Mets Ink Cora and Coste
Written by Matt Ryan   
Wednesday, 02 December 2009 10:04

The Hot Stove still hasn't quite heated up yet, but it appears that Omar Minaya is ready to preheat the oven.  In the past few days, the Mets have come to terms with veterans Alex Cora and Chris Coste. First of all, let me just say that contract values aside, I'm happy to have both guys aboard.  Both players are solid bats off the bench, capable of filling roles that every team needs.  Cora is supposedly a strong clubhouse influence, and I will always have respect for the 33 year old rookie.  Even if he was, and always will be a Phillie.

That being said, I can't help but take issue with the Cora signing, especially at the reported $2 Million contract value.  Think about it.  You're investing $2 million in a guy who you hope and pray doesn't have to start games in 2010.  That's a lot of money to pay for a veteran bat off the bench.  Especially if you're serious about making a run at Matt Holliday. This contract won't handcuff the Mets, but in a competitive economy every dollar counts.

For what it's worth, Fan Graphs valued Alex Cora's 2009 production at -$100,000.  I don't really buy into that analysis, especially considering the fact that he was forced into the lineup and battled injuries all year.  But $2 Million?  This is such a typical Mets signing.  It's potentially not that big of deal, but if it costs the Mets a shot at Holliday it could cause Omar to lose his job.

As far as Chris Coste, we don't really have to worry about money because he was only offered a minor league contract.  I'm sure plenty of Mets fans will be irked by Coste's recent comments, but I really have no problem with that.  That's just him speaking the truth, as he has been known to do.  He struggled with the bat last year, and most catchers don't play late into their 30's, but you might as well add competition to a position that wears thin on the depth chart.  If it becomes obvious that Coste is done, he won't even be on the opening day roster.



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Comments (6)Add Comment
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written by Team2BeatMike, December 02, 2009
i love the part about Coste having to mull over whether or not to actually sign with the Mets. talk about shitty Phillies fans making guys feel unwanted huh?
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written by Matt Ryan, December 02, 2009
When it comes to loving their own players, Phillies fans are the best in the business. Especially since Coste's story is a typical Philly underdog story. The fans loved him, and they were the team that stuck with him and gave him a chance.

I don't think guys like Burrell, Wagner, and Myers feel the same way.
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written by Team2BeatMike, December 02, 2009
you kidding me? Burrell loves Philly he took out a page ad saying so in the paper. And we supported Myers after he smacked his wife around, you know he loves us. Wagner, eh he went to the Mets, fuck him.
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written by Benny B, December 03, 2009
Coste will be at AAA. If we see him on the roster it's because of a slew of injuries at the Cather position. Looks like we are gonna get Henry Blanco as well who will most likely compete with Omir Santos for backup. As long as we don't do anything stupid like sign Benji Molina to a multi year deal. There is absolutely no reason to do so...especially at the reported 8MM per season. I could live with one year of Benji Molina at a cost of less than 4MM, mentor Josh Thole yadda yadda yadda, but I would rather them avoid him all together. But this is the mets we are talking about, so 3 years 30 Million for Molina is on the Horizon...Ugh.
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written by Matt Ryan, December 03, 2009
MetsBlog says the Mets are willing to give Molina 2 years $16 million. If that happens Omar should be fired on the spot. I've been one of his few supporters, but this would be a TERRIBLE signing. Matt Holliday is on the market and youre gonna spend $10 million on Cora and Molina? Come on. A Thole-Santos platoon works for me.
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written by duke flatbush, December 07, 2009
Santos defense makes it possible he doesn't even make the roster next year. Coste or Blanco will back up the newly signed catcher. Whoever he is......

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