MacDougal, Cruz & Affeldt......

In discussing the make up of the Mets bullpen this year, Omar will be looking for strike out pitchers. The Mets have identified that last years pen had too many contact/finesse pitchers. It seems that Brian Stokes, Bobby Parnell and Eddie Kunz will get long looks in spring training thanks to there ability to strike batters out. Two free agent arms that the Mets are interested in are Jeremy Affeldt and Juan Cruz, but they weren't optimistic about signing either because they thought a smaller market team might sign them as a closer....

Now, the Mets are pessimistic about Cruz and Affeldt, who are getting a lot of interest from a lot of teams. One Mets person suggested that they wouldn't be able to get Cruz for "setup guy money" because another team (Detroit? St. Louis?) that needs a closer but doesn't want to spend for one of the big closers could offer Cruz more money and a shot at a closer's role. But they're on the lookout for power arms, and they're excited about the idea that the ones they already have might get a closer look in the spring. source Star Ledger

Apparently Affeldt didn't get the memo as he signed a very modest contract today to pitch for the Giants. Affeldt signed a two year 8mil contract with the Giants. He received a 1mil signing bonus, while earning 3mil this year and 4mil next year. For a guy many viewed as a potential closer or at least a left handed set-up man he sold himself low, to a very bad team. He's from Phoenix and went to High School in Spokane, Washington so maybe being the closest National league team interested got the Giants a hometown discount.....

Affeldt, 29, was ranked among the top relievers on the market, and even if his contract is in the $8 million range, there is reason to believe this is a good signing. He’s a durable, 6-foot-4 power pitcher with a good curveball who pitches around the strike zone (25 BB, 80 SO in 78.1 IP). That was key for the Giants, who couldn’t stomach all the walks their relievers allowed last season. source Mercury News

The White Sox's have designated Mike MacDougal for assignment, MacDougal has options but the Sox's have the Health Bell syndrome with him and might be willing to move him. Last year at one point he was sent down while posting a 2.09 ERA to make room for a starter during a double header. MacDougal was an up and coming closer with the Royals and an All-Star in 2003. There were rumors the Mets were interested in him but the White Sox were the team that traded for him in 2006 and then signed him to a three year deal. He's a hard thrower who reaches 95-98 mph with his fastball along with a slider, changeup and curve ball. The 31 y/o right hander in eight major league seasons, has a 13-20 record with 50 saves and a 4.09 ERA.

White Sox sent RHP Mike MacDougal outright to Triple-A Charlotte.
MacDougal is still guaranteed another $3 million, so he'll accept the assignment and stay with the White Sox for now. He could be either traded or released later this winter. source Rotoworld