 2001 he hit my all time favorite home run. It was a homer that meant so much more than two runs. It allowed for New York to cheer again, it gave us a reason to smile and be happy.

Mike Piazza deservingly so made it into the Hall of Fame this past Wednesday. I'm very to hear about this. Tom Seaver finally has some company in Cooperstown.

What do you think about Piazza's induction?