Mets Signing, Declining, Trading, Claiming, & Purchasing

Moises Alou looks to win big in New York in 2007 in a Mets' uniform

The New York Mets had a busy Monday, signing a big name, trading for some young talent, declining an aging hall of famer, and also claiming and purchasing on Monday, November 20th.

Omar Minaya, the General Manager of the New York Mets made it clear when he became the GM of this team two years ago that he was going to be sure to make this team a contender year and year out and continues to back it up with the most recent signing of outfielder, Moises Alou. Alou signed a one year contract worth 8.5 million dollars .

"The length of my contract doesn't really matter at this point in my career," Alou said. "I wanted to come here because this year -- I wanted to win this year."

In 98 games last season, Alou hit 22 home runs and 74 rbis and had a batting avergae of .301. Moises Alou will take over the left field job of the New York Mets in 2007 in place of Cliff Floyd, who was bothered Achillies tendon problem all of last year on and off, but mostly on.

"That's the only reason why I'm back playing in '07. I was a little frustrated last season because of the little injuries that I had," Alou said, adding that he's completely healthy now. "I felt great after July. I feel good at the plate. I feel strong. I feel young."

And a young, strong, and healthy right handed hitter is exactly what the Mets need. Well, Alou might not be young, but if he plays like it then for one year, it is just as good as actually being young. After trading Xavier Nady, right handed right fielder, to the Pittsburgh Pirates at the trading deadline of last season, the Mets lacked that right handed hitter in the bottom of the order to even out the balance. Moises Alou batted .349 verse lefties this past season.

The Alou signing was not the only thing that the Mets were up to on Monday. Omar Minaya made it public that the Mets declined their 14 million dollar option on 2 time Cy Young award winner, Tom Glavine on Monday. Tom Glavine went 15-7 and had a 3.82 ERA this past season and most importantly, barely missed any starts due to injury. Though, Glavine had troubles towards the end of the season staying in the game past the fifth inning.

"We hope to continue to speak with the agent, negotiate, and hopefully be able to bring Tommy back," general manager Omar Minaya said. "We let them know ahead of time that we were going to make this move."

It seems as if the Mets do not want Glavine to leave, but they do not want to give him fourteen million dollars, which is what a lot of teams are doing. Paying players what they are not worth, but the ironic thing is that, fi for anything, Glavine is worth that kind of money. Well, he may not be worth it, but he certainly deserves it.

Not enough for you sports fans out there? Well, good, because the Mets, along with signing Alou and declining Glavine's option for 2007, made a trade with the Florida Marlins, dealing away two young right handers for two young left handers.

Going to Florida was Henry Owens and Matt Lindstrom and in return, the Mets recieved Jason Vargas and Adam Bostick.

Jason Vargas, the only player in the deal who has real Major League experience has a career record of 6 - 7 and a +5.00 ERA, but he is only 23 years old and Rick Peterson probably saw something in him and will work with him.

The New York Mets also claimed right-hander Jason Standridge off waivers from Cincinnati and purchased the contract of outfielder Carlos Gomez from Double-A Binghamton.