Mets & Rangers Continue Soriano Talks



Though the Mets have publicly ruled out sending Jose Reyes to Texas in exchange for Alfonso Soriano, Newsday's David Lennon and Jon Heyman say that the object of the Rangers' affections is now pitching prospect Scott Kazmir.

Two baseball officials acknowledged yesterday that the Rangers are actively scouting the Mets and have a particular interest in Kazmir, who pitched live batting practice for the first time Friday.

The Mets, who need another potent bat in their lineup, targeted Soriano shortly after the Yankees traded him for Alex Rodriguez in a mega-swap that was completed Feb. 15. The Mets cooled on him, however, after the Rangers asked for Reyes in return.

Texas has made no secret of its desire to slice payroll -- jettisoning A-Rod was a major step in that direction -- and Soriano could be the next to go. He has a $5.4-million salary this season and is arbitration-eligible.

Getting rid of Rodriguez was the Rangers' main objective; keeping Soriano is not a priority, especially if Texas can pry a handful of pitching prospects from the Mets in return. The Mets have been reluctant to trade away their developing talent, but by cutting payroll to roughly $83 million for the upcoming season, they also have created the financial flexibility to take on a player such as Soriano if the opportunity presents itself.

As Mets owner Fred Wilpon said yesterday, "Money is not the issue here."

It was definitely the issue in the Mets' aborted pursuit of A-Rod after the 2000 season, and money appeared to be a factor again just last month when Vladimir Guerrero spurned the Mets for more than twice as much in guaranteed millions from the Angels. General manager Jim Duquette had spent the offseason acquiring players for specific holes -- Kazuo Matsui for shortstop, Braden Looper for closer, Mike Cameron for centerfield -- and Guerrero would have been the perfect fit for the Mets' void in right.

Instead, the Mets now are auditioning five players for the position, but the likely platoon of Shane Spencer and Karim Garcia would be dumped quickly if Soriano joined the Mets.

The Mets would have to know ahead of time if Soriano would and could make the move to rightfield, a small glitch considering he has never started a major-league game in the outfield. A person familiar with Soriano's thinking said yesterday that he might be willing to make the switch if it meant returning to New York, and with Soriano's athleticism and speed, he probably would be a better outfielder than second baseman, a position that requires far more finesse.

The Yankees actually groomed Soriano to be their leftfielder during spring training in 2001, but Chuck Knob.lauch's throwing yips forced them to move Soriano to second base and Knoblauch to leftfield.

The Rangers suggested Soriano for Reyes, who has moved from shortstop to second base to accommodate Matsui, because of their need for a shortstop. After Wilpon's mandate against trading Reyes -- the owner personally assured him during the week that he is staying with the Mets -- the Rangers are showing signs that they eventually might settle for prospects.

The hard-throwing Kazmir is at the top of that list, even though he probably won't pitch in the majors until 2005 at the earliest. Wilpon made a point to watch Kazmir pitch batting practice Friday, but a Mets official said yesterday that he isn't quite as untouchable as Reyes.

Other coveted prospects include pitchers Matt Peterson and Bob Keppel, third baseman David Wright and catcher Justin Huber. Wilpon has clung to these prospects ever since the Mariners wanted a package of them for the negotiating rights to manager Lou Piniella two years ago, and he remains hesitant to part with them -- at least for the moment.

From Bob Klapisch's column in today's Bergen Record :

Soriano told an intermediary he would consent to any position change - "even catch, if that's what it takes," according to the middleman - for the chance to return to New York. That willingness coincides with two other factors that could soon make a swap with Texas a reality.

The Mets are aware of several red flags, including suggestions that Soriano may have fallen in with the wrong crowd last year and whose night life contributed to lapses in play in 2003 - leading to a disappointing postseason when he struck out once every three at-bats. One Met official said: "We've heard about the partying. Whether it's true or not, we're aware of [the rumors]."

Even though Soriano is a wild, undisciplined swinger, and can be overwhelmed by sliders off the plate, he's nevertheless young enough (28), strong enough (77 HRs in the past two years), and fast enough (76 stolen bases since 2002) to give the Mets the right-handed wallop they've been seeking since Edgardo Alfonzo hit 25 home runs with 94 RBI in 2000.

Despite Soriano's abortion of a 2003 post-season, if the Mets can swing this without parting with Reyes, they ought to. All the better if Soriano's fielding deficiencies can be buried in right field .Even with Cliff Floyd and Mike Piazza at full strength, New York still need another power hitter or 2 before they'll resemble a contender. Reyes has already demonstrated his skills at a major league level and it isn't a stretch to say he'll be making a difference for years to come. Kazmir, however, is just as likely to turn into Bill Pulsipher as he is Jon Matlack.




(Scott Kazmir, reacting to news that he's been deemed "touchable" by CSTB)


Posted: Sun - February 29, 2004 at 01:27 PM      

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