[Evil Vito]

I don't think Reyes is really an immature headcase. And even if you wanted to classify him as that, the fact is he isn't being traded and, if healthy, he is a top 10 player in the league.

Health is obviously a HUGE concern for the Mets. The 2008 disaster must have set some sort of record for injuries. The fact is if you get totally healthy years from Wright, Beltran, Reyes, and Santana...that alone should improve the Mets record.

That being said, some major changes must be made.

The way I see it, there are two primary concerns for the Mets - getting a power bat in the lineup and getting a #2 starter. Really, I don't even know if I could pick between those two needs, because there are sound arguments both ways.

You could point at the power troubles last year, but I find it hard to believe that David Wright's power numbers aren't going to be better...he was trying too hard to abandon his power to adjust to Citi Field, and Beltran's HRs should go up with a full year as well. But then from the pitching point of view you can say Pelfrey is due to bounce back (traditionally pitchers struggle the first year after they reach over 200 innings, which he went through already) and that would be key.

The Wilpons told Omar that he would have all the financial help he needs...but I'll believe it when I see it. In a town with the Yankees, having all the financial help you need would mean abandoning any sort of budget and going all out to get anybody you think would make your team better. I would feel unbelievably good about this team if they were to sign Matt Holliday AND John Lackey...but I realistically can't see it happening. According to Cot's Baseball Contracts, the payroll for 2010 right now is about $92 million (as opposed to nearly $150 million this year)...but that number doesn't factor in the raises some guys will be getting in arbitration, etc. So...I really don't even know how they are going to approach this.

Hitting: If the core is back and healthy then Wright, Beltran, and Reyes is incredible. Add a guaranteed power bat and now we're talking. But whether they get one or not...I want them to get a righty first baseman to platoon with Murph (I love Murph, but I don't want to totally bestow the 2010 job to him...get a cheap option like Troy Glaus or something). I love Delgado, but I think it's time for both sides to move on and let him DH somewhere. Also although Castillo had a good year, if any team is willing to take him I think you have to do it and sign Orlando Hudson. They'll also probably get a 1 year deal for a catcher since they want Thole to start in AAA and don't view Santos as an everyday guy. Also hope to see continued development from Jeff Francoeur.

Rotation: Johan's had this bone chip surgery before supposedly and he said he'll be fine...he'd better because without him, the Mets go nowhere. I'd dump Perez but the only way you could get rid of him is by taking in an equally bad (or worse) contract. Maine is solid enough to find a spot, and I hope maybe Niese can get a shot. But regardless, they need someone else. I'd love Lackey...but if they get Holliday I don't see him in the plans. Marquis is interested in the Mets but he just SCREAMS contract year...so I dunno. I'm guessing we'll be hearing a lot about fringe guys like Jon Garland in the future, maybe even gambles like Erik Bedard.

Bullpen: K-Rod is obviously the closer, like him or not. Feliciano will be back and has been fantastic, I just hope his arm doesn't fall off after breaking the Mets' single season games record 2 years in a row. Green will probably back which could be good if his new delivery holds up for an entire season. Stokes is serviceable. I see Parnell sticking in the bullpen until he develops another pitch. That being said, they still need another arm or two. They declined J.J. Putz option (rightfully so) but unless a team comes knocking on the door for him to get a chance at closing, I'd be more than interested in bringing him back on an incentive-laden deal (he's expressed interest in it)...it'd give the Mets a chance to let that deal pay dividends. Plus there really aren't that many good releivers on the market.

Bench: Omir Santos is good but again, not sure he's a full-time catcher. Alex Cora will likely be back...which I don't mind, he's a good filler guy that got exposed last year from too much playing time. Plus he is good in the clubhouse...I just hope they don't let their emotions get in the way and give him a 2-year deal ala Marlon Anderson and Julio Franco. Cory Sullivan is probably the reserve outfielder, which is fine with me. Not sure about Tatis, I hope the Mets aren't blinded by his hot streak in September...cause he grounded into like 4383482 DPs the rest of the year.