So here we are, almost three months since our Metsies flushed our hopes away in apalling fashion and I'm still speechless about it. Rather than spending the offseason wondering how to shore up the powerhouse grip we have on the division we are forced to expend the energy worrying about how we are going to catch not only the Phils, but the Braves as well. Unbelieveable.
But there you have it. What do we do about a team that we all thought was good enough, that despite its weaknesses should have won the division last year? First, the decisions that have already been made:
- Retain Willie - I suppose if we knew Torre was available at the time he might have been a better choice. It definitely would have been fun to stick the Steinbrenners' nose in JOE TORRE SIGNS WITH THE METS as the back page story. But in all I can live with Willie.
- Retain Alou - A no-brainer. He was the brightest spot on our team last season and ended the season in fine fettle. Claims to be in the best shape of his career. But we certainly can't count on him to be more than half time, and have to consider anything more than 80 games as a gift.
- Trade Mota - Ho hum, no surprises there, nor any tears shed by many fans. I for one approve of Minaya giving people second chances but Mota would just never be effective in a Met uniform again.
- Estrada instead of Lo Duca - I agree with Rob's comments that both on paper and in the flesh Estrada doesn't seem like an upgrade. What stymied Lo Duca's hopes was his apparent insistence on a 3-year deal, as well as the omnipresent steroids rumors. Sad to say goodbye to Paulie, I will always respect him as a guy that had his teammates' back. He should be leaving us with a ring on his finger. Meanwhile let's hope Estrada's shoulder surgery took and he can throw runners out with a least a little consistency.
- Re-sign Castillo- Look, I agree it is nice to have a legitimate #2 hitter and he is better than Easley/Anderson/Gotay in the 2B hole but a three year deal for a guy that can barely walk doesn't seem too prudent. I think we will live to regret this one.
- Glavine's departure - I for one hold a lot of respect for Tommy and am appreciative of his tenure on the Mets. He was always a reasonable guy, took some underserved heat throughout his career (especially on union issues) and a very crafty pitcher. I was grateful to have the opportunity to watch one of the all-time greats up close and personal for a few years. Unfortunately he will forever be tainted with that bad outing but I think he brought some class and experience to a young lineup. No one could actually be surprised at his decision to return to Atlanta. I wish him well as he sails off into the twighlight of his career and the Hall Of Fame.
Decisions yet to be made-
A very nice synopsis. The
A very nice synopsis. The offseason is going quick. I've got to get on it and get to the next podcast.
Wagner is helping to provide some fodder for the next show with all of his jabbering. I guess he feels comfortable now that he has two seasons under his belt with the team. I do agree that bringing back Lo Duca is a good move. Omar should work something out.
We need someone to replace Glavine in the rotation too. Lots of work for Omar to do during the winter meetings.
I agree, starting rotation
I agree, starting rotation is a priority and "replace Glavine" should be the target. That doesn't mean Santana or Bust. It means a Dan Haren, Dontrelle Willis or (better yet) Tim Lincecum would fill the bill nicely.
I also think we should take a long look at Huston Street who apparently is available and could play a very nice role in the bullpen.
Losing Green may be a blessing
Agree with much of what you write.
I don't think having Green back is a good idea. Let Shawn find a west coast team that he can play laid back and put up great numbers.
For me, I'll take a Timo Perez who gets pumped up rounding first and therefore gets thrown out at the plate. I'll take Benny Agboyani who got so excited that he threw a ball into the crowd thinking it was the third out when there was only two. I'll even take a Joe McEwing (even though I couldn't stand him on the Mets) with his shuffling and palpable energy. And yes, I'll take Lastings Milledge and his slapping fans "five" as he takes the field after he hits a homerun.
I know David Wright was on the 'FAN in the morning and he said the team just couldn't play well down the stretch, but I think most Mets fans will agree out-loud (and some in the Mets Organization will agree quietly) that the problem with the 2007 Mets team was the lack of fire or caring. Call it what you want, but Green (and I respect his playing ability) was the epitome of methodical work this year.
Willie needs to teach his team that they CAN be professional and still be fired up. They can get excited after hitting a homerun without getting into a brawl. They can get excited about catching a ball without forgetting how many outs have been made. BUT, if he NEEDS to choose between fire or professionalism. Please choose fire!
Typical for the Mets recently
The Mets get rid of a fire-starter in favor of a journeyman. I hope the Mets don't show up on the field wearing suit, jackets, and ties in 2008:)
What I would do
Rotation: Forget Santana he's too expensive. Haren should be our focus. Send Gomez and Pelfrey or Humber over for Haren. Gomez has the tools and I realize that but he has the tools for a lead off hitter and last time I checked we have the best in the game already. Lets trade him while his stock is high. Pelfrey and Humber both are no longer considered Ace's so lets trade ONE of them to get an Ace.
Bullpen: Sign Livan Hernandez to be our 5th starter and toss his brother Orlando in the pen. He's been hurt way to much to be counted on to start 30 games. So let him pitch out of the pen in long relief and be our spot starter. Also I would look to sign a high risk high reward type reliever in hope they return to form. Kind of a Mike Timlin or Scott Williamson, guys who have had success in the past but will come cheap now. Also I would look towards some of the Japanese relievers and possibly sign one cheaply (ie. <2 million per season)
Right Field: If Milledge is not traded then he should man right field. Yes he has not yet reached his full potential but hey he's young. He has shown flashes of defense and offense so lets give him a shot and see what he can do. If he gets traded I say we go after either Kenny Lofton or Shannon Stewart. Both are cheap veterans that can help this team advance. Lofton would also be a great person to have around, unlike Rickey Henderson, for Reyes to learn from.
Catcher: DECLINE ESTRADA!!!! As much as it seems LoDuca's time as Met is over I think he's better then Estrada... even with all the crap going around with him. If not LoDuca then maybe Rod Barajas platoon with Castro. Better yet wait out the Giants and trade for Molina without giving up premium prospects.
Bench: Our bench is fine with Anderson, Gotay, Chavez, and Castro. We may need to sign a defensive minded player for 1st base. Welcome back Doug Mientkiewicz???
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