A lot of news, features, and opinions out there today. Let’s get to them.
- A deal with Oliver Perez seems to be imminent. NJ.com reports the two are still far apart, but the Mets are now willing to up their offer. I speculate the final numbers will be around four-years, $48 million.
- One pitcher the Mets were still talking to, Jon Garland, has come to terms with the Diamondback. Nick Piecoro writes the deal is one year with an option for 2010, worth between $6-8 million.
- ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick’s reports the Mariners traded Aaron Heilman to the Cubs for Ronny Cedeno and Garrett Olson. The Hardball Times looks at Heilman’s recent moves.
- Jon Heyman has the latest on the best remaining free agents.
- Jerry Manuel says it’s time for Jose Reyes to assume more responsibility as a team leader.
- Starting to look at the 2009 season, Amazin’ Avenue has a 2009 preview for Daniel Murphy, and Mets Merized compares Manny Ramirez to Carlos Delgado, with Delgado getting the love.
- Another Met getting a good review is Luis Castillo. Alex Fagen writes what a healthy Castillo would do for the Mets in 2009. I like the comparison for Carlos Beltran in 2005 and 2006.
