The Mets must make a decision as to whether to tender catcher Ronny Paulino a contract by today's non-tender deadline.
As we reported back on November 28th, the Mets are quite displeased with Paulino's poor work ethic and lack of preparation, along with his laziness. If the Mets non-tender Paulino, the Mets catching tandem would most likely be Mike Nickeas and Josh Thole. Nickeas the superb defensive catcher lacks a bat the Mets will need, but with Thole and his defense, you might be able to live with Nickeas' bat and his defensive prowess, as opposed to Thole's poor defense and powerless bat. My guess would be to platoon the two.
There is no guarantee that the Mets will non-tender Paulino, although that is the likely route. Mike Pelfrey, newly acquired Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez are arbitration eligible. It is not believed that either will be non-tendered since they were acquired in the Angel Pagan trade.
Pelfrey will probably stick around because he is considered a cheap option while logging 200 innings. With a lack of funds for any sort of upgrade, the Mets are stuck with Pelfrey for the time being.
By process of elimination, it is believe Paulino will be given his walking papers. The Mets might non-tender Torres, but they don't have anyone Major League ready to patrol centerfield. Fernando Martinez had been horrible this winter and Kirk Nieuwenhaus and Matt den Dekker might not yet be ready.
The Mets decision on whom they non-tender will be made sometime today. Stay tuned...
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