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Esta página no está disponible en español. NewsdayA Powerful Close Friend / Gonzalez's Ties To Alomar Have Him Wooing MetsBy David Lennon
December 13, 2001 The news of Roberto Alomar's trade to the Mets was of particular interest to Juan Gonzalez, and the free-agent slugger, at home in Puerto Rico, was glued to the television Tuesday as Alomar lobbied for his new team to also sign his close friend. Gonzalez, in the middle of his afternoon workout, put down his weights and watched as Alomar suggested the Mets could use another fearsome hitter: like Gonzalez, for example. Staring at the screen, wiping the sweat from his brow, Gonzalez could not have agreed more, saying the Mets are at the very top of his list. "They only need one more big guy to make them one of the best teams in baseball," Gonzalez said. "I think it would be a very strong lineup." And he clearly wants to be a part of it. In fact, Gonzalez, whose offseason home in Isla Verde is only 20 minutes from Alomar's condo in San Juan, badly wants to be reunited with the All-Star second baseman after playing alongside him in Cleveland last season. "He's my best friend, he's like my brother," Gonzalez said. "Robbie's the best second baseman in baseball. I'd love to play with him on the Mets." There is the not-so-small matter of money, however, and that remains the biggest obstacle to the Mets adding a perennial MVP candidate like Gonzalez. The Indians gambled by signing him to a one-year contract worth $10 million for last season, and he was a steal at that price, batting .325 with 35 home runs and 140 RBIs. That comeback also helped him dismiss his disappointing 2000 season with the Detroit Tigers, when he hit .289 with just 22 homers and 67 RBIs in 115 games, as a forgettable anomaly. But Cleveland, in the first of its cost-cutting moves - the Alomar trade was another - declined to pick up Gonzalez's $14-million option for next season, making him a free agent. Going by those offensive numbers, Gonzalez probably could command upwards of $15 million per season in a multi-year deal, and that is probably too rich for the Mets. But Gonzalez hasn't exactly been overwhelmed by offers at this stage, and another persistent effort by the Mets, like the full- court press general manager Steve Phillips used to acquire Alomar, might make any previous demands a bit more flexible. The Mets are attractive to Gonzalez for a few reasons. In addition to his close ties with Alomar, Gonzalez played for manager Bobby Valentine in Texas and knows assistant GM Omar Minaya from his time in the Rangers' front office. Gonzalez also says that he has no fear of playing in New York, despite turning down a trade to the Yankees in 2000. He says that had more to do with his recurring health problems than any dislike for the big city. "I've never said anything like that," Gonzalez said. "I love New York." Ultimately, Gonzalez is the one who can make it happen, simply by signing on the dotted line. But unlike last winter, when the Indians rolled the dice to replace the departed Manny Ramirez, there seems much less risk this time around. Gonzalez is only 32, almost a full two years younger than Alomar, and his back problems no longer appear to be an issue. "I'm healthy," he said. "My back is healthy." Gonzalez says he works out with a personal trainer for more than four hours every day during this offseason. And judging by his enthusiasm on the phone, he seems ready to start spring training tomorrow. "I'm relaxed, I feel good," Gonzalez said. "I'm in perfect condition. I've been preparing myself for next year. I'm going to have a big year." A Big Stick Would Juan Gonzalez be a good fit for the Mets? Let his numbers do the talking. Since becoming a regular in 1991, here's what he's averaged per season: Batting Avg. .298 Hits 154 2B 31 HR 36 RBIs 115 Total Bases 295
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