Mets News and Breakfast Links - 12/14/2019

First, last night In the Dominican league. 

Pitching for Toros Del Este, Daniel Zamora: came in to pitch in the bottom of the sixth with a man on first, two out, and his team up 1-0. After a passed ball which allowed the runner to go to second, Daniel retired the left handed DH for Aguilas Cibaenas, Luis Valenzuela, to fly out to center field.  The Toros ended up winning 2-1.   

In that same game paying for Aguilas Cibaenas:

Jonathan Niese, started going 3 innings giving up no runs, one hit, one walk, and one strikeout.  This was his second start this winter and he yet to allow any runs. 

Also Juan Lagares played centerfield, went 0 for 4 and is now hitting .333 in 24 games, 1 HR, 10 RBIs.

And now the news links:

Bring Back Big Sexy?  NJ.com says that Bartolo Colon is looking to pitch again.

The Mets reached an agreement with Yoenis Cespedes to reduce his 2020 contract, per SNY.TV.

Per the NY Post: “According to an industry source, Cespedes’ salary for 2020 has been cut from $29.5 million to less than $10 million. Furthermore, the Associated Press reported that the Mets, withholding Cespedes’ salary based on their belief he had violated his contract, paid Cespedes just over half of his $29 million salary for 2019. As per the terms of the restructured contract, Cespedes can earn about $20 million between that reduced guaranteed base salary and bonuses — essentially pay to play. The 34-year-old has been running and taking batting practice regularly, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said this week at the winter meetings.”

SNY.TV speculated on how this move could impact the Mets next year. 

Forbes.com asked if the move was simply to be able to sign Michael Wacha and Rick Porcello.  “Why do the Mets have to figure out a way to spend less on Cespedes in order to upgrade the back of their rotation? Why does everything have to come with an except for the Mets? Better yet, why do we even bother continuing to ask?”

Rising Apple says this adds a new chapter to the strange Yoenis Cespedes saga. “It’s a shame the newest pages about his tenure in New York will be more of a punchline than anything else. His first year and a half with the club were tremendous. Even his half-season in 2017 was productive. When he gets on the field, the big guy often delivered.”

The Mets Police gave his spin on the Cespedes story as only he can.

As Mack’s Mets had yesterday, the Mets officially announced the Michael Wacha signing.

SNY.TV had how Michael Wacha was told he would have a spot in the rotation.  “The Mets won't be using a six-man rotation, though. So it seems likely that they will either be trading a member of the starting rotation or moving someone to the bullpen.”

Chris Mazza was DFA’d to make room for Michael Wacha.  Chris was a minor league Rule 5 draft pick by the Mets in 2018 and pitched his way to the Mets last year after a long stretch in the minors.  It is possible he will clear waivers and be back in Syracuse this year. 

Per Amazing Avenue:  “The 30-year-old Mazza was a feel-good story this summer as he made his major league debut for the Mets after spending years in the minors. But in 16.1 innings of work for the team, he had a 5.51 ERA.”

As we’ve been documenting here in Breakfast links, this winter in the Dominican Chris Mazza has gone 1-1; 4.50 ERA; 6 games; 12 innings; 19 hits, 7 runs, 6 earned, 2 walks, 13 Ks.

Mets 360 says the Mets opted for depth with the Porcello and Wacha move. 

MLB.com says the Mets filled “Needs” at the winter meetings and have moved on to “Wants”.

Faith and Fear in Flushing ran down the Mets’ moves so far.

Reflections on Baseball talked about the Mets in Transition. “Steve Cohen has the option of instilling cash toward his portion of the team that will eventually total eighty percent. But until that process begins, the best stance for the Mets is to stand still, which may very much what Van Wagenen has come to realize as well. Do not entertain the idea of trading Syndergaard, Matz, or for that matter, even the very tradeable Dominic Smith. In essence, hold onto all assets until the dust is settling from the sale of the team.”      

    

MLB Trade Rumors had how while noting is active now, the Mets and Astros did talk about Carlos Correa in November. The same post had how the Rockies are listening on Nolan Arenado.

Elite Sports NY says don’t trade Brandon Nimmo, extend him.  “Nimmo is a fan favorite, a great player, and, by all accounts, a great guy. He’s younger and cheaper than Marte, and he’s a better player. If the Mets want to lose fans and games, trading the smile king is a great way to start.”

Mack’s Mets yesterday had an Open Thread on who should be extended.

Mack’s Mets blast from the past comes from December 2009: Mack had various items including how Gil Hodges masterly used his roster. 

UltimateMets has this date in Mets History:

Born on this date:

• Jerry May (1943)
• Greg Goossen (1945)
• Rick Down (1950)
• Shaun Marcum (1981)

Transactions:

Texas Rangers signed Mario Diaz of the New York Mets as a free agent on December 14, 1990.

New York Mets signed free agent Lance Johnson of the Chicago White Sox on December 14, 1995.

Boston Red Sox signed Brad Clontz of the New York Mets as a free agent on December 14, 1998.

New York Mets traded David Justice to the Oakland Athletics for Mark Guthrie and Tyler Yates on December 14, 2001.

New York Mets signed free agent Jon Rauch of the Toronto Blue Jays on December 14, 2011.

New York Mets signed free agent Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics on December 14, 2013.

Minnesota Twins signed Wilfredo Tovar of the New York Mets as a free agent on December 14, 2015.

Kansas City Royals signed Dillon Gee of the New York Mets as a free agent on December 14, 2015.

Arizona Diamondbacks signed Scott Rice of the New York Mets as a free agent on December 14, 2015.

New York Mets signed free agent Jeurys Familia of the Oakland Athletics on December 14, 2018.

Want more?  Check out https://sportspyder.com/mlb/new-york-mets/news. 

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