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According to Ken Davidoff in Newsday, ‘the Mets continue to maintain communication with free agent Raul Ibanez,’ who is 
also drawing interest from the Phillies, Dodgers, Cubs, Royals and Mariners.
However, in a report for FoxSports.com, Ken Rosenthal says the Mets want to add ‘a right-handed bat, writing, ‘The Mets are not high on Pat Burrell, and Ibanez is not an ideal fit.’
…and that’s the thing, most of the best free-agent options all bat lefty, such as Adam Dunn, Bobby Abreu, Garret Anderson, and Ken Griffey Jr.…
…yes, Manny Ramirez is a free agent, but i just can’t see any National League team, much less then Mets, signing him to a long-term deal, except maybe the Dodgers who need him as much as he needs Hollywood…
…Juan Rivera is a right-handed bat, who can also play first base, and the Mets reportedly expressed interest in him around the trade deadline, so it would stand to reason they have at least minimal interest in him now…however, he is two years removed from his one good season, in his eight-year career, so to rely on him would be a huge mistake…though, to his credit, he did not get many at bats last season…
…to me, the most effective solution would be to acquire Jermaine Dye from the White Sox…
“On Tuesday, Nov. 11, several White Sox officials watched Mets pitching prospects Bobby Parnell and Eddie Kunz pitch in the Arizona Fall League,’ reported Mark Gonzales in the Chicago Tribune.
According to Gonzales, citing two NL scouts, the Sox were scouting players for deals that include Dye, who hit .292 with 34 HR, 96 RBI and a .344 OBP in 154 games last season.
Dye will earn $11.5 million in 2009, after which he has a mutual option in 2010 for $12 million, or a $1 million buyout that could make him a free agent.
…either way, the Mets are not going to have enough minor-league talent or money to upgrade at both second base and left field…so, if the Mets are unable to trade for dye, and they decide ibanez is not ideal, then my suggestion would be to sign Orlando Hudson to play second, and start Daniel Murphy in left field with a substantial back-up, i.e., Jose Reyes, Orlando Hudson, David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Ryan Church and Daniel Murphy would lack substantial power, but it would be sound and balanced, and the infield would be strong up the middle, which, to me, is more important…
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Juan Rivera got no playing time last year b/c the Angels had 5 other OFs (Hunter, Matthews, Anderson, Willits, Guerrero)
Juan Rivera is OK if you are the4 KC Royals.. Not the NEW YORK Mets.
Juan Rivera is not a bad player. He’s a guy who can be a very productive player if you give him 500 ABs. He was recovering from a broken leg in 2007 and got next to no playing time last year. When he did, it was few and far between.
At worst, just platoon him in LF with Murphy. He has more upside than Tatis.
let’s face it.. he may be pumpkin pie but he aint getting 500 At bats on a WS Team.
Right I mean guys like Gregg Dobbs never play an important role on WS teams or their crappy 3B.
Whats your point there?
Gregg Dobbs had 226 at bats for the Phils last year.
he was a fourth year part time player making very little and was never relied on to be a starter before the year.
We’re not going to miss out on the playoffs because we have Juan Rivera.
we arent going to make the playoffs because we have scary Juan Rivera in LF..
Hey Biggiesmells,with an attitude like yours,I can see why your beloved NEW YORK MUTS were hitting the golf course at the same time as the KC Royals again this year. LOL
As much as I like Dye, you can’t deplete the farm for a 1 or 2 year player, who is getting up in age. Hang onto the kids and go the free agent route!!!
who is teh free agent?
this offense gives me pause.
I dont see DelGado repeating,
Church is a Question Mark
Scheilder is an auto out.
Castillo is horrendous and
we are penciling in Fernando Tatis and a rookie who may not be Mickey Mantle right away for significant time in Left
also, we have to hope to get 156+ games from Beltran, Wright and Reyes without a decent backup player
Unfortunately I agree. But I also see this as more of a reason not to give up prospects in a trade. IMO you only do that for older risky players like Dye if you ave a deep farm system and can afford it, which we obviously don’t and/or you don’t have a lot of question marks and you know that one piece can get you over the hump, which isn’t us either IMO.
if we arent one player from getting over the hump then we are in deep do do.. (A$$uming that one player is in addition to K Rod as closer)
Im not crazy worried about the BP as that is sooo streaky.. again.. a$$uming we have a lock down closer… I think the farm may be deeper at the low end then we think so we may have to use some of the higher chips to get us to the show over the next two years.
Id trade out F Mart if it meant we had a real good chance of getting to late October over the next three years. prospects are just that.. prospects/
I’d trade F-mart, if we were bringing in a relatively young, like late 20s maybe early 30s player, Jason Bay for example, who would played at a well above average level and would fill a hole for multiple years. But not for one year band-aid type players.
get on the El Caballo bandwagon.
32 years old
300 hitter/30+ homers and doesnt stike out.
plus a great marketing tool and hits right handed.\
signed for 4 years at 18.5 a year which aint bad when Ty Wigginton is gonna make 10 mil a year.
and bobby abreu is signing up for 15 mil a year./
Exactly Gina. Fmart can be traded but it has to be for a young player still under control. Maybe even a SP.
Four years of the Horse in left is a worth F Mart.
We could only hope for him to get to that level of play.
And 18.5mil is a bargain in a world where Manny will get 25+ a year.
I don’t think Lee is going to be playing at the same level he is 2 years from now let alone 4. If nothing else I don’t think there’s anyway he’s going to be able to continue to play left field 2 years from now. I honestly think Manny might have a better chance of avoiding a drastic offensive decline than Lee.
Just because a brotha is built like a brick house doesnt mean he is fat..What’s he to do? he’s Panamanian?
He missed tome this year for the first time in forrver because he had a broken FINGER>
other than that the big dude has played 155+ games every year.
He is a 32 year old Rock in his prime. Manny is 36 and without much muscle tone.
I don’t think generally be too worried about offense. The offense was not the issue last year. If we had even a decent bullpen we’d have made the post season. A full year of Church will help, and Castillo can’t be that bad again! I believe that Delgado will be fine.
Let’s work on the pitching first and foremost, then worry about the upgrades on “o”
Carlos Lee is not worth F!Mart. He’s one of the most overrated players in baseball.
Fmart package for Lee anyday anytime…
over rated? does anyone even know who he is?
check his numbers and you wont call him over rated.
Grammar police:
“…accept maybe the Dodgers…” -> “…except maybe the Dodgers…”
Also, just say No to Manny
no to manny
Thank you for your support.
“NO , on 15….no, on 15!! I’m the man on the mic that they call Lamar.”
I think I may have been the only one to appreciate the obscure ROTN reference. The folks at Adams College should be very proud…
like dye. Don’t like hudson. bad vibes on the age, declining range, and multiple wrist injuries. Plus, he really isn’t that good of a hitter (clas-sic case of the reputation being better than the reality).
Dye as essentially a salary dump make a lot of sense.
I honestly think if they aren’t going with Murphy at 2B, and go with murphy/tatis/evans etc. as the left fielder, then we will see castillo to start the year at 2B. unless a miracle occurs and someone decides to trade for him!
Wiggington would be a useful bat for sure. part platoon? super sub? Might be a tad redundant to Tatis, but certainly would be nice to have him back, since he could serve as the BU MI (better than Easley).
Bench needs to be better next year. Of course, it would help if all the bench guys didn’t end up starting or on the DL!
anyway, other than hudson, theer is penty of power. Lots of doubles, and every guy (notice though you don’t likst a catcher!) is good for 20 HRs probably (or close to it), especailly when you factor in the LF platoon.
if we can upgrade left field with significant power (Dye of Carlos Lee) then move DelGado for some relievers and insert Murph at First I can live with Castillo batting eight and playing his way off the team in June.
stick- 8 mil on Wiggy just doesnt sounds like a bargain when he started mostly last year.- esp for a super sub we have to trade for.
And im getting quezzy of the left field situation. We are relying on Tatis and Mickey Mantle Murphy to carry the load which Im not comfortable with.
Murph can be the super sub on the cheap- Kevin Mitchell player if we can get some real power for LF.
“Juan Rivera is a right-handed bat, who can also play first base”
Juan Rivera has played exactly 2 innings at 1st base in his major league career…. got anymore tall tales for us??
Carlos Lee
yes!
DOUBLE YES!!!!!
I’d like to see them take a run at dye
That’d be pretty solid.
reyes
beltran
wright
delgado
dye
church
murphy
shchneider
bench: tatis, castro, endy, evans, castillo? etc…
Slim pickin’s, huh? Omar needs to focus on the pen, rotation, and second base. Outfield doesn’t seem to offer much other than bad trade opportunities.
Agreed. The only thing I would think would make sense would be bringing Rivera in, to be a bench player or part of some super platoon of course not an every day player, if he signs for a relatively cheap contract. Or signing a guy like Dunn with the plan to move him to first next year, at least we’d have one less hole next year to fill.
The other thing is the talk about catcher. There aren’t many Joe Mauer’s out there, so I’m okay with Schneider.
I wouldn’t consider El Caballo (Lee) a bad trade option. This guy is an offensive Beast from the right side of the plate. He’s Manny Lite. He averages over 25 HR a year, close to 100 RBI, about a .300 average. He’s 32 and under contract for a few years.
I would love him over Dye. But it always depends on what the trades will be.
He’s actually Manny Heavy and would be a great fit in CitiField.
Could see the El Caballo signs hanging in left field
If we can’t get Dye or Lee how about Ty Wiggington ?.
Solid RH bat with multiple position ability plus knows NY and is available
I like Wigginton as a bench/platoon/super utility player.
Gina — he made 4.7 mil last year and is arb eligible after hitting 20 some homers.. he’s gonna get some nice raise. which is why he is on the block.
There is talk of him getting 8-10 mil in arb… not super sub money anymore.
I don’t see it doubling. I would guess 6-8 million at the most.
the astros see it doubling which is why they are trying to trade him.
interesting that church and dye are both very good defenive right-fielders. wonder who would go to left field?
The one with the most experience in LF I would guess.
I like Dye and Lee, but I am just not sold on the idea of trading prospects for these older players again. Neither of these guys are going to come cheap. Is it worth trading Fmart, Niese and or Murphy? We don’t have the depth for it to be a collection of others. If we get either then at least 1 of those 3 have to go and in Lee’s case most likely 2 of them.
Would we be better off signing a guy like Rivera for LF and seeing what happens with Murphy and Castillo? Then as next year gets into full swing then maybe we know what holes can be filled with Niese, Fmart, and Murphy and what holes still need outside help.
i think dye is a salary dump. i’d trade kunz. not murphy or f-mart.
that would be some defensive outfield.
not 100% sold on dye, but for a lower prospect i’d do it
Why is Dye a salary dump? They can afford him this season and his buyout for next year is cheap. Who are they looking to sign in the FA market? If they trade Dye it will be for top prospects or MLB ready players.
its a salary dump because they’re paying big money to 3 power hitters and nobody is taking thome or konerko off their hands.
its known that chicago wants to cut payroll
Hey BigWillie, they aren’t paying big money for Thome, the Phils are payiing most of that contract.
I love the part of the post the says “the Mets are not going to have enough minor-league talent or money to upgrade at both second base and left field”.
I agree with not having enough minor league talent to upgrade at both positions. I mean who would we trade for to play second base anyway? Um but the not have enough money? Come on now. For all the money that I had to pay for tickets last year and for how expensive tixs are going into CITI field … don’t give me the line the Mets don’t have enough money. I understand there not like the Yanks and are just going to spend spend spend but your telling me you don’t think the Mets can afford Dye’s contract and then sign Hudson for 2nd base? Come on. When it comes to the Mets money should not be an issue. Was not an issue last offseason when we gave Castillo a ridicules deal.
But we are not going to go over the luxury tax. Thus any money we have has to be budgeted for the holes that we actually do have at closer and 2 SP first.
They won’t go over the luxury tax if they traded for Dye and signed Hudson. You have to remember you have Alou’s contract coming off the books. Dye gets paid a million or 2 more then him. You have Pedro’s contract coming off the books which covers the closer. And if the Mets can not find a taker for Castillo they are not going to sign Hudson anyway. If they do get rid of Castillo, Hudson would get more but not much more. The Mets Payroll was what around 120 million last year? What is the luxury tax? They are still a decent amount under. Not to mention they want to dump guys like Show and Heilman. They also have a contract like El Duque coming off the books. I just don’t see why money would be a concern that’s all.
Because we need 2 SP a closer and a setupman?
That alone could cost 50 million+ whether you do it by trade or signing.
And it’s not like someone will just take Castillo without us sending cash or taking a bad contract back thus we do not have the money to sign Hudson and trade for Dye right now. That’s adding 20+ million to the payroll when we only have about 30 million left to spend after resigning Delgado.
We have 30 some million coming off the books and 10 million total in raises. So approx 20 mill coming off the books. Hudson is going to want a double digit contract at least so let say he signs for 12 million, which is probably low considering he plays a defensive premium position with a plus, although overrated, bat and guys like Abreu are asking for 15 million per. And then Dye is owed 11.5 million with a 1 million buy-out for 2010, that’s another 12.5 million. So you’ve already used up all the money coming off the books before signing two starters, a closer and upgrading the bench or moving Castillo.
Right, I see us uping our payroll a little but after signing Delgado I see us having about 30-35 million. There is no way we can afford 11 million of Dye, 10 million of Hudson and then get a closer and 2 SP.
To me those things have to be addressed 1st and then the other moves have to be lower cost moves like Rivera, Grudzy and Molina.
We need 2 starters you spend on one either it be bring back Ollie or get Lowe …. your not going to spend for both. If the Mets get Lowe and resign Ollie I would like it but don’t see that happening …. and if Hudson wants 10 or 12 million a year tell him to take a hike i rather get Dye and have a defensive second baseman in there like an A.Reyes to play second. Not saying him but someone like him who is young maybe not the best hitter but can play a nice defense.
So who is your other starter? Niese?
Ok lets play out your senerio
Dye for junk (not happening anyway)+ 11 million
Junk for 2B while still paying Castillo
Ollie or Lowe for 15-18 million
That’s 30 million added to payroll and you still don’t have a Closer, Setup man, or a 2nd SP.
We won’t spend more than 30-35 this offseason unless we trade Delgado or get someone to take Castillo’s contract.
Hudson is not so good, to sign him when you’re already burdened with Castillo.
Exactly, IF we could unload Castillo and Hudson signed for what he was worth 3/24 then maybe. Otherwise, run far away.
do you really think the Yankees would let Teixera come to the Mets?
For my money, if Parnell and/or Kunz is what it takes to get Dye, done deal. And if you can do something like Parnell+Kunz+Evans for Dye+Jenks, that’s even better.
Why would the Sox do that? To help the Mets? You think they want to automatically make themselves noncompetitive next season? They would have to get a top prospect to justify the trade. It’s not like they want a lot of money to spend in FA.
It would take one of Fmart, Niese or Murphy no doubt.
i dont think El Caballo costs F Mart AND Murphy – would not do that.. If we take all the money maybe F Mart and a few pitchers and Evans could get er done,
We don’t have a few pitchers we can afford to move, or that have any value.
Fmart and Niese would be a terrible blow to the system.
Fmart, Parnell, Evans and Kunz would be a terrible blow.
I like Lee and Dye but still until we figure out what we are doing with Murphy then there is no need to trade our farm for a LF. Might as well trade Murphy if we are going to do that.
I cant possibly see the Mets giving up FMart, Muprhy AND Niese (which is what it would take) for El Caballo…who I think has a no-trade anyways and loves being in Houston, so dream DENIED.
Also I find it funny that so many posts on this message board are saying that either Tatis should start, platoon, or be a big part of the bench in 09….I only find it funny because I was 1 of 3 (out of over 150) who wanted Tatis on the opening day roster cause we needed a Righty on the bench….
The rest of you were screaming and whining that we got rid of Ruben Gotay….don’t pretend like you weren’t now, you all know you were….
so MAYBE Omar knows what he is doing…even down to the last roster spot. he also had mnay backup plans for the pen that got hurt too, give Omar credit, he pas-sed on Zito, got Johan, saved Tatis instead of Gotay, got 2 everyday players for Millege, got Beltran, Pedro, got Reyes and Wright to sign long term deals for their Arb. years, got John Maine and Ollie Perez as basically throw ins….and the one bad thing you can say about him is that Matt Lindstrom and Heath Bell are OK on other teams.
I must be #2, I hated Gotay and thought Tatis should have been brought up in 2007.
I was #3, not because I hated Gotay or wanted Tatis but because I could do math and new that Alou would have been taking Gotay’s spot anyway if he had been healthy so Gotay was going to have to go sooner or later.
Actually, you guys are usually the 2 that I agree with so….probably your the ones that realized we didnt need a backup for Reyes over RH bat off the bench who could play multiple positions.
He brought in Wagner, Heilman, Sanzhez, Show, Felic, Smith, Wise, 2 Vargas’, Stokes, Register, Sosa, Figueora, prob some more I cant even think of…all to fill 7 spots in a pen….he brought in at least 14 guys to camp, it just so happens the “good” ones were bad and the “ok” ones were terrible!! bullpens are funny like that, it can happen to any team any year (of course it happened to the Mets twice), but to me 07 was about the pitching staff as a whole underperforming.
I would have bet that Matt Wise would have been a good addition but I was wrong. Maybe it was the injury, maybe he stunk. Sosa was not terrible either in 2007 and then fell apart. Not to mention the slide of Feliciano and Heilman and injury to Burgos.
What back-up plans to the pen? Matt Wise?
I’m not down with giving major at bats to Tatis this year.. Noce bench piece but I would not rely on him to repeat his performance last year.
Yes, but he did also give a two year extension to GuierNO Mota!
Matt,
Can you explain what you mean when you say “The Mets are not going to have enough money or minor league prospects to upgrade at both 2nd Base and Left Field”
Not enough money? Are we kidding? Is this the Kansas City Royals we’re talking about? This team had more than 35 million coming off the books and at this point the Wipons are basically printing money, with all of the riches from the new stadium, increased ticket prices, a new tv network, naming rights, etc. Please do not try and tell us that money is an obstacle to filling the needs of LF, 2B. The Mets are not the SD Padres, as much as you their owners would have us believer. The Mets should be able to outspend everyone in the NL by far.
We have enough money for a 2B true. However we are not going to go over the luxury tax, just like we will not go over slot.
Thus we do have a budget and we have to obtain a closer, a setup man, 2 SP 1st. Then unload Castillo, then worry about 2B.
murphy does figure into a lot of scenerios (just hopefully not one where he gets traded)
If he can take one of the 3 (not counting C) positions on the field as a FT player, it would be a huge lift to the team. Saving prospects (not traded), and conserving $$ to spend elsewhere.
I have decided to pretend that Castillo doesn’t exist anymoer, so the 3 spots are 2B, LF and 1B. 1B if Delgado gets moved (I think they should, but doubt they wil do it), and if not in 2009, it will be a gaping hole in 2010.
It really is about time for the Mets to have an exciting prospect come up and take over a spot for real. Other teams do it, but the Mets haven’t had any since Wright/Reyes. And pelfrey, but I was thinking of position palyers.
Pray for F mart to stay with the mets, healthy, and to have a bust out year in 2009. Cup of coffee late, and opening day 2010.
I’m seeing a Tatis/Murphy platoon in LF, unless Murphy starts at 2B which is very unlikely.
I cant decide if 2B or LF is more of a worry, from the standpiont of can you fix it.
Not a lot of great 2B options (at least ones that can hit and field!), but getting a decent bat to play LF shouldn’t be that hard. Doesn’t have to be manny or lee, but there are plenty of OFs around (bench guys, minors, less exotic names) that can give good production.
It is also a good position to use a platoon if you don’t have a start out there. And a good place for a ST (1 year) guy.
I would rather see them resolve 2B (dump Castillo of course) by getting someone young and talented to anchor the spot for years to come. Of course, I hope it is Murphy! but I am pretty sure it ain’t hudson.
If they can get Dye at a reasonable prospect cost he would be a perfect fit for right now, giving them time to see how F mart develops.
what to do with Murphy of course is an issue. I wouldn’t mind seeing him split time in LF. I also wouldn’t mind still seeing Delgado moved (Teix to replace him would be nice!).
OF depth: Carlos Beltran, Ryan Church, Daniel Murphy, Fernando Tatis, Endy Chavez, Nick Evans, and even Fernando Martinez might play a role. Maybe Damion Easley, Marlon Anderson, Brady Clark and/or Angel Pagan?
2B depth: Luis Castillo, Argenis Reyes. Maybe Daniel Murphy.
Me says we should acquire an infielder.
Agreed. I see nothing wrong with a super platoon in lf. The problem is what infielder can you acquire that’s not either going to be a short-term stop gap or you’re not going to have to wildly overpay for.
Word.
why? how many players are needed to play second?
games (last year)
wright 160
reyes 159
delgado 159
outfielder play fewer games especially on the mets the last 3 or 4 years. depth is more important there.
It’s not really realistic to think that Wright and Reyes can continue to play as many games as they do without surviving injuries or serious fatigue.
surviving should be suffering.
I feel that It’s not just the fact that we have two options at 2B but that they’re also bad options. In the OF, at least, we’re guaranteed 4 strong guys and reasonable backups if somebody goes down.
Makes one wonder, when we’re hoping to develop our own talented secondbaseman, why the Mets are considering making Reese Havens into a catcher.
And frankly its insulting to stand by and hear the NYY rumored to get not only Sabathia, but also be strongly in the mix for Burnett (why can’t the Mets be involved in Burnett, Sabathia? No reason)…as well as Peavy, Lowe. Heck, the NYY are talking about getting 3 of those 4 guys. Oh and they may get Manny, Orlando Hudson too, while we sit by and count pennies. Lowe is basically the Mets 1st choice and would be the only “biggish” guy we get?…and so that means that we are competing with the NYY on Lowe, their 4th choice, while he’s our first choice? And while they continue to talk about Sabathia, Burnett, Peavy, etc., you’re making posts about how the Mets hope to get garbage like Randy Wolf and John Garland? Frankly, it’s insulting. With the amount of money the Mets have, the standards are being set way too low by both you, Matt, as well as the media. You need to get on them more- I can’t take this. The Mets are practically printing money, for God’s sake.
I don’t understand why you would be insulted that we’re not aimlessly throwing money around like the Yankees and loading ourselves down with bad unmovable contracts. How much have their last couple of spending sprees helped them? The Yankees could drop 100 mill dollars this off-season and I’d still pick them to finish 3rd in their division.
Gina, pls ignore him.
plus, who knows how many guys Omar is talking to that haven’t been reported.
If nothing else, he does run a tight ship (most of the leaks being intentional), and often drops a bombshell move that no one was talking about.
Remember the Milledge deal? That sure came out of no where.
I understand not going after CC with Johan on board (have to be some contract limits), but he had to at least kick tires on Burnett.
completely unrelated, but Peavy’s agent said they’re willing to loko at “at least 6 to 8 more teams” since the braves are almost out, and the yanks and cubs dont seem likely anymore either…
now i KNOW he’s a good ol country boy, and said he dont wanna play in NY…but for arguments, sake, if these top 3 teams or something that had a shot for him DONT get him, doesnt it behoov (?) minaya to make a call? We kinda waited everything out and got johan that way….i kow he kinda gets hurt and some people are leary of his away numbers, but he’s still a bonafide #1, if not a true ACE…if things start to fall apart in SD over there, you GOTTA see if we have what it takes to get him
then u gotta probably trade F-mart and sign a OF…so NOW finally, the talk of another bat in the OF comes in…
And frankly its insulting to stand by and hear the NYY rumored to get not only Sabathia, but also be strongly in the mix for Burnett (why can’t the Mets be involved in Burnett, Sabathia? No reason)…as well as Peavy, Lowe. Heck, the NYY are talking about getting 3 of those 4 guys. Oh and they may get Manny, Orlando Hudson too, while we sit by and count pennies. Lowe is basically the Mets 1st choice and would be the only “biggish” guy we get?…and so that means that we are competing with the NYY on Lowe, their 4th choice, while he’s our first choice?
And while they continue to talk about Sabathia, Burnett, Peavy, etc., you’re making posts about how the Mets hope to get garbage like Randy Wolf and John Garland? Frankly, it’s insulting. With the amount of money the Mets have, the standards are being set way too low by both you, Matt, as well as the media. You need to get on them more- I can’t take this. The Mets are practically printing money, for God’s sake.
I am really looking forward to you posting the fifth variation of this.
The Mets most likely will have the highest payroll in the NL, and while we fans would love for them to outspend the Yankees, the Wilpons did not start the new TV network and invest in a new stadium to give away all of the projected profits before opening day 2009.
And let’s be patient–we have signed Pedro and Beltran and Wagner the last few years and also traded for Santana and signed him to a ma*sive deal, and signed Reyes and Wright to lucrative, and VERY cost-effective long terms deals before it was necessary.
They are not counting pennies and they do spend a lot. They just also want to be very rich.
I really hope Omar doesn’t go into next season with a Murphy/Tatis platoon in left, Castillo at 2nd, and Schneider/Castro at catcher. He has to make an improvement at one of those positions. I understand pitching is the priority, but there are too many holes in a lineup like that, unless we improve considerably in left or right field.
I too would like to see some smaller moves to address some of these spots. Trade for Molina to play C, gets us a RH bat with pop in the bottom of the order. Trade Castro and Schnieder for prospects. As little as Castro is healthy a guy like our Pudge Jr can be a backup.
Sign Grudzy for 2B to platoon with Castillo if you can’t unload him.
Sign Rivera to play LF with Murphy spliting time there and anywhere else. Rivera has played 1B so you could give Delgado a day off with him at 1B and Murphy in LF.
Those are not sexy names but are realistic ones with all the money we have to spend elsewhere.
adam dunn in left…can play 1st in 2010 when hopefully f-mart will be here
or, try to trade delgado fro whatever you can, and go bawlls to wall for texiera
both supply the young, power bat this lineup needs for the years to come
because manny and his act ISNT the solution..unless we can get him for 4 years 60 mil…which aint happening
so, to sum up…trade for a pitcher like javy vazquez
sign dunn or trade delgado sign tex
sign or trade for a set up man
perhaps sign one more Type B reliever, like brandon lyon
I still think we can be players for Tex because the Yankee’s are going pitching 1st. However, as much I love Dunn it’s not happening.
I don’t see anything wrong with the catcher or LF platoon.
The problem is the lack of consistant AB’s from LF and catcher. Those are 2 spots that if we can get league average out of we will be much to the wise.
Thats just it, we do get league average or better out of each when we platoon them.
Splits from last season.
Tatis vs LH(.311, .809 OPS, actually did well vs righties too)
Schneider vs RH(.277, .769 OPS)
Castro vs LH(.277, .780 OPS)
Murphy vs RH(.306, .846 OPS, also hit lefties well)
As I said, LF and C are set with these guys platooning.
We have other needs but a starting LF and better Catcher are needs, they are just way down the list.
thing is, Castro and Schneider are not taking all the catching at bats, they can’t stay on the field consistently, and sorry, but Schneider’s not making up for much while having Castillo at 2nd. If we can upgrade at 2nd, i’m fine with keeping Schneider and a Murphy/Tatis platoon. The problem is 2nd base, and if we can’t do anything about it, we need to upgrade elsewhere.
That’s why I want to bring in Molina and have Cancel as his backup than to have Schnieder and Castro. Not only that, it would save a little money or at least break even.
Again, no one complained about Schnieders hitting before last season because his numbers were good for an 8th place hitter. The problem came when Castillo spit the bit and forced Manuel to hit him 8th and move Schnieder up to 7th, killing the numbers and creating a blackhole at the bottom of the order.
Would taking on Dye’s contract take us out of the running for the more expensive free agent starting pitchers?
Most likely yes. We are the Mets, I know but we also have to fill those VACANT spots. Right now Murphy is the LF until otherwise noted. Castillo is the 2B like it or not. We are missing a Closer, Setup man and AT LEAST 1 SP. Those are not upgrades but vacant.
I like Dunn because he gives us a 1B-man next year with hopefully moving F-Mart to LF.
Having Lefty’s batting 6-8 didn’t hurt us too much last year. But do I think a RH Catcher can do the trick for 10′
1. Reyes – S
2. Murphy – L
3. Wright – R
4. Dunn – L
5. Beltran – R
6. Church – L
7. Molina – R
8. F-Mart – L
I would not bat him 4th in any circumstance, however, I do like Dunn. Does not matter because there is no way we are going to sign him.
I think Omar has to look long term here, not just 09. Who will play 1B after next year?
Here’s the FA 1B after 09;
Ross Gload
Nick Johnson
Mike Lamb
Adam LaRoche
Dmitri Young
So I really think we need to go after Tex (highly unlikely) or Dunn (possibility)
Agreed but I still don’t see it happening.
More likely a trade for a guy like Morales from the Angels if they sign Tex.
I would not even be shocked to see Delgado here in 2010. I would trade him yesterday but again I think we are stuck.
by that time though you could move Murphy to 1st and bring up Fmart in ‘10 and go with that. Not saying it’ll happen like that, but it could. I don’t see us signing Dunn and we’re going with Delgado this year, so Texeira is out, too hard to sign Texeira and move Delgado at the same time.
I can’t offically give Murphy the 1B job in 2010 being that he has not played 1B nor has he put up any numbers for a prolonged period. He may be great or just a super sub which is still valuable.
I think Tex is the smartest move and then upgrade other areas through trade but I don’t see it. Delgado makes 12 million so signing Tex only adds about 8 million to the payroll. I don’t see how this is not being talked about more.
Go ahead and trade Delgado now for pitching and go into the Tex market, if you don’t get him then look at Dunn or even upgrade LF and go cheaper at 1B.
I like Dunn too but I don’t think it matters because the front office apparently just doesn’t like him and has no interest in him.
Too many lefties. Put Church in the Dye deal. The white sox aren’t giving up on next year, theyre just retooling- getting younger and cheaper, two things church is. Opening day lineup.
1. Reyes- S
2. Hudson- S
3. Wright- R
4. Beltran- S
5. Delgado- L
6. Dye- R
7. Murphy- L (Playing Left Field
8. Schneider- ( If hes here)
That is a deep, balanced, and dangerous lineup. And it wont take a lot of changes. By substituting Dye for Church, and adding hudson the team becomes incredibly balanced, and also adds two great clubhouse guys.
Also, since it only took two moves and the Sox deal would require probably Church, Kunz, Evans, maybe another middle minor leaguer. They can focus on pitching.
Why would you give up Church just because he is LH? Dye is RH so you would already be balanced. Murphy is not better than Church yet until he proves it. Church is cheap and plays great defense.
Why not keep Muprhy and trade Schnieder then bring in Molina for catcher?
because im not sold on church ever being the same player again after his concussion and subsequent handling mess up by the mets
Although i dont disagree with your point. That could probably work too.
Ok here it is. HOW TO FIX THE METS WITH 45 MILLION DOLLARS.
Sign Tex for 8/160 +20
Trade Delgado and Heilman for #5 starter like Sonnastine -12
Trade lower prospects for Vasquez +11
Sign Krod +15
Trade Fmart, Evans, Castillo and cash for Brian Roberts. +14 (8 for Roberts and 6 million for Castillo)
Trade Schnieder and Castro for prospects that could be used in Roberts or #5 trade. -7.5 million.
Trade junk for Molina in a salary dump. +6 million
Sign Cruz or Biemel +5 million
That puts us at +45.5 million.
Reyes, Robets, Wright, Tex, Beltran, Murphy, Molina, Church
Santana, Pelfrey, Vasquez, Maine, #5
Krod, Setupman, Stokes, Parnell, Smith, Feliciano, Sanchez/Show/Kunz/Parnell
Now, if I can just convince Omar, the other GM’s and agents involved to do this we will be set.
This is quite a plan TRS…really. I like it. I did not realize that Roberts averages 44 doubles and has a good OBP.
We would be a potential Big Red Machine with that lineup. Even with DRod being the biggest choker since the Boston Strangler, he would get 150 RBI. (KIDDING)
Call Omar; let’s get ‘er done.
too bad we only have 25-30mil to spend.
Not true. You are forgeting we have already spend 12 million on Delgado.
By my count we had 42-45 million to spend counting Delgado. Thus this includes that.
We do need a consistant rh hitter in this lineup. One that can drive in a run with two outs and runners in scoring position. Sorry but Wiggy, Riviera, are not the answer. Dunn, Ibanez, and Abreu are lefties. Not many people think that Burell is the answer and we all would like to have Manny’s bat but at what price? It will have to be a creative trade possibly.
Dye is a good thought but for who.
What about Jose Gillen , expensive but could be had.
David Murphy maybe with all their bats in Texas they would take Heilman plus another.
Ross from Florida… they’ll look to trade anyone
keep the same outfield and look at Uggla at second. However Orlando Hudson may do the same and he wants to be in NY.
And is not even as good of a bat as ANYONE you listed. Yet still wants 4 years 40 million+.
Guys I know he’s a lefty, but i just read the Cubs are trying to move Fukodome…thoughts about him for the Mets?? he has a large contract and would be quite a nice change from what we had out there.
Maybe they will take Castillo and give us lots of cash for Soriano. You know they wish they had that one back.
Nice thought, but he is bad….he hit like .220 in the 2nd half after pitchers figured him out….he is a poor man’s Shinjo, if that is possible.
I still like Ibanez if we cannot swing TRS’ master plan.
LOL thanks.
Would you be more willing to sign Ibanez 2 years 22 million or Rivera 3 years at the same price total?
For me, definitely Ibanez…he is older, but he has established a good level of offensive production…Rivera is 30 and really hasn’t done much.
KC just traded Ramon Ramirez for Coco Crisp. So two things, they have a surplus of outfielders, and a hole in the bullpen. They also would like to dump some salary. Jose Guillen for Heilman and Evans? That would solve the left field problems pretty easily. Guillens expensive but solid in left both defensively and offensively. If he could not go crazy, and hold down the fort in left until FMart arrives, its good. This would also allow Murphy to maybe play first base in 2010 when delgado leaves.
Andy trade for Gullien would have to include Castillo and Show for me to even start to think it was worth it.
I like Guillen’s numbers but i don’t know about that attitude..did you hear that thing about him trying to find the texas rangers announcers after they bad mouthed him…crazy…he’s gotta learn to brush things off.
I’d love to deal Heilman, Castillo and Evans for Guillen. Thatd be a beautiful thing. Although we’d probably have to eat some of Castillo’s deal. Maybe the entire third year. Even still, id do that in a heartbeat. Plus KC seems like the type of place Heilman can thrive in, and not be on permanent suicide watch.
That would be a terrible deal for us. KC should be willing to give him away to get rid of that contract and his attitude and his sub .300 obp.
How is getting rid of Heilman and Castillo for a proven LF bat a bad deal? I would do it with evans. But lets jst say its castillo and heilman for jose guillen. I cant possibly understand how anyone would not pull the trigger on that deal.
Because Guillen has terrible numbers and a terrible attitude and a terrible contract and Heilman, even coming off a poor year, should have more value than Guillen. You can get better for Heilman or more value by just keeping him. KC should jump at the chance to exchange Guillen’s terrible contract for Castillo’s straight up. And no team should overpay to get him.
You are SO right on this one Gina….Guillen has played on 9 teams in 9 years, has not lasted 3 full years on one of them, is 32, and is one of the worst guys you could have when it comes to intangibles.
He puts up good-to-pretty good stats for rotten teams.
Yes, he had a lot of extra base hits last year to go with his .300 OBP.
Platoons of Evans/Murphy and Church/Tatis would be infinitely better than this textbook definition of “clubhouse cancer.”
I want no part of Guillen. He’s a headcase. He would be a horrible fit with the NY Media. Sure he does well in seattle and San Diego. Throw him and his short fuse in NY and he’s punching cameramen and sports writers by week the start of the season.
The only outfielders who have been mentioned as available through trade I want are Carlos Lee or Jermaine Dye. And this is all about the Package it would take to get them. As for free agents I want Dunn (4 years) or Ibanez (2 years 3rd option)
That’s it. I want Murphy playing every day either at 2nd or in LF.
I want the SP’s to be Lowe or Garland, and Penny(if healty)/Sheets on short contracts with bonuses for Starts and wins.
Bullpen I want K-rod, 2nd option I want Wood. If you haven’t traded for a OFer, I wouldn’t mind Street or Putz as a setup man. Want Cruz, and another arm.
Gone I want Castillo, Delgado, Show, Feliciano. Hold onto Smith and Sanchez but not guarantee them a roster spot.
Here are my “if I was Omar” off-season moves… feel free to tear them apart.
FA:
- F-Rod – 3 yrs w/ an option for the 4th
- Cordero – 1-2 yrs, incentive laden
- Sheets – 1-2 yrs, incentive laden
- Dunn – 4 yrs w. option for 5th yr (I’d take Bradley as well)
Trades:
- Dye
- Street (or another quality reliever)
Trade Chips:
- Delgado, Heilman, Feliciano, Niese, Parnell, Kunz, Evans, Muniz, Carp
Drop:
- Castillo
* I won’t attempt to line up potential trades, but I do think some combo of the chips above can net us Dye and a reliable reliever.
Rotation:
Santana
Sheets
Pelf
Maine
Neise *if not traded or FA (Garland)
* I think Lowe/Burnett/Ollie will be too expensive. We would need to sign pitching depth in case Sheets goes down. Worst case scenario we are buyers at the trade deadline (and there goes F-Mart).
BP:
F-Rod
Street (or another reliever via trade)
Cordero
Dirty
Show (Lefties only)
Smith (Righties only)
Figgy/Parnell/Holt/whoever
Line Up:
Reyes
Murph
Wright
Dunn
Beltran
Dye
Church
Schneider
Bench: Endy, Tatis, Castro, ?
Solid line up. Solid Rotation. Solid BP. Lot’s of upside potential. Omar can fill in the rest with some pitching and bench depth.
But that’s a hell of a team in my opinion.
Salary might be an issue. Any thoughts?
great team, not realistic at all though
I don’t understand why the batter being right handed matters so much.
1. 70+% of the pitchers we faced last year were right handed
2. You’re allowed to do this thing called pinch hitting
3. We hit lefties better than righties.
4. 70+% of the pitchers we faced last year were not left handed
matt’s post is a good plan for locking up second place again. manny is the answer. and dont underestimate wipon’s deeeeeep pockets.
i should have mentioned that talk of raul, rivera and dye is what a second rate team should do. laughable for a ny team that wants togo to the WS. matt has a loser mentality sometimes….and this is one of them.
What about making a serious play for Teixera. 7 yrs 140. And if that is possible, trading Delgado and Heilman for Edwin Jackson or Sonnanstine. Might have to eat some of Delgado’s contract, but the Rays would like a solid middle of lineup DH and bullpen help.
I don’t think 140 over 7 years gets it done with Tex but I would love for them to add him. And I doubt the Rays trade a young player for a one year stop gap, they think more long-term than that.
I agree. I think the mets need to start acting like the big market team moving into the new stadium that they are. If it is 8 years 160, id still do it. The guys 28. Hes a switchhitting power and average first basemen with gold glove potential fielding. Hes known for teriffic work ethic in staying healthy and is as close to a sure thing as you’ll find. The deal would be expensive but if you could then unload Delgado’s 12 mil (should be relatively easy since his big numbers last year) to a team like toronto or Anaheim. And then sell off Castillo’s 6 million, what are you really adding here? Even if you were stuck with Castillo, who wouldn’t pay teixiera an extra 8 mil over delgado for one year?
Also I think edwin jackson might be easier to obtain than sonnanstine. If you resign Ollie for a relatively sane deal You could have a pitching staff of:
Santana
Pelf
Maine
Perez
Jackson
Now the bottom of that rotation is a little shaky, but they both have amazing potential and they are all young. Add K- Rod/Fuentes/Wood as closer with a guy like Juan Cruz as SU.
I agree with you. I’d break the bank to bring Tex in.
Manny is going to be a Met i already know that. K-rod is coming and lowe is just a retart because zito at his age lol in kno.
texiera would be a great fit here but the Yankees wont let it happen so unless Teixera would take less money to play for the Mets then keep dreaming.
Sign K-Rod to a 4 year 44 million deal
Sign Mark Teixeira to a 7 year 150 million deal
Trade Delgado, Evans and Heilman to TB for Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson
Resign Ollie for 4 years 40mil.
Sign Juan Cruz or Joe Beimel to a 3 year 15mil deal
Trade minor leaguers and maybe a RP like Sanchez or Show for Bengie Molina
Lineup
1. Reyes
2. Murphy (LF)
3. Wright
4. Teixeira
5. Beltran
6. Church
7. Molina
8. Castillo
Starting Pitchers
1. Santana
2. Pelf
3. Maine
4. Perez
5. Sonnanstine/ Jackson
Relief
Closer- K-Rod
SU- Cruz or Beimel
K-Rod= +11 mil
Teixeira= +21 mil
Delgado & Heilman for Jackson/Sonnanstine= – 13 mil
Perez= +10 mil
Minor players and Shoenweiss for Molina= + 3 mil
Thats adding 32 million to the payroll. Not including losing Alou’s, el duque and pedro’s contract. Thats not adding that much salary. But it is making the team so much better.
The Mets do not have the ability to outbid the Yankees or Red Sox for that matter so forget Teixeira.
Exactly. We ain’t getting him. So, let’s move on.
I’d trade Kunz in a package for Jermaine. Do not trade Parnell, he will be very good, I think. Kunz looks like a chump to me. Maybe he’s a LOOGY at best. Closer? Hahahahaha.
if the Mets can get Dye in a deal that doesnt include our top prospects then fine but if that can’t be done then move on to someone else.
I suspect that has already happened…
plus it looks like Murphy can’t play 2nd so how about a Grudzielanek or trading for Freddie Sanchez.
If the mid-market SF Giants already have a $150 million pitcher and are talking about Sabathia, why can’t the (so-called) “Big Market” Mets add another $150 million dollar pitcher? Absolutely no reason why they can’t. And there is no reason we can’t outbid the Red Sox or NYY for a player here or a player there. The Mets almost certainly have more money than Boston with the new stadium, tv network, etc.- it’s just that their owners value winning more than making a buck. Freddie can compete, he just chooses not to. Somebody please answer my question above.
Media blowhards talking about CC doesn’t mean the Giants are going to sign him.
The Mets have signed Beltran, Pedro, Wagner and Santana to huge contracts, and appear set to probably sign KRod to one as well. And it does appear that we outbid the Sox and/or Yanks for Beltran and Pedro.
The Mets’ payroll was I believe 3rd in MLB last year, and only significantly trailed the Yanks’.
The offseason just started and we have missed out on NO ONE so far.
But it is good that you keep posting the same paragraph again and again.
You can’t outbid a team for something they don’t want.The Red Sox had zero interest in resigning Pedro and little interest in Beltran.The Yanks didn’t want either player, the proof being they didn’t make an offer to Pedro when he was a free agent and when Beltran went to them hoping to sign for less money than he would have made with The Mets, the Yankees told him no thanks.
whatever the Mets offer the Yankees will offer more
The way Matt talks, they should remain the Mets to the Sioux City Mets…Matt, remember that this is a BIG MARKET team- arguably the 2nd richest team in all of baseball…at worst one of the 4 richest.
If the Dodgers sign Manny, why not try to get Kemp?
Why would The Dodgers deal Kemp, and what are you willing to give up?
the Mets should try to participate in trying to get Manny Ramirez bcuz he solves your right hand bat problems and your left filed problems as well, so I say get Manny for at least 2-3 years and the mets will be winning ALOT more games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!