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Originally Posted by Big Vito 22
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. Hbut the only way you'd be able to trade him is for an equally bad (or worse) cope he's right, cause he's absolutely key, as is Pelfrey having a bounce back year. 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.
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I respectfully disagree on some of this.
While I agree that Reyes isn't getting traded, I think we're at the point where if someone calls and asks about him that you have to listen. To me, there's just too many instances where the guy obviously didn't have his head in the game and made complete boneheaded plays for me not to wonder. I won't start with the whole glove on the ground incident.
The more and more I see of David Wright, the more I see a guy who can do anything on a diamond but is not a leader. Sure, he says all the right things and conducts properly but I don't know what's missing. He's essentially Carlos Beltran, a guy who can do anything on a diamond but not a leader. If its not him and not Beltran and certainly not Reyes, where's the leadership coming from on this team?
Onto more tangible things:
Guys like Garland don't fit here. The Mets didn't fail last year because of a taxed bullpen as in previous years, they failed due to injuries and suspect starting pitching. Marquis is decent, but meh. As you said, a number 2 starter is needed. Not someone just to fill out the end of the rotation.
The biggest issue is the Mets are locked up in key spots. Yeah, Hudson is an upgrade, but who takes Castillo's contract without us paying most of that deal? Yeah, Murphy can play 1st, but there needs to be a better glove there and we know that defense isnt really Murphy's thing. Admittedly, he wasn't awful at first but is still learning the position. There's talent in the free agent market but how much of it really fits? I don't see Bay leaving and coming to the NL again and Holliday is probably going to the higest bidder. In my opinion, the team is very broken and there arent a whole lot of ways to fix it. More likely than not, the team is going to have to take on some bad contracts on high risk high reward guys to possibly improve.