Mets' Interest in Valverde on the Decline

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Despite the latest medical setback for incumbent Mets’ closer Frank Francisco, the team does not appear any closer to bringing in reliever Jose Valverde.

Francisco, who struggled at times to close out games last year, underwent surgery in December to remove a bone spur from his throwing elbow and reported to Spring Training with inflammation in the joint and now questions surround his Opening Day status.

Not happy with Francisco’s conditioning, rumors swirled earlier this offseason that the 34-year-old Valverde was drawing serious interest from the Mets to become the team’s new closer.

The veteran right hander finished 3-4 with 35 saves in 40 chances last season for the Tigers before losing his role as closer during the playoffs.

At this point, Terry Collins and the Mets’ brass seem content heading into Spring Training with Bobby Parnell holding the closer role while Josh Edgin and Brandon Lyon will be the primary setup options.

If Parnell struggles in this role as he has when given similar opportunities in the past, or if the bullpen suffers any significant injuries during camp, Valverde could receive more serious consideration.

Brandon Lyon Comes South of the Border

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — The Mets further improved the back end of the bullpen when the team agreed to terms with right-hander Brandon Lyon on a one-year contract that could be worth up to $2.4 million if the veteran reaches a few incentives throughout the year.

The 33-year-old Lyon pitched to a 3.10 ERA with 9.3 K/9 in 61 innings of relief last season for the Astros and Blue Jays. He showed that he still has good stuff, averaging about 90 mph with his fastball.

With the signing of Lyon, the Mets’ bullpen is starting to take shape. Veterans LaTroy Hawkins, Scott Atchison and Pedro Feliciano are favorites to make the team while Bobby Parnell and Lyon will look to bridge the gap to Frank Francisco in the ninth.

The final spot in the pen will most likely come down to Josh Edgin or Jeremy Hefner.

GM Sandy Alderson said that the acquisition of Lyon signals the end of additions to the Mets’ major league roster for the upcoming season. That is, unless they are able to strike a deal with free agent centerfielder Michael Bourn, which seems increasingly possible as the days go by.

New York Signs Draft Bust Patterson

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — The Mets made two small additions by signing outfielders Corey Patterson and Mike Wilson to minor league contracts on Wednesday. The duo is likely to begin the season in AAA Las Vegas.

Wilson, 29, batted .269 during four seasons at the Triple-A level. The second-round pick of the Mariners in the 2001 Draft has yet to make his big league debut.

The more interesting of the signings though is the 33-year-old Patterson. The veteran lefty spent last season with the AAA affiliate of the Brewers where he posted a .251 batting average with ten home runs. 

Patterson, who was selected with the third-overall pick by the Cubs in the 1998 Draft, was once regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects.

He had a few decent seasons highlighted by a 2004 campaign in which he hit .263 with 24 homers and 72 RBI, but never really lived up to expectations due to injury problems.

Patterson struggled at the plate in 2005 and was later demoted to AAA. He was then traded to the Orioles in 2006 and has since bounced around. New York will mark the tenth organization he has played for.

If Patterson can remain healthy this season, look for him to get a shot in Citi Field should the need for his promotion arise.

Amazins' Sign Marlon Byrd

By ZACH DOLEIDEN

NEW YORK — In an effort to add some balance to their outfield, the Mets reached an agreement with 11-year veteran Marlon Byrd on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training.

With an outfield that is set to have three left-handed starters in Lucas Duda, Kirk Nieuwenhuis and Mike Baxter, the 35-year-old right hander will compete with Andrew Brown for the fifth outfielder spot.

Another capable righty, Collin Cowgill, is thought to already have a bench spot locked up after hitting .269 with nine RBI in 116 plate appearances for Oakland last season.

Byrd posted a .210 batting average with one homer and nine RBI last year, splitting time between the Cubs and Red Sox. His season was cut short after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, resulting in a 50-game suspension.

“I made an inexcusable mistake,” Byrd was quoted as saying at the time. “I will serve my suspension, continue to work hard and hope that I am given an opportunity to help a club win later this season.”

With the addition of Byrd, the possibility of a potential deal with Michael Bourn getting done has decreased drastically as the Mets are unwilling to relinquish their first-round pick in the Draft to sign him.

Byrd has been given the opportunity to help a club win he had hoped for. It is now up to him to do something with it.