New York Mets Believe Jon Rauch Will Make a Great Reliever, Hand Him $3.5 Million

When there are players demanding upwards of $200 million for a decade of service, it's hard to take tiny deals like the one the New York Mets just made with Jon Rauch seriously. In fact, it's hard to take the Mets seriously at all.

In a move meant to "bolster" their bullpen Tuesday evening, the team signed Rauch to a $3.5 million, one-year deal. This is the Mets' first move of the winter meetings, and for their sake, it's hopefully not their last. Nothing against the 6'-11" pitcher other than the fact that he's absolutely terrible and looks exactly like a crackhead.

The 33-year-old right-hander, who began last season as the Toronto Blue Jays closer, posted a 4.85 ERA in 53 relief appearances with five blown saves in 16 opportunities.

Update: Considering the Mets' weak relief corps, it's no surprise they also snagged up free agent Frank Francisco for two years Tuesday night. What is surprising is the $12 million they gave him. That will be nice for Rauch though, since they spent some time together in Canada last season. Fellow righty Octavio Dotel, 38, is still out there, so they might as well grab him too. For the time being, Rauch is expected to act as the set-up man in 2012. We'll see how that goes.

For crying out loud. Has Matt Capps set the standard for crappy relievers this offseason? Nice going, Twins.

[NJ.com]