MIAMI _ Is Bartolo Colon headed for a reunion with the Mets, and the team's fan base that adores him? The Mets intend to at least discuss the idea of bringing Big Sexy back, according to sources, after the Braves designated Colon for assignment Thursday, putting Atlanta on a seven-day clock to either trade or release him.
Based on how Colon has flopped (2-8, 8.14 ERA) for the Braves and what he's still owed on his one-year, $12.5-million contract, it's certainly going to be the latter. Any club that signs him after Colon is cut loose would only be on the hook for the prorated portion of the major-league minimum salary, which is $535,000.
Colon, at 44, is the oldest active player, and while it's entirely possible that he's finally hit the wall, this would be a low-cost, potentially useful signing for the Mets. Colon thrived during his previous three seasons in New York, where he became a cult hero and went 44-34 with a 3.90 ERA. He also authored one of the more remarkable highlights in recent memory with his first career home run May 7 of last season at Petco Park.
"I'm sure he'll land on his feet somewhere," Terry Collins said before Thursday night's series finale against the Marlins. "He's a pretty valuable guy to have."
Colon definitely wasn't for the Braves, and one Met said his trademark sinker seemingly had vanished during this year's nose-dive. But Colon was happy in New York, and with the Mets' depleted pitching staff, he could be a helpful piece. Not to mention generate some nostalgic good feelings for a fan base quickly becoming disenchanted with the Mets' downward spiral this season.
