ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The New York Mets need a first baseman, a
right fielder and another starting pitcher, but general manager
Omar Minaya would be perfectly comfortable if he leaves the winter
meetings without making any deals.
That doesn't mean Minaya has been passive. The Mets were still
pursuing Pedro Martinez, and they also offered a contract to
another free-agent pitcher, possibly Odalis Perez.
"A lot of groundwork's been done here," Minaya said Sunday.
"My voice is tired, my eyes are tired. I would say that we've
explored as many options as possible."
One option he's not looking to explore is trading infielder Kaz
Matsui, who could veto a deal to all but three teams anyway (Minaya
wouldn't say which three). There was speculation that the Japanese
switch-hitter could be dealt after only one inconsistent season in
New York.
Matsui made 24 errors at shortstop and will be moved to second
base next season, with Jose Reyes shifting back to short. The
speedy Matsui batted .272 with seven homers, 44 RBIss and 32
doubles, but his season was cut short by a back injury.
"Kaz Matsui is going to be our second baseman. He's not in
trade talks," Minaya said. "I think he made a big decision to
come play here in the States. I think he's a better player than
what he was last year."
The Mets need a right fielder to replace Richard Hidalgo, who
signed with Texas. They also want to add a solid first baseman to
complement a young infield that includes second-year third baseman
David Wright.
Minaya spoke with Richie Sexson's agent, Casey Close, on
Saturday, but Sexson was expected to sign elsewhere, perhaps with
the Baltimore Orioles. Free-agent slugger Carlos Delgado might be
another possibility, and Minaya is confident that useful players
will be available as late as February or March.
"We'll find somebody," he said. "I don't feel there's a rush
to do things."