[EmpireWF]

The Mets are said to be arranging a day with Scott Boras and Barry Zito for both sides to meet face-to-face in New York within the next week. Whenever it is, it's expected the Mets will make their official pitch (being in the NL, a pitchers park, in NYC and a team ready to win). Newsday notes the Rangers are believed to be ready to offer up upwards of $100 Million for Zito while the Mets don't seem to be willing to go up that high. According to MLB.com, the Mets may work from their base offer around $75 Million or more.

I expect things to heat up after Christmas.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

The Mets are said to be arranging a day with Scott Boras and Barry Zito for both sides to meet face-to-face in New York within the next week. Whenever it is, it's expected the Mets will make their official pitch (being in the NL, a pitchers park, in NYC and a team ready to win). Newsday notes the Rangers are believed to be ready to offer up upwards of $100 Million for Zito while the Mets don't seem to be willing to go up that high. According to MLB.com, the Mets may work from their base offer around $75 Million or more.

I expect things to heat up after Christmas.

Cool...a redo...can I play the part of the mad man this time out?...

Hey, if you can get Boras on your side to negotiate for you, more power to you...I'd pay that much for Zito before I pay it for Wells.

[MJHMarc]

Boras' response:ONLY $75M? I can easily find a better price on the market.

[EmpireWF]

It's reported tonight that Omar Minaya, Jeff Wilpon and other Mets officials will fly to Los Angeles tomorrow and meet with Zito and Boras.

[EmpireWF]

Well, last night both groups had dinner together and are planning to meet again at Boras' office sometime today. This is when it's expected the bolts and nuts (years and dollars) are to be discussed. You get the sense, the Mets and Boras will be playing around with each other feeling each other out. I read somewhere that next week Boras and Zito are expected to come to New York for further face-to-face talks.

The debate amongst Mets fans is whether or not the team should offer Zito a guaranteed 6th year. The reason for it being the kid hasn't missed a start in his career and he will be matched up again with Rick Peterson. Plus, we need an ace and signing him will allow us to keep and develop guys like Humber, Pelfrey, Maine, etc. However, the reason against it is each of the last two seasons, his numbers have declined somewhat. Nobody fully knows if it's due to the AL, not having Peterson, whatever.

Me, I say SIGN HIM. If it takes 6 guaranteed years and a deal near $100 million, do it. It's not like the Mets are hurting for money. The salary is low compared to what they could spend.

[firefrozen]

I agree with Empire on this one. I think it is just the mets trying not to make a bad dicision because of Martinez' injury. And if not a 6th year then they should base it on something like games played. 16-10 is not a bad record and i will take it anyday of the week. Just because he isnt 23-5 doesnt mean he wont be again.

[Nuke]

If the Rangers toss all their money at Zito like they did A-Rod how will it benefit them? I know he's a pitcher but they have a few needs to fill and shouldn't place all their eggs in one basket. A-Rod sure didn't work out for the Rangers.

[Lefty Noob]

Well, I don't think Zito would cost near as much as A-Rod. Plus they've already added Gagne. Might not be a bad idea to go a little over market value to add a proven winner like this to your pitching rotation. I like the way Texas is putting such an emphasis on pitching this time around.

[Nuke]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Well, I don't think Zito would cost near as much as A-Rod. Plus they've already added Gagne. Might not be a bad idea to go a little over market value to add a proven winner like this to your pitching rotation. I like the way Texas is putting such an emphasis on pitching this time around.

Well it seems as if the Rangers will go farther than the Mets in giving in to Zito's contract demands. I guess it depends on if he wants to pitch for an contending team or not.

[MJHMarc]

I would rather pitch on team with potential, but he will go where the money is.

[Nuke]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

I would rather pitch on team with potential, but he will go where the money is.

You sound sure MJH but that ring sometimes means more than a couple of mil which is chump change by todays standards. Zito might want to pitch for a winner and have a shot at the World Series but then again you could be right and he could just want the cash, as much as possible.

[MJHMarc]

Originally Posted by Nuke

You sound sure MJH but that ring sometimes means more than a couple of mil which is chump change by todays standards. Zito might want to pitch for a winner and have a shot at the World Series but then again you could be right and he could just want the cash, as much as possible.

Are the Mets guaranteed to have a "ring" by October?

[EmpireWF]

It's been sounding like Zito likes New York and everyone knows the Mets want him. It just comes down to years/money. I'm sure Zito wouldn't take $100 million from Texas if the Mets gave a decent offer in the $80-$90 Million range.

[Nuke]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

Are the Mets guaranteed to have a "ring" by October?

No, not guaranteed to have it but I think guaranteed to seriously contend for it unlike the Rangers.