Santana Cleared to Begin Rehab

After visiting the Mets medical staff in New York earlier this week, Johan Santana was cleared to begin rehab. According to Anthony DiComo, Santana is scheduled to begin throwing before the start of Spring Training.

Santana is more or less on schedule with throwing. He was expected to begin throwing around the end of January. 

Santana underwent surgery in September to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder. Before finishing the season early due to injury, he went 11-9, with a 2.98 ERA.

Santana is not expected back until midseason at the earliest.

I'm glad to hear that he is getting better and is moving along with the rehab process. Let's just hope that he doesn't rush, or get rushed, into returning before he's ready.

If You Can't Beat 'Em Join 'Em - Mets Get Willie Harris

According to ESPN New York, the Mets signed outfielder Willie Harris to a minor league deal and will get an invite to Spring Training.

Harris has been a Mets killer the past few seasons, making one spectacular play after another.

Harris spent the past three seasons with the Washington Nationals, serving as a part-time outfielder.

Over his ten year career, the 32-year-old Harris has also played for the Orioles, White Sox, Red Sox, and Braves.

He's a career .239 hitter, with 37 home runs and 187 RBIs.

He won't add much offensively, but he could be a contender to fill the spot of fourth outfielder.

Angel Pagan on Mets Hot Stove

Angel Pagan joined Mets Hot Stove last night to answer questions about the 2011 season and other topics. Check it out below.

Jeff Francis No Longer An Option

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Jeff Francis agreed to a one-year deal with the Kansas City Royals pending a physical.

Crasnick is reporting that the deal is worth $2 million, plus another $2 million in incentives based on the number of starts and innings pitched.

That means if the Mets are still looking to sign a high quality starting pitcher for a bargain, Chris Young, may be their best option. Although it has been said they are interested in Dave Bush. Bush could be the Mets' plan B if Young doesn't sign.

GM Sandy Alderson stated that he wants to sign a starter for around the same price as the deal made for Chris Capuano.

That deal was worth $1.5 million, plus another $3 million in incentives.

Igarashi Placed on Waivers

Ryota Igarashi has been placed on outright waivers, according to Adam Rubin's post on ESPN New York. This, after he was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Chris Capuano and Taylor Buchholz.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson expects Igarashi will clear waivers due to the fact that no other team wants to pick up his $1.75 million salary.

Assuming Alderson's expectations are correct and he clears waivers, Rubin writes that Igarashi will be in spring-training camp as a non-roster invitee.

Rubin adds:

"Still, there's no assurance Igarashi is on the Opening Day roster. Francisco Rodriguez, Bobby Parnell, D.J. Carrasco and Buchholz would appear highly likely to occupy bullpen spots. The fifth spot could go to a left-hander: newly signed Taylor Tankersley or otherwise.

Under that scenario, if Pat Misch emerges as the long man, that leaves one spot for Rule 5 pick Pedro Beato, Manny Acosta or Igarashi in a seven-man bullpen, which is more common."

In 34 games last season, Igarashi went 1-1 with a 7.12 ERA in 30 1/3 innings of work. He throws hard, but lacked the command to be used consistently out of the bullpen.

I would like to see what Igarashi has to offer and am looking forward to seeing him throw in Spring Training.

That being said, I don't see him making the opening day roster. The bullpen is already jam-packed with righties. Unless another pitcher completely implodes during Spring Training, I would bet we see Igarashi in Triple-A Buffalo in 2011. 

Spring Training Tickets On Sale Saturday

Mets Spring Training tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10 a.m.

The Mets' first home game is Feb. 26 at Digital Domain Park in Port St. Lucie, FL.

For more information, click here.

Chris Young May Make a Decision Soon

According to Buster Olney, pitcher Chris Young is nearing a decision. The Mets are said to be interested, and Young is reportedly  interested in them. Young has a history with GM Sandy Alderson and Paul DePodesta during their time in San Diego. Olney also tweeted that he believes, no matter what team he chooses, Young will sign for $1 million plus $3 million in incentives.