Let’s take a quick look at the four newest Mets —

Francisco Rodriguez, RHP, closer
— The deal: three years, $37 million, agreed upon Tuesday. Here’s the story about the move.
— Age: 26
— Height: 6-0
— Weight: 175
— Fun fact: Will wear No. 75.
— Here are K-Rod’s career stats.
— Here’s a post I made last month about K-Rod’s [...]

It didn’t take much longer than 24 hours for the Mets to revamp the back end of their bullpen. They acquired J.J. Putz tonight from the Seattle Mariners for a package that included Aaron Heilman, Joe Smith, Endy Chavez and B-Mets prospect Mike Carp.

Omar Minaya, at a late-night press conference in Las Vegas, just said [...]

The Mets have come to a preliminary agreement with Francisco Rodriguez on a three-year, $37-million deal. It sounds like it may not be official for a day or so as K-Rod has a physical and completes the paperwork. So barring unforeseen circumstances, the Mets have their closer.

Here’s the AP report.

The question now: What (or who) [...]

If you’ve been to Vegas, you know the city always seems to energize people. It’s the type of place your buddy who dozes off during World Series games stays up ‘til 7 a.m.

Well, the City of Sin has finally brought a little excitement to an otherwise chilly beginning to the hot stove season. According to [...]

Here’s the release from the club:
METS SIGN FOUR PLAYERS TO MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACTS
FLUSHING, N.Y., December 3, 2008 – Righthanded pitcher Nelson Figueroa, who was 3-3 with a 4.57 ERA for the New York Mets last year, was one of four minor league free agents who signed with the club today. All four players, lefthanded [...]

It looks like Javier Vazquez is headed to Atlanta, taking one of the fifth-starter options off the market. Some of you probably didn’t like Vazquez, some of you probably did. But he was certainly a veteran who could’ve been a stopgap in the back of the rotation if Jon Niese isn’t ready.

Here’s the whole story.

[...]

Jeff Wilpon conducted a tour of Citi Field today. Here are some photos from the Associated Press:

The Jackie Robinson Rotunda:

A view from behind home plate:

A view from right field:

The Mets will offer arbitration to Oliver Perez, making him the only Met free agent offered. Others who are not expected to be offered include: Pedro Martinez, Luis Ayala, Moises Alou, Damion Easley, El Duque, Ramon Martinez, Ricardo Rincon and Matt Wise.

This means the Mets will receive draft picks if Perez signs elsewhere. Players have [...]

Nick Evans has a quad strain.

Evans was playing for Indios de Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican Winter League. He last played on November 19. Evans will undergo 3-4 weeks of therapy in his hometown of Phoenix.

Just got a call from the Mets, who added Class AA first baseman Mike Carp to their 40-man roster. Carp was the Sterling Award winner for the B-Mets and was the club’s 2006 minor-league player of the year.

Carp batted .299 with 17 HR, 29 2B and 72 RBI for Binghamton. His .403 OBP ranked [...]

Dan Murphy suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain while playing in the Arizona Fall League, according to the Mets. Murphy first felt discomfort during batting practice on Nov. 11 and had an MRI this morning at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery.

Murphy will no longer play winter ball in Puerto Rico. He is, however, expected [...]

Pedro Martinez’s agent, Fern Cuza, told SI.com, “He’s definitely coming back.”

Interesting. If this is true, don’t expect the Mets to turn their backs on Pedro, the key figure in Omar Minaya’s rehaul.

Decide for yourself: Do you want Martinez back or not? Obviously it would be at a reduced rate.

Here’s the complete post with Cuza’s thoughts.

[...]

In its latest step toward becoming the Mets’ new home, Citi Field has grass. Here are the picutres, courtesy of CBS Radio.

Thanks to Evan from CBS for the link.

Albert Pujols was named MVP today by the baseball writers, who awarded the St. Louis first baseman with 18 first-place votes and Ryan Howard with 12. Brad Lidge, who finished eighth, received the other two first-place votes.

As well all know, Howard had an excellent September to help power the Phillies past the Mets and into [...]

I said I’d post a complete transcript of David Wright’s thoughts from last night’s Hard Rock appearance. Here they are:

It looks like you guys are going to be able to get a pretty big-time closer before it’s all said and done. Do you think that’s the type of jolt the team needs?
I think obviously you [...]