Garland and Diamondbacks Agree to 1 yr +option

The Arizona Republic is reporting the signing of Garland to a one year contract with an option for 2010.

The specifics of the deal are not known, but Garland's guaranteed money is believed to be in the $6 million to $8 million range.

The deal is pending a physical.

Given that, his decision to decline arbitration from the Angels was viewed as a surprise in the industry. In arbitration, he only would have received a one-year contract, but it would have been worth more than the $12 million he made in 2008.

It's crunch time for the Mets front office. How long will they allow Boras and Perez to drag out negotiations in hopes a mystery time steps forward? If there is not a time certain date on the Mets last offer to Ollie, they're asking for trouble. Garland is the first domino to fall, how long before Randy Wolf decides he's had enough of waiting around in hopes that Ollie's negotiations fall through?

Now, I've been a humongous supporter of bringing in Ben Sheets to a one year incentive laden contract with a club option for a second year, assuming his physical checks out. However any leverage the Mets had will be quickly fading as each SP option comes off the board. In addition, I believe Ben Sheets needs to throw a bullpen session to elevate any linger doubts the Mets might have.

Omar, please take the initiative in negotiations with Boras and let him know in no uncertain terms, the last offer was a take it or leave it offer. Oh, and btw, you have till Thursday evening to give us an answer. Most people believe the Mets are bidding against themselves for Ollie's services. In fact, Matt Cerrone reported the General Manager of the Brewers, Doug Melvin has shown virtually no interest.

It's time to move on!