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Nov 12, 2009
New York Mets Pitcher J. J. Putz To Become Free Agent
The New York Mets announced Friday that they have declined to pick up the option on relief pitcher J. J.Putz for the 2010 MLB season making him eligible for the free agent market. Putz was scheduled to make $9.1 million in 2010 had the Mets picked up his option, but the franchise chose to buy him out for $1 million instead making him available for free agency as a result. The Mets originally acquired Putz in the offseason last year in hopes that he would be the setup man for closer Francisco Rodriguez.
The move to buy out Putz was a great deal for the Mets as unfortunately things never panned out as they had expected when they obtained him. Putz was just 1-4 with only two saves and a dismal 5.22 ERA in his first season as Met. In addition, he had surgery on his right elbow in June and then was shut down for the remainder of the MLB season in August due to a problem with his right forearm. This was a no-brainer for the franchise as they are a sure bet to be able to find a much better pitching prospect that can actually help the team with the $8.1 million it will save in the buyout. They suffered a lot of injuries last season which led to a very disappointing outcome; but their betting odds of returning to a competitive team in the NL East division again are sure to rise significantly if they get rid of the dead weight on the team and the use the money that they save to find some good quality reliable talented ball players that have the potential to payoff dividends in the log run.
By Bryan Jackson
Staff Writer
Betsportsweb.com
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