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According to Jon Morosi, the New York Mets have signed Miguel Batista to a minor league deal. In 2011, the well-traveled right-hander has a 3-2 record while compiling a 4.60 ERA and a 16 K/19 BB ratio. No wonder he was available, huh?
At this point, Batista does not look like a guy who is going to help a team get over the hump or - in the Mets' case - climb it's way into the wild-card picture. The Mets could use some upgrades in their starting rotation, but considering Batista's production and the fact that he's only started two games in the past two seasons he isn't the upgrade they're looking for.
If Batista does make it back to the Bigs it will be as a relief pitcher. Does this move tip off any of the future intentions of the New York Mets' front office? Their current closer, Francisco Rodriguez, has been mentioned in trade rumors for a few weeks now. If he gets dealt that will create an opening in the bullpen. Batista likely won't run into many - if any - save chances, but he is more than capable of handling some mop up or middle relief duty.
It is easy and fun to look beyond the face value of a move and speculate on bigger deals that might happen. Time will tell if there is more to this move, but the Mets are probably just interested in adding some cheap organizational depth.