Pitching Acquisitions in Review

Continuing to execute their strategy of low-risk acquisitions on a static budget, the Mets on Monday announced that they have signed veteran pitchers Chris Capuano and Taylor Buchholz, both of whom have undergone Tommy John surgery in recent years.To clear the necessary space on their 40-man roster, the Mets designated right-handed reliever Ryota Igarashi for assignment.Capuano, 32, a former NL All-Star and the more established of the two new pitchers, signed a one-year deal worth a reported $1.5 million. A left-hander who once won 18 games for the Brewers and twice threw more than 219 innings in a season, Capuano returned to the big leagues last season after injuries kept him sidelined for all of 2008 and 2009. He finished 4-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 66 innings.

In his best season in 2005, Capuano went 18-12 with a 3.99 ERA for the Brewers -- three years after undergoing the first of his two Tommy John surgeries. The second of those operations came three years ago, in May 2008.

Buchholz, 29, underwent Tommy John surgery a year later, in 2009. A right-hander who has spent most of his career as a reliever after beginning it as a starter, Buchholz returned to the Majors last season and posted a 3.75 ERA in nine appearances split between the Blue Jays and Rockies. His one-year contract is reportedly worth a non-guaranteed $600,000.

Once a top prospect in the Phillies and Astros organizations, Buchholz did not flourish in the big leagues until the Rockies converted him to a full-time reliever in 2007. The following season, Buchholz posted a 2.17 ERA, held opposing batters to a .188 average and struck out more than three times as many batters as he walked over a career-high 63 appearances.

The moves are the latest in new general manager Sandy Alderson's strategy of dipping into a pool of low-risk players -- specifically once-successful pitchers who have been derailed by injuries. Alderson has also inquired about free agents Jeff Francis and Chris Young, both of whom fit that description. Because Capuano and Buchholz came at relatively low prices, they should not prevent the Mets from continuing to pursue Francis, Young and others.

Earlier this offseason, the Mets fleshed out their pitching staff by acquiring relievers D.J. Carrasco and Boof Bonser.And despite Monday's transactions, Igarashi may still fit into that bullpen mix. Though the Mets designated Igarashi for assignment, exposing him to other teams, his $1.75 million salary and underwhelming track record should discourage teams from making a claim. Assuming he clears waivers, Igarashi will report to camp and compete for a roster spot as originally planned.In a rookie season marred by injury, Igarashi posted a 7.12 ERA in 34 appearances for the Mets last year.