The Mets settled with the arbitration-eligible Scott Strickland in late January. Strickland agreed to a one-year, $950,000 contract with numerous incentives. After appearing in 60 and 65 games, he'll receive $7,500 bonuses, the bonus then jumps to $10,000 for 70 and 75 appearances as well as 26, 30 and 33 games finished. The 26-year-old receives an additional $15,000 at 77 appearances as well as 28 games finished, and if he finishes 36 games he receives a $5,000 bonus.

Strickland's walk rate remains elevated above target levels, however he remains a solid setup man, and as his incentive packages suggest, he's the logical choice to close if something happens to Armando Benitez. This salary is fully in line with what he should be earning, and I see no reason for the New York to have pursued a long-term contract.

The Mets signed Jay Bell to a minor league deal yesterday. If he makes the team, he'll reportedly receive a $550,000 base salary and have the opportunity to earn an additional $200,000 in bonuses. While Bell's probably better than his injury affected 2002 numbers indicate, New York has no need for him, and the probability that the 37-year-old will push a more productive player from the Mets' bench and steal time from Ty Wigginton at third base makes this a poor signing. If I thought they intended to hold him at AAA until needed, then I might support the acquisition.

New York signed LHP Graeme Lloyd to a minor league deal, which will pay him $625,000 if he makes the team with an additional $250,000 available in incentives. I think they'll want to trade him after a few months, as they have several other qualified left-handed relief candidates. John Franco is also expected to return from his arm rehab a couple months into the season, and even though he's 42, he'll expect a job. However, while Lloyd's performance declined after his unwanted trade to Florida, I expect the 35-year-old to rebound in 2003 and several teams will likely be willing to deal for him during the season, so the Mets should come out ahead on this signing.

C-R Walt McKeel, RHP Bobby Munoz, and RHP Dan Wheeler have also signed minor league contracts with the New York Mets. I thought McKeel had potential when the Rockies called him up briefly last season. He's shown solid plate discipline in the past as well as moderate power potential. With the Mets, I think 31-year-old has a very small chance of spending time on the major league roster in 2003 given their other catching options.

Bobby Munoz split last season between the AAA affiliates of the Rockies and Mets. Munoz really needs to focus on relief work if he's to find a position in the majors. The 34-year-old has a strong strikeout but has been limited by a high walk rate as a starter. Unfortunately even if he makes a full time move to the bullpen, he likely won't find significant work with the Mets in 2003 due to the depth of their relief staff.

Tampa drafted Dan Wheeler out of Central Arizona Junior College with their 34th round pick of the 1996 draft. As a free agent last season, Wheeler signed with the Braves and spent the season with their AAA affiliate at Richmond, where he compiled a 110:42 K:BB with 163 H and 23 HR allowed in 155 IP for a 4.65 ERA over 27 appearances including 25 starts. The 25-year-old looks like he could potentially hold his own at the bottom of a rotation and I'm sure he would experience success in a bullpen role. Unfortunately, as with Atlanta last season, he's chosen an organization without many openings on their major league staff. Whenever he finds a major league opportunity in the next few years, I expect him to surprise some people.

New York lost Brady Clark on waivers to the Brewers in late January, so they have one less person competing for a bench job. Clark will compete for a job as a reserve outfielder with the Brewers and has a good shot of breaking camp with the team. The big question here is whether he's been able to correct the vision problem he developed after undergoing eye surgery last season. However, he should be a nice addition to the team.

RHP Chuck Smith, Eddie Perez, OF-R Mark Smith and OF-L John Vander Wal have all signed minor league deals with Milwaukee. Smith underwent Tommy John surgery last season and should spend most of the first half rehabbing in AAA. However given the 33-year-old's past success, as soon as he appears recovered he'll likely grab the rotation spot of the Brewers least effective starter.

Eddie Perez joins the ever-growing list of catchers the Brewers have accumulated this off-season. However, he should be at the very bottom of the list of backstops for potential playing time as all of the other candidates have superior offensive skills.

Mark Smith has a solid walk rate and moderate power skills and could hold a steady job in the majors with an improved contact rate. The 32-year-old will compete for a bench job in Spring Training, but since he's on a minor league deal, he'll likely begin the season in AAA, where he'll give the Brewers solid injury insurance.

I'll be somewhat surprised if John Vander Wal doesn't break camp with the Brewers, and he'll certainly be one of their top injury replacements if he is sent to the minors. The 36-year-old's skills are on the decline, but he still has a decent walk rate and a mediocre amount of power.