Available Arms...

Well the discussion over whether the Mets will obtain a pitcher has once again begun, with Pedro and El Duque on the DL along Peflrey looking shaky it would make sense for them to pick-up another pitcher. But as Ron Darling said during tonight's game it should be a pitcher who could start or work out of the pen, for when everyone returns. Of the waived players the most obvious fit is Claudio Vargas who has worked as a long man and a starter, here is a post I completed when he was waived. I've also heard a few people mention recently released Woody Williams, but he doesn't seem appealing to me, he's over 40 and discussing retirement. Looking at the the ESPN free agent list, the best of whats left is Jeff Weaver who had a great comeback in the NL under a good pitching coach, but is strictly a starter and has had more bad years then good, besides he was horrible in NY. Russ Ortiz, Thomson and Milton aren't better options then Figueroa, Sosa and Armas so why bother. How about Ramon Ortiz who pitched very well this off-season in the winter leagues, I made a lengthy case for him as the long man in this post. Ortiz had his best games with Schneider as his catcher, has been successful in the post season, was a teammate of Santana's, has worked as a reliever/starter and Omar was interested in him last off-season. MLBTR also listed the pitchers who are believed to be available via trade......

MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone suggests free agents Claudio Vargas or Woody Williams. Vargas is the most talented free agent pitcher; the group also includes Jeff Weaver and David Wells. Other random available starters I tossed out in my Kelvim Escobar post: Jason Marquis, Matt Morris, Matt Belisle, Byung-Hyun Kim, Horacio Ramirez, Anthony Reyes, and Cliff Lee. The Mets aren't overflowing with trade chips, so signing Vargas makes the most sense. source MLBTR