Davis, Murphy, Parnell file for arbitration

The Mets have announced that Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy, and Bobby Parnell have all filed for arbitration. If each player ends up going to arbitration, MLB Trade Rumors predicts that Murphy will see a salary increase from $512,196 to roughly $3 million, Davis will go from $506,690 to $2.8 million, and Parnell will go from $504,000 to $1.5 million. Murphy and Parnell are eligible for free agency after the 2015 season, whereas Davis will be eligible after the 2016 season. 

I am a big fan of all three of these players, and we had to expect that they would get modest salary raises. All 3 had good seasons in 2012, and they should be rewarded for it. I don't have any problem with Murphy making $3 million, even though I know many Mets fans disagree with me. I love what he brings to the table offensively, and hope that he doesn't get traded anytime soon. If Davis continues to hit 30+ homers per season, he could be looking at a potential contract extension, so having him for $2.8 million is a steal. I think a potential Jon Niese-type extension could be in store for Davis. (5 years, $25 million.) As for Parnell, he has had his struggles as a closer but is still an above average relief pitcher overall. I have always thought of him as an ideal setup man, and if he could post a 2 ERA like he did last season, he could be a steal as well. 

The Mets still have plenty of money to spend this off-season, so these moves won't hurt the payroll that much. Alderson had to expect that these players would get decent salary bumps, and it appears that he isn't going to go on a signing spree this off-season anyway. 

Should the Mets sign Brandon Webb?

According to several reports, the Mets are "keeping an eye" on pitcher Brandon Webb, who is recovering from yet another arm surgery. The Marlins, Phillies, Braves and others are also in the mix as well. Webb last pitched in the majors in 2009, and was forced to miss most of the 2009 season, and all of the 2010-2012 seasons due to countless injury issues. 

Webb is predominately known for his ability to keep the ball in the park. He has a career 0.6 HR/9 rate, which is very impressive for a strikeout pitcher. Webb has the ability to give you innings, but has had some control issues in the past.

What really concerns me is the health history, because he would be a waste of money if he isn't even going to be ready for this season. Some say that he would be a fantastic low-risk, high reward pickup, but I'm not sure if I would agree with that. Personally, I think that Webb is done, and I don't want the Mets wasting money on him, unless they can perhaps get him on a minor league deal.

Webb can be a top-5 pitcher in the game when he's healthy, but like I said he is always on the disabled list. Some team will take a flier on him, but I hope that it is not the Mets. The Mets should just let some of their young guys get a crack at the rotation (Mejia, McHugh, Familia, etc.) because Webb is not part of the long-term solution even if he resurrects his career. 

Mets invite five to the big league camp

The Mets have announced that they have invited five Minor Leaguer's to the Major League camp this Spring.  The five players are pitchers Rafael Montero and Cory Mazzoni, catcher Juan Centeno, infielder Josh Satin, and outfielder Matt den Dekker. 

Satin is the only player here who has had experience at the big league level, hitting .192 in 26 career at-bats. At 28 years old, it is unlikely that he has a future with this organization unless he can start replicating his solid minor league numbers. If he has a strong spring, there is a good chance that he makes the team to start the season, but I'd expect him to have a bench role. 

I have heard quite a bit about Matt den Dekker, but at age 25, it seems like it is now or never for him. His offense doesn't really thrill me, but supposedly he has above-average defensive skills. The current outfield situation is wide open right now, so it is possible that he breaks camp with the team and finds playing time next season.

Rafael Montero is an underrated Mets prospect and I am glad that we are going to see him in the Spring. He is still young (22) and still has a lot to learn before getting a shot at the majors, but it'll be interesting to see what he looks like next month. The Mets have thought highly of him in the past -- leaving him on the 40 man roster protecting him from the Rule 5 draft -- so it is clear that they have a plan for him.

I've always thought of Mazzoni as a possible #4 or #5 starter in the big leagues if he ended up panning out. He may find a spot in the rotation if the Mets end up not signing anyone this off-season. However, his minor league numbers don't look all that great, and I don't think he'll make the team out of Spring Training.

Finally, we have Juan Centeno, who is a 23 year old catcher that has put up decent offensive numbers in the minors. He doesn't possess much power, but could open a few eyes in Spring Training. He kind of reminds me of another Josh Thole, so don't expect a big impact from him.

Mets may bring back Rauch

According to Marc Craig of Newsday, "The Mets have not ruled out a reunion with right-handed reliever Jon Rauch, though with the choices on the pitching market, they believe they can afford to wait." Rauch posted a 3.59 ERA in 73 appearances for the Mets last season, and hasn't received interest from that many teams this off-season.

Rauch had his ups and downs last season, but I'd certainly like to bring him back at the right price. He battled a few injuries throughout the season and I would like to make sure that he is healthy before I sign him, but he is worth another shot. 

Rauch earned $3.5 million in 2012, and I expect that he is looking for a raise considering that he had a good season. If he wants more than $4 million, I probably wouldn't bring him back, but since Spring Training is coming up perhaps he'll be willing to take a small pay cut so he can ensure his job security. Another thing worth mentioning is that Rauch has a great relationship with Sandy Alderson. He even said that he joined the Mets last season because of his ties with Alderson, so perhaps the two can negotiate another contract. 

Mets looking at Brian Wilson

The Mets are showing strong interest in former Giants closer Brian Wilson. Sandy Alderson apparently watched Wilson throw yesterday in a private workout. San Francisco non-tendered Wilson a few weeks ago after he missed most of the 2012 season due to Tommy John surgery. The Giants are open to a reunion but are only willing to give him a one year deal based on incentives.

It is highly unlikely that the Mets are going to get Wilson for a minor league deal, so they are going to be reluctant to sign him. I, personally, would give him a two year deal if he desired one, but pushing for a one year deal perhaps makes more sense. His value is at a low point right now, and he knows that if he signs with New York, he'll get the opportunity to close games and bring his value back up for next winter.

Wilson wouldn't make the Mets contenders, but he would be a big upgrade over whoever is currently slated to be in the team's bullpen next year. He would probably take over as the closer since Francisco is as inconsistent and frustrating as you can get. 

The Mets have showed interest in plenty of players this off-season, but have yet to sign anyone to a major league contract. The interest level for Wilson seems very high, and I don't how many suitors he currently has, so perhaps he and his famous beard will be in Queens next year. 

Mets would "love" to trade Santana

According to Nick Cafrado of the Boston Globe, the Mets would "love" to trade Johan Santana before his contract ends after the 2013 season, and hope that his value rises by the time the trade deadline comes around. Supposedly the Mets would help pay for the $31 million that is owed to Santana in 2013, and Cafrado believes that could be a good fifth starter for a contending team. 

Last year we all just thought that if Santana could manage to stay healthy during the 2012 season, then there was a good chance that he would be traded. However, after the no-hitter, things went south and he eventually was placed on the disabled list for the final two months of the season. The Mets aren't getting any bites on him right now, and it is obvious that his health history is scaring off several teams. 

I am totally for trading Santana at the deadline if/when his value is higher, and I realize that now is not the time to trade him. His value is dead at the moment, and the Mets wouldn't get anything special in terms of prospects even if they ate most of the contract.

I just really hope that Santana has a strong season in 2013, and I truly believe that he is going to because it is his contract year. If he finds success, then we can talk about all the trade rumors come summer time, but for now, his roster spot is safe in my mind. 

Mets bring back Quintanilla on a minors deal

The Mets have signed infielder Omar Quintanilla to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Quintanilla signed a minors deal with the Mets last off-season, and hit .257 in 70 at-bats with the club in 2012 before being shipped to the Orioles on July 20. 

I honestly didn't think Quintanilla was going to impact the team at all last year, but he ended up getting playing time through injuries and lack of depth. He honestly wasn't that bad during his time here, so I am not against bringing him back. He is about an average-about average defender as a shortstop, and should serve as a decent backup to Ruben Tejada if he makes the club. I guess this means that the team is not bringing back Ronny Cedeno, who apparently is seeking a starting job elsewhere.