Yankee Surprise: Damaso Marte's Option Not Picked Up

The Yankees will not pick up the option on reliever Damaso Marte, according to the New York Post. The Yankees could still re-sign Marte, just not for $6 million, which is the price tag on the option. Marte, who was acquired in a July 26 deal with Pittsburgh that also brought Xavier Nady to the Yankees, was 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA in 25 appearances in New York. The Mets have a need for a lefthander in the bullpen and if I was GM Omar Minaya, I would go after Marte. He would fill Scott Schoeneweis' role and secure a spot in the pen that has been lacking. Not to mention the Mets could use him in big spots against hitters like Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Plus, he can close out games if the Mets need him to because he has done it in the past for Pittsburgh. Here is Marte's number in the past three years: Last 3 years Team G GS W L SV CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP BAA    2006 PIT 75 0 1 7 0 0 0 58.1 51 30 24 5 ... (link)