'The Mets still would like to add an arm or two in the bullpen,' writes Dan Martin of the New York Post.
This winter, the Mets have signed LHP Tim Byrdak, LHP Aaron Laffey, LHP Pedro Feliciano, LHP Scott Rice, RHP Carlos Torres to Minor League contracts with invites to Major League Spring Training. They have not signed any relievers to Major League deals yet.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
To me, the bullpen is not as pressing of a need as the outfield is. But the Mets do need to add some depth to the bullpen. I liked what I saw from guys like Jeurys Familia, Josh Edgin and Robert Carson last season, but while I think they can be successful, they're still a little rough around the edges and can use another veteran presence down there to help guide them.Earlier this month, the Mets were reportedly not ruling around bringing back Jon Rauch in 2013. He had a terrific year for the Mets last year despite a rough start. He is still unsigned and has previously had a very good relationship with Sandy Alderson, dating back to his Olympic days. I wonder if he's still an option for the Mets ' he would compliment Bobby Parnell well in the bullpen, and he would provide a good veteran presence for the younger guys as well.
Statistics and information on Jon Rauch...
Stats: Rauch went 3-7 with a 3.59 ERA in 73 relief appearances in 2012, having allowed 45 hits and 12 walks while striking out 43 in 57 2/3 innings. He pitched to a 3.08 ERA in 36 second half appearances, allowing just 22 baserunners and holding opponents to a .165 average in 26 1/3 innings.
Contract: Rauch signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Mets during the 2011 Winter Meetings.
