[EmpireWF]

With the season now over, it's time to look towards the off-season (ugh) and a preview of certain contracts. Some expiring, some entering the final year in 2008 and more.


Expiring NY Mets Contracts

-Tom Glavine
Glavine's contract is an interesting one. The ball is in his court. He holds a player option for 2008 at $9 million. Or the New York Mets can buyout the final year for $3 million. Whether Glavine wants to return to the Mets or Braves or return at all is key. After the worst start of his career (no hyperbole), expect him to return somewhere. The question is whether the Mets want him back and whether he wants to return to Atlanta.

-Shawn Green
Green's contract runs through this season but there is a $10 million mutual option for 2008. Meaning, both parties (Green & the Mets) must agree to a deal. Otherwise, there is a $2 million buyout. Most don't expect him to return to the Mets.

-Moises Alou
Alou has said he would only want to return to baseball for the Mets. So if the Mets don't want him back, he'll likely retire. He was signed to a one-year deal last year with an option for 2008. The option is a $7.5 million club option or a $1 million buyout. Don't be surprised to see the team buyout that year and try to sign him to a new deal. His incredible September may lead the Mets to keep him.

-Paul Lo Duca
The first outright free-agent right now. He's a free-agent after his three-year, $18 million expired earlier today. Lots of debate as to whether he'll be back. A report earlier in the year said GM Omar Minaya was considering a trade in the off-season and not keeping Lo Duca. Time will tell. Fans love the guy but it's a matter of whether or age will catch up to him. My prediction, Lo Duca signs elsewhere this winter.

-Luis Castillo
Castillo's current three year deal (that he signed with Minnesota) is over. His 2007 option year was for $5.75 million and is in the past. He's a free-agent right now. The Mets, I don't think, wouldn't want want him back. He's a great 2B and a very good #2 guy in the line-up. I hope they can keep him.

-Jose Valentin
His season ended due to injury earlier this year. His Mets career is all but officially over. Only chance he returns is if the Mets exercise his 2008 option (a $4.3 million club option). That won't happen. Valentin may be able to catch on with a team and fight for a roster spot in spring training. His Mets days are over.

-Oliver Perez
He signed a deal in January to avoid arbitration with the Mets. The deal was a one-year , $2.325 million contract. I'm not sure if arbitration will be sought here or not but expect the Mets to keep Perez. He's a great #4 starter.

-Jeff Conine
Jeff Conine's contract is over. He has stated he will retire at the end of the year. So effectively, his playing days are over.

-Endy Chavez
Endy signed a one-year deal with the Mets in January to avoid arbitration. The deal was a $1.725 million contract. Expect him to stay.

-Jorge Sosa
Sosa signed a one-year, 1.25 million free-agent deal early in 2007. That deal is over. The Mets will have changes in the pen but I expect Sosa to stick around. He's arbitration eligible.

-Dave Williams
Williams is arbitration eligible.

-Aaron Sele
His one year deal is over. I doubt he'll stay around with the Mets.

-Marlon Anderson
His one year deal is over. As with the last time he was with the Mets, depending on whether he wants to start somewhere, he could stay with the Mets. He's a great bench guy.

-Ramon Castro
The biggest question mark is if Lo Duca leaves, what happens to Castro. His one-year deal is over. He signed in January to avoid arbitration for $850,000. Expect him to get a raise wherever he signs. The Mets would likely prefer to sign him as a back-up, but not for too much money.

-Damion Easley
His season ended due to injury a month back. He's a free-agent now.

-Duaner Sanchez
He did not pitch this year due to the winter surgery. He signed in January to avoid arbitration. Should be interesting to see if the Mets keep him and hope he can bounce back in 2008. He's arbitration eligible.

-Sandy Alomar Jr. & David Newhan
Count on both guys not returning. Alomar may retire. Newhan, I don't think he'll be signed to return to the bench. Newhan is arbitration eligible.

-Aaron Heilman
He's now arbitration eligible. This should be EXTREMELY INTERESTING to see how it plays out. He still probably would like to start while the Mets need him as a reliever. He'll be paid as a reliever (which is of course less than he probably could receive as a starter).


2008 Final Year NY Mets Contracts
These are players who will (unless they work out new deals) finish their current contracts next season

-Pedro Martinez
Of course the biggest name on the Mets. Pedro changed the culture and is entering the final year of his contract. His base salary will be $11 million. Whether the Mets try to work out a new deal before the year, that's going to be interesting.

-Orlando Hernandez
His base salary will be $6.5 million.

-Guillermo Mota
Every Mets fan dislikes Mota tremendously. However, he still has one year left on his current deal. Unless the Mets trade him or cut him, he'll earn his $3.2 million base salary in 2008.

-Carlos Delgado
This may be a bit confusing. His 2008 salary is part of the current deal, at $16 million. 2009 is an option year. It automatically vests if Delgado reaches a certain rank in MVP voting. Otherwise, the 2009 year could be bought out for $4 million by the team. Otherwise, it's a mutual option in the $12-16 million range. Depending on Delgado's year, don't expect him to stay with the team in 2009.


Longterm NY Mets Contracts

-GM Omar Minaya
Signed through 2009.

-Manager Willie Randolph
Signed through 2009

-Carlos Beltran
Signed through 2011

-Billy Wagner
Signed through 2009 with a club option for 2010

-Scott Schoeneweis
Signed through 2009 (unbelieveable)

-Jose Reyes
Signed through 2010 with a club option for 2011

-David Wright
Signed through 2012 with a club option for 2013.