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| Pitching remains Mets' main target Retaining Glavine among Minaya's first priorities this winter NEW YORK -- A surplus of pitching was one of the main reasons the Mets were able to advance as far as they did in 2006, with the team using 13 different starters and depending upon its bullpen at times. Mets general manager Omar Minaya firmly believes there is strength in numbers and will refortify the team's arms as one of the first orders of winter business. "In our conversations with our scouts and our small inner group, we have an idea of how we want to move forward this winter," Minaya said recently. "It could change, but I think we're closer to having an idea of what the plan is and how we're going to go execute that plan." One of the Mets' top priorities is addressing left-hander Tom Glavine, who could become a free agent but has a mutual option with the Mets for 2007. Glavine, who will be 41 by Opening Day, tied for the club lead with 15 victories and posted a 3.82 ERA in 32 regular-season starts. He stepped up as the team's ace in the postseason by running off 16 straight scoreless innings. With just 10 victories to go until Glavine reaches the 300-win plateau, the veteran has said he only sees himself pitching one more season before retiring. Just where he pitches is up for debate. Glavine has said "there are a lot of reasons" why he would like to be back for one more year with the Mets, but his family continues to live year-round in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, Ga., which could make returning to the Braves an appealing option. As the Mets cleaned out their lockers following the conclusion of the National League Championship Series, Glavine said the decision on whether to play in New York or Atlanta in 2007 would rest solely upon his family, with whom he planned to discuss the situation. "I haven't gotten there yet," Glavine said on Oct. 20. "I have to talk to my family and at some point talk to [Mets COO] Jeff [Wilpon]. It's not going to be an easy decision either way. We'll just let it play out." While the Mets wait on Glavine's domestic decision, Minaya said the team has moved forward on other fronts. The Mets have been in contact with the agents for pitchers Chad Bradford and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, both of whom are thought to be coveted for return engagements. Recent reports have indicated the Mets have also contacted agent Gregg Clifton regarding free-agent pitcher Mark Mulder, among other connections. The Mets are also thought to have at least some interest in free agents Barry Zito and Jason Schmidt, considered by many to be the top pitchers available on the market. Minaya is typically vague when discussing ongoing negotiations, but he did express hope that the Mets would reach agreements with both Bradford and Hernandez. "If I'm doing something, I'm always optimistic that things could turn out well for both sides," Minaya said. In a conference call with reporters last week, Minaya declined to state whether or not the Mets planned to bid on the right to negotiate with Japanese standout Daisuke Matsuzaka, saying he did not "feel it's in our interests to reveal if we are or if we are not." "He is a guy who is a free agent out there," Minaya said of the 26-year-old right-hander. "I really feel that anything that I talk about him, I don't want other teams to know our feelings on him, our evaluations of him and what we think of him." Outside of pitching, the Mets are also entering the postseason with likely upgrades at two starting positions: second base and left field. Cliff Floyd and Jose Valentin, both major parts of the team's 2006 success, could be allowed to sign elsewhere via free agency, with the Mets thought to be hoping to get younger and more athletic at both positions. Floyd could be replaced in-house by a platoon of Endy Chavez and Lastings Milledge, the latter of whom is expected to play some amount of winter ball in preparation for the 2007 season. Minaya said that a platoon scenario was possible, but stopped short of deeming it preferable. "We have to explore and see all of the options," Minaya said. "If I have to go with Lastings Milledge and Endy Chavez, I feel very comfortable. We don't have a problem going that way. But I owe it to everybody to at least explore other options that might be available." Free agent Alfonso Soriano would be a big-ticket addition if the Mets pursued that route, and he also showcases the ability to play second base. The New York Post reported Monday that the Mets have shown significant interest in free agent Mark Loretta, and the Mets have long been rumored to hold interest in Brooklyn native Julio Lugo. Minaya said that the Mets' first order of business would concern their in-house free agents, a statement which has thus far proved accurate. "Right now, I think we're taking care of focusing on our guys," Minaya said. |