nysports

This went realatively unnoticed last week, when the Red Sox signed Free Agent Brad Penny.  Effectively, this dismissed the Sox from the Derek Lowe race(which is good for the Mets), although the Yankees may still have some interest there.  Penny was injured last season, and only went 6-9, but in his previous 2 seasons he won 16 games each year.  Penny is a hard thrower, who has had an inconsistant career.  What Penny brings to the table is a win record which is 19 games above .500 in his career and an ERA only slightly over 4.00.  If healthy, he can be extremely dominant, and would surprisingly bring a number 1 or 2 starter type stuff for the 5th slot in the rotation.

Nice pick for the Sox, but I still think the Yankees have the upper hand going into the season.

Another combo post from me, as it applies to both teams.  Here is a list of some interesting Free Agent names still on the market.  Are these guys on anyone’s radar???

Catcher

I Rod
Jason Varitek

First Base

Jason Giambi
Richie Sexton
Kevin Millar

 Second Base

Orlando Hudson
Jeff Kent

Shortstop

Angel Berroa

Third Base

Nomar Garciaparra
Joe Crede

Outfield

Garret Anderson
Milton Bradley
Pat Burrell
Manny Rameriez
Bobby Abreu
Jonny Gomes
Ken Griffey Jr.
Adam Dunn

Starting Pitchers

Kris Benson
Bartolo Colon
Josh Fogg
Freddy Garcia
Jon Garland
Livian Hernandez
Jason Jennings
Braden Looper
Mark Mulder
Pedro Martinez
Oliver Perez
Andy Pettitte
Mark Prior
Tim Redding
Ben Sheets
Curt Schilling
John Smoltz
Randy Wolf

I know that a lot of people are upset with the Mets for lowballing Derek Lowe, but if he doesn’t sign, there are a lot of other interesting options.  Ben Sheets?  Schilling or Smoltz to a 1 year deal? Looper, Jennings, Redding, Garland, Fogg?  All realtively young and innings eaters.   Any how about Mark Prior?  The 1 time phenom.  Isn’t he at least worth a minor league contract and a chance at a 5th starter.  I know there are injury concerns, but if they can get him cheap and try to fix his mechanics, there is a huge upside.

 I personally think that any one of them are better options than bringing Pedro back or signing Randy Wolf.  I don’t know why, but I just don’t believe in the Wolf Pack.

So for now, the Mets should play it smart and low ball, because if Derek doesn’t sign, they do have options.

You will notice that this post contains a Jets and Giants image.  That is because the current front runner for the Jets job, now that my top pick Mike Shannahan is out, appear to be Giants Defensive Coordinator, Steve Spanuolo.  The Jets have 2 in house interviews set up today, but seeing as both of them were on the team that collapsed down the stretch, the management may feel that new blood is needed.  Consider them only backup options at this point.

So Spagnuolo also has interviews set up with Detroit and Cleveland, and is rumored to be talking with Denever soon.

Rex Ryan’s name has been mentioned, but the Jets will need to wait til the Ravens season is over.

Is Mike Martz on ANYBODIES radar?  This guy is an offensive genius.  Look how much offenses like St. Louis and Detroit flourished when he was there, and how much they collapsed when he was gone.

Once again, I would expect an announcement closer to the Super Bowl than now, but at least it will give us something to talk about for a couple weeks.