Thanks Chief

It was only a matter of time. Freddy Garcia and his 16.71 ERA in Grapefruit League play is headed to the minors. It was assumed by many that Garcia and the Mets had some sort of gentleman's agreement when he signed his contract that he would be allowed to walk should he not make the team. Thankfully Freddy is smart enough to realize he needs the work. "We're glad he decided to stay with us and continue to try to get back to the major leagues," said assistant GM John Ricco.

By accepting his assignment, he can either be moved to play with Triple-A Buffalo or stay in extended spring training. I think it may be wise to keep him in extended spring, as he appeared to be getting his velocity up in his last outing. Let him stay in the warm weather and get the attention he needs. Then move him up to Buffalo for a few starts and see how it goes.

I thought Garcia was going to get pink slipped last week altogether. Apparently the organization truly believes in Garcia and thinks he can get back to form. My difficulty with the logic is, they basically factored Freddy's possible $8.5 million into payroll assuming he would reach all of his incentives. He is not reaching all those now - no way. I don't know the details of his original contract, but it was in my opinion that the team would cut him and offer Pedro Martinez that same deal. Maybe they already did offer Martinez a similar deal and he turned it down so now they have to put their stock in Garcia. Regardless I can't help but question what makes Omar and Co. think the Chief is going to come back.