Pagan return? Flores, Maldonado on radar

[Sick Of It All]

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/met...onado-on-radar

That list ESPNNewYork.com posted Thursday regarding available righty-hitting free agents? Well, the Mets are working off a very similar list, according to one person briefed on the organization's plans.

Yes, scratch off Josh Hamilton and very likely Shane Victorino. They'll command too much for the Mets' appetite.

But a second team insider now also has insisted the Mets likely will spend for one quality outfielder. The source said don't even rule out a return of Angel Pagan to Flushing, although the person cautioned it's waaaaaay to early to speculate on that. There's no direction yet for how high the market will get for Pagan.

Similarly, Ryan Ludwick and Cody Ross seemingly are two of the more attractive righty-hitting outfielders, but it's unclear where the market will take the bidding.

"I don't think any of them are out of the question just yet," an organization source said.

Other righty hitters on the market include Scott Hairston, Jeff Baker, Austin Kearns, Reed Johnson and Matt Diaz.

As for catcher, the righty-hitting candidates are not overwhelming: ex-Mets Kelly Shoppach, Rod Barajas and Henry Blanco as well as fellow free agents Miguel Olivo, Chris Snyder and Matt Treanor.

A major league source said the Mets also have compiled a list of other teams' backup catchers, with former Mets farmhand Jesus Flores of the Nats and Martin Maldonado of the Brewers being eyed by the Mets.

The non-tender deadline is midnight tonight, meaning more names will shake loose as free agents at both positions.

Two team insiders this week have now told ESPNNewYork.com it's likely the Mets achieve their needs through free agency rather than trades.

[Cosmic_Canon]

For the love of God, do not trade Niese or Dickey, and get any legit outfielder. If the Mets do this, I'll go to more games sans Opening Day.

[metswon69]

That's good the Mets look to spend for a quality OF.

How much is the better question?

I would like to see Ludwick, Ross, Johnson, or Pagan back if he is properly motivated.

Ill be honest I doubt we see Pagan back though.

[Sick Of It All]

I think there is zero chance Pagan is back.

[YoungStuna]

I think there is zero chance Pagan is back.

Agreed. He was traded not once, but twice. No way is he coming back, and frankly, he doesn't help us enough.

I'd love to get Ryan Ludwick and Martin Maldonado. That would make me a very happy man.

With our pitching, you just never know.

[metswon69]

Agreed. He was traded not once, but twice. No way is he coming back, and frankly, he doesn't help us enough.

I'd love to get Ryan Ludwick and Martin Maldonado. That would make me a very happy man.

With our pitching, you just never know.

Yep.

Get some OF help and improve the bullpen (even from within with some of these younger guys within) and who knows.

[KingsnQueens7]

Agreed. He was traded not once, but twice. No way is he coming back, and frankly, he doesn't help us enough.

I'd love to get Ryan Ludwick and Martin Maldonado. That would make me a very happy man.

With our pitching, you just never know.

Agreed

[MetsFanatic19]

Pagan coming back would just be an awkward situation for everyone.

[DisgruntledGoat]

I wouldn't Mind Diaz/Ludwick or Ross...hopefully they won't be priced beyond our means, Pagan is the dark horse in the race, why would he want to come back anyway? I mean when he was traded the club pretty much publicly made him out to be a trouble maker and a cry baby,(I'm not saying they were right or wrong about it) I don't know about you but I wouldn't go back to an organization that did so, unless they had changed owners/leadership, the Mets Haven't so I seriously doubt Pagan is in contention.

As for the Catchers...maybe Synder would be a good fit?

[eltwo]

If Pagan coming back would make for an awkward situation, then it is a good possibility (remember, we're talking Mets here).

[IAmARanger18]

Ludwick and Reed Johnson I am okay with.

[Paulie6986]

Pass on Pagan. Signing him would be moving backwards.

He's peaked, FWIW. Plus, you never know what you are going to get from him each year.

An unreliable player. With the right cast around him, he might perform best. But, with a line up as ours he'll play to that level.

[lvlheaded]

Cody Ross and Ryan Ludwick in the OF with Maldonado behind the plate

SS-Tejada
LF-Ludwick
3B-Wright
1B-Ike
RF-Ross
2B-Murphy
CF-Kirk
C-Thole/Maldonado

OR trade Dickey to Anaheim with Kirk and one of our low minor league pitchers for Trumbo, Bourjos, and Cogner, than sign Ross, Pelf, and Brian Wilson(if theres money)

CF-Bourjos
2B-Murphy
3B-Wright
1B-Ike
LF-Trumbo
RF-Ross
SS-Tejada
C-Thole/Cogner

Santana, Niese, Harvey, Gee, Pelf

Mejia, Byrdak, Carson, Parnell, Fransisco, Wilson

With Duda and Kirk on the bench

The second team is a definite threat, the first could fight for a spot with the sick starting staff even though the lineup isnt quite as good

[YoungStuna]

Carson over Edgin? No. Edgin will be on the team over Brydak who will not be healthy. I might prefer Familia in the pen over Mejia too.

[lvlheaded]

Carson over Edgin? No. Edgin will be on the team over Brydak who will not be healthy. I might prefer Familia in the pen over Mejia too.

I was kind of just throwing the BP together. The lineups were my main focus. We can compete with those lineups