Meet the Mets
Rumor has it that the Mets are one of a few teams that are interested in former Royals and Rockies lefthander Jeff Francis. The 31-year old apparently lost 16 games last season in the Kansas City rotation but the underlying stats paint a much nicer picture, as he threw to an average 4.10 FIP and 4.29 xFIP. He'd definitely be effective Johan Santana insurance, at the very least.
Yesterday afternoon, it sounded as if the Rockies and Red Sox were nearing a deal centered around Marco Scutaro. That deal fell through and soon after, there were rumblings that the Rockies had shifted their interest to the Mets' Justin Turner (again). Back in December, it had been reported that the Mets had interest in Eric Young Jr, though it wasn't known whether a Turner for Young deal had been discussed between the two teams.
What should the Mets do with reliever D.J. Carrasco? Well, since they haven't dumped him by the side of the curb yet, they might as well see what he's got in spring training. Personally, I still think the two MPH drop in his average fastball velocity he suffered in 2011 played a large part in how hittable he was.
Seedlings to Stars took a look at Mets outfield prospect Juan Lagares and they determined that it's probably best to temper your expectations for the 22-year old. Lagares broke out to the tune of a batting average heavy .349/.383/.500 line across High A and Double A ball in 2011 and it'll be important to see if he can continue to bump up that walk rate or add more power.
Finally, Anthony DiComo took a look at the team's offseason moves and projected payroll for 2012.
Around the Majors
Yu Darvish was introduced by the Rangers on Friday and he'll wear number 11. The Japanese ace had some funny things to say to the media in his first press conference.
The Giants and Tim Lincecum are moving closer to a deal to avoid an ugly arbitration hearing. In case you forgot, Lincecum requested $21.5 million in arbitration, while the Giants countered with $17 million. It's unknown if they are talking about a multi-year deal or just a one-year contract.
Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona (or allegedly Robert Hernandez Heredia) has been released from a Dominican jail on bail a day after he was arrested for using a false identity. The pitcher formerly known as Carmona is supposedly 31-years old, as opposed to his listed age of 28. In other news, the Indians acquired righty Kevin Slowey from the Rockies in a deal that GM Chris Antonetti said has nothing to do with the news about Carmona.
With a bunch of injuries suddenly cropping up, the Red Sox are likely in need of some outfield help and quick. Hey Boston: we've got a certain Canadian outfielder who you're very familiar with. Interested?
Have you found yourself wondering whether Gavin Floyd has been traded to the Blue Jays? No? Well, in case you have, Baseball Nation passes along this handy website which answers the question: Is Gavin Floyd a Blue Jay?
Finally, many people seem to dislike Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria for the way he's seemingly played Major League Baseball for years, spending little money on his teams, completely deserting the Montreal Expos and most recently, stealing Jose Reyes from the Mets. If you're in the Hate Jeffrey Loria camp, here's something you'll enjoy, as Mr. Loria was nearly run over by LeBron James at a recent Miami Heat game.