J.J. Putz

The New York Mets have declined an option on reliever J.J. Putz, making him eligible for free agency. Putz was due to make $9.1 million in 2010. Instead, the Mets decided Friday to pay him a $1 million buyout. Putz was 1-4 with two saves and a 5.22 ERA in his first season with New York. The Mets got him a trade with Seattle last offseason to be the setup man for Francisco Rodriguez. Putz had surgery on his right elbow in June. He was shut down in August for the rest of the season because of a problem in his right forearm. The ... Read Full Story

Joseph Jeffery "J.J." Putz was born in Trenton, Michigan on February 22 nd , 1977. In high school Putz was a pitching stand out and was elected Mr. Baseball for the state of Michigan in 1995. Following success at the University of Michigan, Putz was drafted by the Seattle Mariners. From there Putz worked his way up through Seattle's farm system. Despite having a devastating fastball, which clocked out at 97 mph many felt that Putz would never amount to anything due to his lack of other dominate pitches. Still, Putz progressed enough to warrant a September call up in 2003. During his first ... Read Full Story

Explanation of ratings system and other team previews here SEATTLE MARINERS Ranks Overall – 82 points (8th MLB, 6th AL) Starting Rotation – 35 points (1st MLB, 1st AL) Line-Up – 32 points (17th MLB, 7th AL) Bench/Bullpen/Defense – 15 points (T-11th MLB, T-5th AL) Offseason Additions – Eric Bedard, Carlos Silva, Brad Wilkerson Offseason Subtractions – Jose Guillen Biggest Strength - Starting Rotation The Mariners rotation rated as the best in MLB going into 2008. While all the fuss in the media is about Johan Santana going to the Mets, you could argue that the better pitcher in 2007 was the one the ... Read Full Story

The Rockie Mountain News is reporting that the Mets are targeting J.J. Putz as their priority, instead of signing K-Rod or Fuentes. The reason is he will come a lot cheaper than both Fuentes and Rodriguez. Putz is expected to make $5 Million in '09 and  $8.5 Million in '10. He also has a $ 1 Million dollar buyout. The Mets would love this because 1) He is affordable and the Mets are still paying Billy Wagner $10.5 Million. 2) He does not have a long term contract, which the Mets do not want. The negative is, he will be 32 years old at ... Read Full Story

Sat Jan 17th 2009 The epilogue in the Tigers' unsuccessful pursuit of closer J.J. Putz came this week -- in the form of news from Tampa Bay. Rays centerfielder B.J. Upton is expected to miss the start of the season while recovering from shoulder surgery, according to reports. As a result, Fernando Perez could be Tampa Bay's Opening Day centerfielder. Rays officials have been aware of this possibility for some time. In fact, the uncertainty over Upton's shoulder was one reason Detroit was unable to acquire Putz from Seattle. Here's why. You may remember that the Tigers' best chance to acquire Putz came during ... Read Full Story