A source has told Marc Carig of Newsday the Mets remain interested in the possibility of signing former Tigers closer Jose Valverde.
According to Carig, the Mets are also considering a reunion with Francisco Rodriguez, although Alderson told Carig that at this point, he isn't sure who he can sign.
'I just can't tell you at this point who that will be,' Alderson said, according to Carig. 'And I can't tell you it's going to be somebody that will displace Frankie [Francisco], either. We're looking to help the pen in a variety of ways, provide some more depth and major-league experience. I can't really get into names because I'm not sure how it will turn out.'
Yesterday, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reported the Mets were interested in Valverde, but it was unlikely the Mets would sign either Rodriguez or Brian Wilson.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
I am completely onboard with the idea of supplementing the back-end of the bullpen. And, in theory, K-Rod could serve as a helpful body in that role. But I just think the Mets need to look elsewhere. He comes with a lot of baggage, he had an awful year last season, and hasn't closed regularly since the Mets traded him in 2011. He also represents a part of their history they're trying to move away from. That might not be a fair criteria to judge a player's effectiveness, but there's the emotional aspect from a fan perspective which leaves me very uneasy about this particular player.Statistics, information, and analysis on Jose Valverde...
Stats: Valverde, 34, went 3-4 with a 3.78 ERA in 71 games, having saved 35 games in 40 opportunities in 2012. He allowed 27 walks with 48 strikeouts in 69 innings last season.
Contract: Valverde earned $9 million in an option which was part of a two-year, $14 million deal he signed before the 2010 season.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com:
Valverde could be an intriguing alternative to Francisco. After a dominant 2011 season, Valverde struggled in 2012 and ultimately lost his closer job late in the year. He began pitching to a lot more contact. His velocity dipped a little bit which might have contributed to his struggles, but he still throws hard, and has been both a colorful and intimidating closer in his career. I wonder if Valverde might be interested in taking a one-year deal from the Mets to rebuild his value; Valverde could have a pretty good shot at becoming the team's closer almost immediately, especially if Francisco suffers any setbacks and isn't ready to start the season.
Statistics and information on Francisco Rodriguez...
Stats: In 78 games with the Brewers in 2012, Rodriguez, 31, went 2-7 with a 4.38 ERA in 72 innings, allowing 65 hits, eight home runs, and 31 walks while striking out 72 batters in 72 innings.
Contract: Rodriguez earned $8 million in a one-year contract with the Brewers in 2012.
