One of the few positives for the Mets this season has been the
surprising performance of Hisanori Takahashi, the Japanese left-hander
who signed a minor league contract in February and developed into one of
the team's most versatile players.
Though he is technically a rookie, the 35-year-old Takahashi is one of
the only Mets who can become a free agent on Oct. 31, and there is a
distinct chance he may end up elsewhere in 2011.
Takahashi has enjoyed his time with the Mets, but probably sees himself
as a starting pitcher and may opt to sign with a club that can assure
him he would have that role. Like any player, he would also prefer the
longest deal possible.
"He has obviously established himself in the major leagues," said Peter
Greenberg, Takahashi's agent. "He liked it in New York and would love
the chance to take the next step here.
"But we'll have to wait until the season ends to sit down with him to
see what he's thinking for next year as far as if he has a preference
to any particular role," Greenberg said of Takahashi, who has been a
starter, set-up reliever and closer for the Mets.
No negotiations have taken place between Takahashi and the Mets and none
are expected until after the season. Meanwhile, the Mets know there is a
risk they may lose him.
"We've been very happy with him," General Manager Omar Minaya said.
"He's done everything we've asked of him, and he's shown the ability
to pitch in New York. I'm sure we'll sit down after the season and,
hopefully, we can work something out."
Takahashi earned $1 million this year plus performance bonuses. When he
was negotiating with teams last winter he was not able to get a
guaranteed contract. So he signed with the Mets, but insisted on an
escape clause at the end of one season, confident that he would prove
his value.
The contract has a provision that says he can become a free agent either
10 days after the Mets' last game, or on Oct. 31, whichever comes
later. Since the second date is far more likely, there could be a four-
week window in which the Mets will have exclusive negotiating rights.
Takahashi has an 8-6 record with a 3.95 earned run average and is 2 for
2 in save opportunities. As a starter he is 4-4 with a 5.01 E.R.A.,
including two excellent games against the Yankees and a couple of
stinkers; as a reliever, he is 4-2 with a 2.34 E.R.A.
By DAVID WALDSTEIN
Published: September 1, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/sports/baseball/02takahashi.html
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