Lowe/Fuentes vs. Perez/Rodriguez

Derek Lowe and Brian Fuentes
Average annual value of contracts signed this offseason: $23.75 million
Total WAR (wins above replacement) from 2007-2008: 11.6

Oliver Perez and Francisco Rodriguez
Average annual value of contracts signed this offseason: $24.33 million
Total WAR (wins above replacement) from 2007-2008: 7.5

The listed contracts exclude any options. Lowe and Fuentes cost slightly less but are more valuable. OK, I promise I'm done playing Monday Morning Quarterback with this Ollie signing.

Winter Meetings Day 2, featuring K-ROD

Today's developments from the Winter Meetings at the Bellagio:

1) "The New York Mets have reached an agreement in principle with All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez on a three-year, $37 million contract. The deal includes a $14 million vesting option for a fourth year that would raise the total value of the contract to $51 million."

Eh. The Mets get a proven closer and they do it early this offseason. I hate the 4th year vesting option - that's just too much $$ for a closer. FanGraphs is mixed on the signing but Beyond the Boxscore likes it. Omar Minaya has sent a message to the fans that he's not messing around this offseason with the bullpen, and I guess like that. But Omar - your job is far from over.

2) "The Mets inquired on [Texas Rangers SS] Michael Young"

No, thank you. Young is a 32 and owed a mind-boggling $16 million a year through 2013 (and we Met fans thought the Luis Castillo contract was silly). He would play 2B, assuming Castillo is traded. Young went .284/.339/.402 in 2008, doesn't steal many bases (though his SB% is strong), and has never posted a UZR better than -3.7 since becoming a full time major leaguer. Let's forget this "inquiry" ever happened.

3) "The Philles, Mets, and Cubs appear to have separated themselves from the pack of teams pursuing outfielder Raul Ibanez."

For the one thousandth time, please no. Click here for more on why not. I honestly don't think Omar Minaya is dumb enough to sign Ibanez, but the nonstop reports of Mets interest are scary.

4) Former Mets Kris Benson and Scott Erickson are attempting comebacks

Good for them?

Mets Geek column: What to do about leftfield

Check out my weekly Mets Geek column by clicking here. I weigh the current projected leftfield platoon of Daniel Murphy and Fernando Tatis vs. signing free agents Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell, Adam Dunn, Raul Ibanez and Manny Ramirez.

In other news, the Mets are reportedly close to signing K-Rod for 3 years, $37 million with no 4th year option. Fine by me!