Adam Rubin

  (1:28 PM)

Thanks for joining me. Mets are heading off the field as we speak in Houston, having just completed batting practice ...

Zach G (5 Towns)

Adam,Would it be safe to assume that Mike Pelfrey has pitched his final innings as a Met?

Adam Rubin

  (1:30 PM)

Very fair assumption. The Mets will have to nontender Pelfrey on Dec. 2, making him a free agent. If they "tendered" him, he would be required to make at least 80 percent of this year's $5.6875 million salary -- and could make the identical amount. An arbitrator would decide if the sides cannot agree. Once the Mets cut him loose, they can re-sign him for any figure. But at that point he is a free agent and can go elsewhere. I have a feeling he would just start anew somewhere else. He is not even going to be ready for Opening Day next year. Usual timetable is 12 months. So we're talking a May 2013 return to majors.

Chris (Astoria)

With Pelfrey going down, is there any chance the Mets look outside the organization for starting pitching? If so, who? (Lannan? Oswalt?) Or will they stick with Schwinden/Hefner/Young?

Adam Rubin

  (1:31 PM)

Just biding time with Chris Schwinden until Chris Young is ready, maybe in four weeks or so. John Ricco said they'll always look at what's available, but it did not sound remotely like there was any major external commitment coming.

Bill (NYC)

Any word on the timeframe for Adam Loewen in AAA? He was off to a nice start and was just a fun story to root for - dont know how long a stress fracture puts you out for, but with all of the recent Buffalo signings, I assume its not a minor injury.

Adam Rubin

  (1:32 PM)

Fractured metatarsal in the foot does not sound minor, so I'm sure it's a month-plus absence. I do not know the precise time frame, but I do not believe surgery was required, so at least it's positive from that perspective in terms of recovery time.

Sadiq Rahman (Elmhurst, Queens)

Will Josh Edgin be up anytime soon? The kid is the best bullpen option we got!

Adam Rubin

  (1:32 PM)

He just got to AAA. Let's see how he does there first. He gave up a couple of runs yesterday. But he definitely could be here at some point this summer as a second left-hander with Tim Byrdak.

Kenn (NJ)

Has there been any indication as to who is closer to a callup between Harvey and Familia?

Adam Rubin

  (1:34 PM)

Neither has been so lights out as to force his way to the major league team. And Terry Collins said both will spend a majority of the season at Triple-A. Harvey has been better of late -- and by of late I mean the past 1-2 starts. Familia's control has been way off. And the outing where he had success against Syracuse two starts ago, I'm told several pitches were up in the zone and a better-hitting Triple-A club would have had a field day.

Sadiq Rahman (Elmhurst, Queens)

If Kirk Niewenhuis keeps up his incredible bat, where does Jason Bay find himself?

Adam Rubin

  (1:35 PM)

Complicated question. Let's see how everyone is doing in a month -- or whenever Kirk is coming back. Clearly, if Kirk is hitting .300+, he'll stay and get playing time. Because he's a lefty hitter, he certainly can chip away at Bay's playing time a little. And Duda can sit against some lefties, too, unless he's lights out. They could find some sort of rotation that works. Things change constantly though. One injury opens up things, as we saw with Bay's injury alleviating a Nieuwenhuis vs. Torres decision for the most part.

Ryan (NYC)

A Carrasco for Batista swap soon? Never thought I'd be saying this, but please tell me it will happen.

Adam Rubin

  (1:36 PM)

Carrasco just pitched back-to-back days with St. Lucie. He's going to move to Binghamton or Buffalo next. I can't imagine they're in a rush to promote him, but that would be the logical swap.

Jason (NJ)

How soon will Flores be in AA?This is his third season in st. Lucie and it looks like he finally has mastered it.

Adam Rubin

  (1:37 PM)

My gut is that they'll just let him succeed at St. Lucie for at least the first half of the year. He's settled into third base, which is occupied by Jefry Marte at Binghamton anyway.

lou (Loong Island)

Adam,The answer may be as obvious as insufficient player evaluation but what's your opinion as to why the Mets have failed to develop a star level outfielder? They must have more players without a natural position than any organization in baseball..

Adam Rubin

  (1:38 PM)

Unlucky? The wave was supposed to be Lastings Milledge, Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez, and obviously none worked out for various reasons. Martinez (knees), Gomez was traded, etc.

Jason (NYC)

Hi Adam, Thanks for the chats. Do you think Matt Harvey has to force his way to the majors, or are the current injuries and ineffectiveness of members of the rotation going to induce the Mets to call him up?

Adam Rubin

  (1:39 PM)

He's staying the minors for the majority of the year. Schwinden likely will hold things over until Chris Young is ready. If Schwinden absolutely bombs, they can swap him for Jeremy Hefner in the interim, I imagine.

Ron (Tempe)

Any changing of minds that Thole can be an every day catcher? He gives you some very good ABs for the most part. Could he be our guy?

Adam Rubin

  (1:39 PM)

He is.

Mike Cecconi (Little Falls, NY)

Any hope for some kind of swap that acquires a back-up catcher that can SLG his weight? I mean, I know the Mets are resource-low but they've gotta be able to shake the couches for an upgrade there, right?

Adam Rubin

  (1:41 PM)

I'm surprised. They did consider Pudge Rodriguez in spring training, but resolved (probably partly for financial reasons) to stay within. And there's no one in Buffalo who is going to displace Mike Nickeas. Rob Johnson, the best candidate, is on the DL and wasn't really hitting anyway with Buffalo. I had heard the Mets would scour the waiver wire, but then someone else asked me who exactly is going to be available of any quality on the waiver wire anyway with catching at such a premium.

davis (keansburg)

When Carrasco comes back who goes? Parnell only guy with options but pitching well. Schwinden down/Batista to rotation?

Adam Rubin

  (1:42 PM)

Batista would have to be the most vulnerable. But, as I mentioned with respect to the outfielders, injuries have a way of coming up and things resolve themselves.

Sadiq Rahman (Elmhurst, Queens)

When will the Mets sign their next big free agent?

Adam Rubin

  (1:43 PM)

Do you consider David Wright a free agent? ... I really don't see the payroll drifting all that much higher over the next couple of offseasons. So I think you're talking about once Jason Bay and Johan Santana come off for the first time you see any significant offseason spending. That's the 2013-14 offseason, unless one or both vest for '14.

Steve (Long Island)

Who do you think the Mets are willing to cut ties with at the trade deadline?

Adam Rubin

  (1:44 PM)

You have them selling? What about buying?

Lance V (Port St Lucie, FL)

Contract status of Collins? He's done a good job; any extension in store?

Adam Rubin

  (1:44 PM)

Option already picked up for 2013.

bill (hoboken)

Any shot they open wallet for Hallady if still in contention in June and need starter?

Adam Rubin

  (1:44 PM)

Sure, for Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey and Jeurys Familia.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

How do you think that the New York Mets will be without Mike Pelfrey who is Out for the Season?

Adam Rubin

  (1:46 PM)

I know everyone makes fun of the innings-eater label, but I think you'll find there will be longer-term and more subtle ramifications that will affect the Mets in July and August when you have a four-inning start from Chris Schwinden vs. a couple of more innings from Mike Pelfrey. Those extra miles on the bullpen will catch up with them.

Steve (Long Island)

What are some of the names you think the Mets should "buy" in July?

Adam Rubin

  (1:47 PM)

I don't think they're parting with prospects, so it would be on the margins if they're in wild-card contention. Maybe that backup catcher, that fifth starter if Chris Young doesn't work out and they want to buy time for Harvey. That type of stuff.

Ron (Tempe)

How is Tejada at base stealing? Or do the #s tell me what I need to know?

Adam Rubin

  (1:47 PM)

Not good. That was a concern coming into the year, and they were supposed to make it a point of emphasis in spring training. He's not quick. They actually wanted him to get better at baserunning in general. Terry, as a team thought the Mets were brutal as a team last year going first-to-third, etc., and that it cost them runs.

bill (hoboken)

sorry I meant Oswalt not Halladay

Adam Rubin

  (1:48 PM)

Not happening. At least I cannot fathom it.

Gary (Connecticut )

Do you think the Marlins are a bust this year? If so would that change the dynamics of the division enough to make the Mets a second wild card condender?

Adam Rubin

  (1:48 PM)

It's a long season.

Jason (NJ)

More lefties this weekend. Other than Hairston, who will get the consistent AB's in the outfield amongst our left handed hitters?

Adam Rubin

  (1:50 PM)

Not sure how it's going to work out. Duda has sat against some lefties, so maybe that gets Kirk in an extra game. Terry has said he cannot believe how many LHs they're seeing. As you alluded to, they face southpaws Friday and Saturday too vs. Arizona -- Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin.

Ron (Tempe)

Schwinden to Young. Is that what we should expect?

Adam Rubin

  (1:50 PM)

Yes

Brendan (Scranton)

I mainly listen to Mets games on XM, but I watch the highlights on mets.com. Am I crazy or has David Wright lowered his hands in his batting stance? His strikeout numbers are much better and I wasn't sure if there was a connection.

Adam Rubin

  (1:50 PM)

Not crazy. Lowered hands. Reduced leg kick too.

Steve (Long Island)

Would you consider the Nationals "for real" or is it just smoke and mirrors?

Adam Rubin

  (1:50 PM)

I picked them to reach the World Series. Pitching is for real. So they're for real.

Jason(New Jersey) [via mobile]

What do you think would eventually happen with Jason Bay

Adam Rubin

  (1:52 PM)

He may still be having some discomfort with the fractured rib, so no baseball duty yet. If things are going well, I'm sure they'll keep him on a conservative rehab track and maybe we see him in a month. It all depends at that point how Andres Torres and Kirk Nieuwenhuis are doing.

ross (NY)

What new on matt harvey?

Adam Rubin

  (1:52 PM)

Farm report. Blog. http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/44167/farm-report-bronx-cheer-for-rivera

Adam Rubin

  (1:52 PM)

Farm report. Blog.

Adam Rubin

  (1:52 PM)

Farm report. Blog.

Adam Rubin

  (1:52 PM)

Farm report. Blog. http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/44167/farm-report-bronx-cheer-for-rivera

Zack (Queens College)

Adam,Thanks for chatting. Do you feel that the mets have what it takes to compete for the second wild card position? I get that it's a long season, but this team has a lot of potential. They are a team of "Ifs" albeit pretty big ones too, but I think TC can et these guys playing at a high enough level. What do you think?

Adam Rubin

  (1:53 PM)

I don't think they'll ultimately be in contention, in all honesty.

Anthony (Queens, NY)

Great to hear the Mets minor league teams have the best combined record out of all MLB organizations... Did Sandy keep all scouts from the Minaya years or was that re-hauled as well?

Adam Rubin

  (1:53 PM)

Lot of turnover in scouting.

Bill (NYC)

Adam, obviously the bench was much-maligned early in the year and has gone through some transformations recently, but with Cedeno close to coming back, it will again take on a familiar look with lots of light-hitting guys with not much speed taking it up. I know TC loves Turner, but at some point (and especially if Bay's return sends Baxter, who's been the one productive bench bat, to the minors) they will probably need to address this, especially with all the veterans at AAA chomping for a chance, right? I mean, Bobby Scales is the hottest hitter in the International League, can play everywhere, switch-hitter - any chance they see him as a superior bench player to Ronny Cedeno?

Adam Rubin

  (1:55 PM)

Cedeno can play SS and was given a contract of $1M plus. Bobby Scales has played five pro games at SS as a pro.

Bill (NYC)

Adam, you hearing anything on Mets looking outside the org for some SP help, perhaps talking to teams about veterans they stashed away, knowing upcoming out clauses might come into play? Looks like Aaron Cook will indeed be promoted and kept by the Red Sox, but what about a guy like Jeff Francis, who the Mets had interest in the past 2 offseasons and has a 3 ERA in AAA for the Reds right now?

Adam Rubin

  (1:56 PM)

Not seeing it. Or having heard it.

Adam Rubin

  (1:56 PM)

Anyway, we're getting close to game time. Thanks for joining me. Next week from Philly I suppose.