The Sommer Frieze

Conflicting reports. ESPN states that Pedro Martinez is discussing contract with Florida. MLBTR says no. Pedro, who will be a future HOF, has over 200 wins but less than 100 losses in his MLB career (214-99, 2.91, ERA+ 154). 3117 K’s (exactly the same as Bob Gibson). Among pitchers that qualify, that ERA+ (ERA relative to his contemporaries) is second all-time behind …you guessed it, Mariano Rivera (baseball-reference.com, minimum of 1000 IP, 3000 PA and 100 decisions for career and active leaderboards for rate statistics.)

But Pedro hasn’t been Pedro since 2005. He’s 37 now. In 2005, his first season with the Mets, Pedro went 15-8, 2.82, ERA+ 145. A Pedro year. Since then, he is 17-15. Just 48 games. Meaning in the past three years, he’s missed half  the playing time and has been average. ERA 4.74. I don’t know what kind of deal Pedro may be getting, but it’s a risk. It should be low base, lots of incentives.

MLBTR states Swisher for Cameron has been floated. I hope the Yanks don’t do that. First Melky for Cameron (ok by me there, although I have concerns over Cameron’s age, .245-ish BA, tons of K’s…but realize his defense…but is the range still there at 37?). But now Swisher? No. Not Swisher. He is a switch-hitter, much more power than Melky, better plate discipline than Melky, and can play 1b, Lf, Rf, cf if necessary. Besides, what then would the Yanks do with Cameron, Melky AND Gardner. I hope this one doesn’t go through. Melky for Cameron, ok. Swisher? No. Wouldn’t do it.

MLBTR also has alist of more suitors for Nady. I take all rumors with a grain of salt.

Today’s NFL games could be affected by the weather. The first game is at the Meadowlands, the second at Pittsburgh. The northeast had cold, snow and freezing rain yesterday. Things could get interesting.