[EmpireWF]

Metsblog talks of Chad Bradford leads us to believe the New York Mets want Chad Bradford back (and rightfully so). The Orioles are believed to have offered him a deal and the Mets are likely to respond with an offer of their own soon.

Bradford was one of the best righty relievers in the NL last year so he should have no problem finding a multi-year deal worth in the range of $4 million per year...if not more.

[EmpireWF]

Right now the Orioles reportedly are close to signing Bradford to a three-year deal. The Mets probably won't go that long in their offer.

If the Mets do lose him, this hurts the pen further.

[EmpireWF]

It looks like Bradford has signed with the Orioles. Tough loss for the Mets who will now have to replace his production out of the pen.

As far as draft compensation, the following is from MetsBlog.

"In exchange for Bradford, the Orioles will give either a second-round pick or third-rounder pick to the Mets, as well as a sandwich pick from between rounds one and two, which is the type of pick the Mets snagged David Wright with after having lost Mike Hampton to the Rockies."

[Trashed]

Big loss. It'll be tough to replace a reliever of his quality.

[MJHMarc]

How do you define "his quality"? He wasn't a Mariano Rivera or Sparky Lyle.

Who would you compare him to?

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

How do you define "his quality"? He wasn't a Mariano Rivera or Sparky Lyle.

Who would you compare him to?

Nobody's comparing him to Rivera or anything like that.

Bradford was a key part of the Mets pen last year. He was damn good and was a pitcher Randolph could count on to get the job done. He was one of the better righty specialists in the game last season.

[Trashed]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

How do you define "his quality"? He wasn't a Mariano Rivera or Sparky Lyle.

Who would you compare him to?

Honestly, i'd compare him to Joe Cassara. Now do you think that the Mets will replace Bradford by calling someone up or a signing or do you think they'll just press the arms already in the pen?

[MJHMarc]

For a replacement, I think the Met's will use Pelfry, Soler or some other prospect who isn't ready.

[EmpireWF]

Pelfrey won't be pitching out of the pen. He'll likely start the season out in the minors and be there until the Mets may clal him up. The Mets will probably look at bringing in some under the radar guys to fill the pen (much like they did last year with Bradford, Feliciano, etc.).

[Trashed]

Sounds like a plan.

[MJHMarc]

I don't see Bradford having a Hall of Fame career, but he is just above average.

Don't forget that you guys still have Duaner Sanchez and Victor Zambrano.

Oliver Perez took his spot as a starter, so send him in the pen.

[EmpireWF]

Victor Zambrano is a free-agent to my knowledge. I don't even recall how his surgery went.

He's not a factor in the Mets plans at all.