Among the many reasons the Mets have decided not to pursue Ken Griffey to play right field is poor reports from new assistant to the GM Al Goldis, who had worked seven years for the Reds before joining the Mets. Reds GM Dan O’Brien said of dealing Griffey, “We won 69 games last year, so we have to keep an open mind about everyone on the roster.” However, he insisted that although Griffey has $65.5 million over five years left on his pact, he absolutely would not move the outfielder just to dump salary. However, an AL executive whose team has spoken with the Reds said flatly, “Griffey is available.”
On a much smaller outfield level, the Mets are interested in Toronto’s Jayson Werth, who is out of options and almost certain to be moved. The offensive-hungry Dodgers also are talking to the Blue Jays.
Teams are feeling out the Mets about Vance Wilson, but for now the Mets are not willing to deal. And on the subject of Met catchers, the glow on prospect Justin Huber is not as bright as it was even a year ago.
From the category of headaches the Mets no longer have: Rey Ordonez, disappointed to be on a minor-league contract and working out with the minor leaguers, bolted Padres camp to go home to Florida, though he actually stood a decent chance of emerging as the starter if San Diego determined shortstop prospect Khalil Greene was not ready. The Padres have painted this as Ordonez leaving for personal reasons and there is still some hope he may return.
With the loss of Eddie Guardado and LaTroy Hawkins, the Twins were hoping Joe Nathan (obtained from the Giants) would close. But a scout said his fastball is down 3-4 mph to 91-92 and added, “He’s switching to a tougher league to pitch in and going from a set-up man to a closer. If I were [Twins GM] Terry Ryan, I’d be concerned with him.” The scout, though, said Minnesota could get in-season help because prospects Jesse Crain and J.D. Durbin have big arms and are nearly ready to pitch in the majors.
Why bad teams stay bad, yet another lesson: A few weeks ago the Pirates were considering waiving J.J. Davis if they could not find a deal for him. Now, the player they drafted eighth overall in 1997 is stinging the ball in spring to such a degree that an AL executive said, “This guy can hit 25 homers in the majors.” But the rebuilding Pirates, who should be playing just this kind of inexpensive player signed Raul Mondesi last month for $1.75 million, blocking right field for Davis.
