BRILLIANT move by the Mets.

If Piazza accepts arbitration... the max he will get is 7-8 million and he knows he will be playing in a very limited role.

But since he will be considered a Class A player (meaning he is in the top 30% of all the catchers)..... if he signs elsewhere the Mets get a 1st round draft pick from the team that signs him. Its a win-win move. Brilliant!


As far as Looper goes... believe it or not he may be in the top 30% as well as far as stats go. But my gut feeling is Looper will accept arbitration anyways and take the role as the righty setup man which would be perfect if the Mets can land lefties Ryan or Wagner (Wagner is getting VERY likely).

But of course now if Loop signs elsewhere... the Mets will get a draft pick. If the numbers work out where he barely hits the 30% mark... the Mets get a 1st rounder.


Looks like the front office is finally learning.