Castiilo seems a good deal, but he doesn't even want to be here.  I have to admit, batting second, is a great fit though (in theory - see below).  And they gave up so little.  Let's see.

I think the long term contracts for Write and Reyes have been his most succesful.  After that Billy Wagner.  And then after that, and the only real trade that can be said was successful, the throw in of John Main in the Chris Benson deal (Minayaa kept saying 'Don't forget that kid Main. He was key in this deal" and we snickered.)

After that, Glavin has had a major positive influence on the young pitchers but mixed results on the mound.  Overall, considering what he earns, a average-to-good deal.  ElDuce, yes a good deal.  I don't think you could say any other deal had been very successful as none of them have performed better, or even as well, for the Mets then they did prior to them getting here. Rookies not withsatanding.  Beltran?  Close, but too expensive for 1 out of three good years and NO CLUTCH.  Delgado? 30/100 9 straight years. not this year. The only 'Constant' no longer constant. Hmmm? Loduca? There already talking about not resigning him.  Green?  I guess you get what you pay for (ok deal).  Alou?  See Green.  Hernandez?  I wish I had Nagy back.  Pedro?  ironically, maybe.  Even though he has been out, he lent credibility to allow much of the trades to happen and he has pitched well, but, didn't many people say he was a break down waiting to happen.  And Voila!  

I just don't see the "Guru" label he's earned.  And while he stands on his laurels, the Braves get Texierer and Dotel.  There is a real problem in NY.  And if Manya is as good as his reputation then the worst deal the Mets have made was Willie Randolph.  Either way, there's cause for concern don't you think?  If the Braves could get what they did and the Bosox could get Gagne and the Met's were interested in both and got none, do we have two Guru's leading this team?  Or do we have two lickable leaders with past repurtations that just don't quite mesch in there current positions.  

I know they almost went to the World Series last year.  We had to play out of our minds to do it.  And the biggest thing that held us from going is CLUTCH HITTING. Keyed by Beltran (who was looking at that 3rd strike that sent the cardinals to the World series)?  And who should have pitched that game?

Last year he could have had Sheffeild straight up for Millage (before his call up).  My point is this, do you think Manaya is the Guru he's been reputed to be, for the Mets.  Is Carlos Beltran, Delgado and Green/Alou the nucleous of a Series Chamopion?  An American league line up?  I don't think so.  

It's time for some real deals.  Trade some of the talent to get what we need.  Manyaa has always been know as having an eye for young, pre formed talent.  And he has done nothing to change that.  Reyes, Write, Main, even Castro and Chavez (although he is not a rookie or a minor league call up).  He should do what he does best.  He should have been the one trading for those braves minor leagers.  He could have made the same deal trading Beltran (I'm sorry, he's not the answer, at least in NY - too shaky, and too expensive, Texierer might be an answer for the Braves though).  Maybe that's a bit strong, during the season and were in first.  But as we lose our position, I'd say by early to mid September, unload him.  

What, you think were going to win the division?  Pleeeese.  That would be a catastrophy for our future because we would keep all the under achieving nucleous and insure our above average credentials for a long time.  Just no championships.  

I can actually envision Beltran and/or Delgado being the 3rd, 4th or 5th, even 6th best person in their lineup within the next year or two (while earning 12 - 15 or more million a year).  No way?  Let's say Reyes (1) and Write (2) continue to improve.  Beltran and Delgado don't.  The Met's have to make a big trade or signing.  They get a big bat (3).  Millage explodes to prominence and lives up to his billing next year (4).  Places Beltran and Delgado 5th and 6th.  It's possible and soon.

It's what I call a TOP HEAVY team.  The older you are, the more you make, the more you make the less productive you are.  Makes sense to me.  Where do I sign up.

Am I just frustrated or do I have any points that make sense?