It was another hectic day in the Great Gonzalez Chase yesterday. Sources told the Post that Baltimore jumped back in the mix, Texas fell out of favor and Juan Gonzalez might ultimately choose the Mets as a declaration of his machismo.
If you think following this story is becoming dizzying, you aren’t alone.
Jeff Moorad, Gonzalez’ agent, said late Sunday that his client was expected to choose his new team by early yesterday afternoon, but that came and went with the sunset.
At one point yesterday it didn’t look good for the Mets. Despite making what industry insiders believe was the best offer, the Mets seemed more and more likely to have been jilted at the altar. And then word leaked out that Gonzalez was upset.
The free-agent outfielder was peeved that a weekend interview he did in Puerto Rico reached news organizations stateside, a source familiar with the situation said. The statements Gonzalez made to San Juan-based El Nuevo Dia looked to contradict those he made to New York-area newspapers. For the last four weeks, the 32-year-old two-time MVP has professed a desire to play for the Mets and a confidence he’d land here.
In Puerto Rico, he was quoted as saying something different.
“If the Rangers offer a little less than the Mets, I wouldn’t have to pay the taxes that are in New York,” Gonzalez was quoted as saying.
Someone close to the situation said Gonzalez was perturbed that his interview was misconstrued to mean he didn’t want to play in New York. He called that a “total crock,” and a source said it was almost if Gonzalez’ manhood was being questioned.
“I can play in New York. Who says I can’t play in New York?” an upset Gonzalez was overheard saying.
“He’s definitely not leaning towards Texas,” someone familiar with the situation told The Post. The source added that a decision is not imminent.
Gonzalez was also allegedly upset that many news organizations interpret his deliberate review of his options as procrastination. He cited a Puerto Rican holiday weekend as the reason negotiations had slowed.
Ultimately, it may be the Orioles – and not the Rangers – who sign Gonzalez. Sources said Baltimore was prepared to trump the Mets by improving its reported two-year, $21 million offer yesterday to land the sweet-swinging veteran.
According to sources from more than one team, the underdog Orioles have stepped to the fore. Thirty-six hours ago, that seemed about as likely as Puerto Rico gaining statehood.
Baltimore is reeling from public outcry and is determined to make a splash before its annual FanFest – the centerpiece of the Orioles’ winter – which begins Saturday.
In the last few days, the Mets have been puzzled and paralyzed by Gonzalez’ continued procrastination. Still, the club hasn’t stopped taking care of other business, as yesterday it acknowledged making an official bid for Japanese left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii while awaiting today’s word on whether former catcher Gary Carter would be voted into the Hall of Fame.
In short, the Mets are preparing for life after the Great Gonzalez Chase.
The Mets have offered Gonzalez a guaranteed two year, $26-million contract, the two-time MVP said in Puerto Rico. The Rangers came after Gonzalez strong at midday Saturday with a two-year, $23 million proposal, but the Post has learned more than half of Texas’ money is deferred over the next 10 years. That’s a long time to wait for a big payday.
