Seems like just about everybody's got one so why not throw in my two cents.  For the record I'm going to try to be as realistic as possible so Francoeur stays and I won't sign Holliday, Lackey & Pineiro then trade for Halladay, Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez.

So the way I see it, we've got 3 primary questions to answer, first base, left field and starting pitcher.  The rest is secondary.

#1 First Base: Adrian Gonzalez

For once, the media-driven, oversimplified solution is right.  We simply CANNOT get a .266/.313/.427 line from our first baseman (MLB league average was .277/.362/.483).  And I'm one who thinks Murphy will improve but it's just too much of a risk to take w/ our "stars" all getting older/closer to free agency.  Nick Johnson is too injury prone, LaRoche has a decent bat but his consistently bad D kills his value, ditto Dunn and Prince isn't available.  Forget the place-holding righty platoon partners.  Lyle Overbay is OK but that trade seems unlikely, if not made up.  So trade for Adrian Gonzalez.  He's the perfect blend of power and defense that we need, he's the rare cheap superstar player, he is available and we'd have him through 2011.  I know we're all suddenly in love w/ Ike but this way we can be conservative and give him 2010 in Buffalo and transition him in during 2011; plus, we can always stick him in the OF if he forces his way up. 

So the package to get Gonzo you ask?  (Using the Lee, VMart & Peavy deals as models) I'd go w/ Wilmer, Tejada, Parnell & the hard-throwing lefty Robert Carson.  You've got the very young, very high upside (and IMO slightly overrated) prospect, the very impressive upper level prospect and a very strong pitching prospect and then the rookie who can hit 100mph (who I also feel is overvalued).  That feels like enough but the package they discussed from the Sox this July included some big names so if they forced me I'd include Kyle Allen or even Jeurys Familia in place of Carson.

Plan B - If you can't make the deal, leave Murphy at first, spelling him w/ Chris Carter (who is currently raking in the VWL) or a cheap lefty killer like Ryan Garko and make up the offense elsewhere (aka Holliday).  If you lose out on Holliday, bring in a more legit. platoon partner for Murphy (i.e. Jorge Cantu, Mark DeRosa, Dan Uggla) and a legit LF option.

#2 Left Field: Angel Pagan

This move is completely contingent on acquiring Gonzalez.  Once you do that, you're not desperate for the offense and you can put the best defensive option in left, which I feel is important in Citi (Holliday is good but his D while underrated is consistently declining according to UZR and I personally just don't see him aging well in terms of mobility).  People also say that "Holliday only costs money" but thats a bit oversimplified as the amount of money he will cost (a rumored 8yr/$150M+ deal) will drastically limit our roster flexibility deep into the next decade, meaning no more bigtime FA's until either Beltran, Reyes or Wright is gone. 

I also feel that Angel Pagan flashed some untapped offensive potential this season that he couldn't before for lack of PT (see: 2.8 WAR in only 376 PA's); w/ 500+ ab's I see him profiling similar to Franklin Gutierrez (though admittedly less valuable in LF than CF).  Back Pagan up w/ a very capable 4th OF in case of injury or extended slumps.

Plan B - Assuming we don't get Gonzalez, sign Matt Holliday; I hate to give in to Boras and give the big contract but we'd have no choice.  If we lose a bidding war for him, try to bring back the always underrated Mike Cameron short-term, as a nice mix of power and defense; both scenarios move Pagan into the 4th OF role.  The recently dropped Jermaine Dye might seem like an OK source of power if he'll sign for short-term but his loathsome OF defense (4 straight -20 UZR seasons!) negates nearly all of his offensive value.  IMO Jason Bay in Citi LF instead of Fenway LF becomes similar except he wants 5+ yrs.

#3 Starting Pitcher: Rich Harden

I don't like any of the top tier options.  Lackey wants 5 year and $100M+ and w/ declining performance, elbow issues and his age (31), I don't even consider it.  Pineiro would be decent for a couple years but I see someone desperate (probably MIL) going too far to sign him.  And Chapman is WAY too risky.  Like I've mentioned here before, Harden is obviously a big injury risk but basically he gives you a 50/50 shot at a ~4 WAR season and coming off a (pretty unlucky) down year, I'd say on a 1yr deal (roughly the same $7M salary he made in '09, as he did have a down year) I'd take that risk. 

Because of that risk (or the risk of any of the 2nd tier SP options), IMO you've got to back up whomever you bring in w/ a Redding-esque contingency who you can stash in AAA or on the DL.  Erik Bedard would serve this role perfectly, bolstering the rotation w/ a high caliber SP when he gets back on the mound around mid-season.  I like Justin Duchscherer but I doubt he signs w/o a guaranteed spot in the rotation.  A much less high profile name is Rodrigo Lopez who showed he may have something left this year as a #4-5 for the Phils (3.62 ERA in 5 starts) and would likely accept a role in Buff. until a spot opens up.

Plan B - To me, Sheets and Harden are interchangeable; I'd only try Harden first because Sheets is almost a guarantee to get hurt at some point, that's why you bring in that contingency guy. I like Harang, but CIN probably won't take any of his $12.5M salary for 2010 (and possibly 2011).  If that's true, I'd give a package of Evans and Michael Antonini to get him, no more.  $12.5M for that big of a risk is just too much to give anything significant for.   Randy Wolf wouldn't be horrible but long as he wants 3 years I pass.  Inquire about a Nolasco trade but w/ a new stadium on the way that sounds unlikely.  Here's a crazier trade idea:  See if the Braves are interested in a Lowe-Castillo swap.  After a poor '09 and $45M left on his deal, Lowe is definitely available and ATL lacks an everyday 2B as well as a top-of-the-order OBP guy.  Then go out and sign Placido Polanco or Orlando Hudson.  But a part of me feels like we might just be better off letting Castillo's contract expire instead of adding on another year and an additional $33M of payroll obligations attached to yet another risky asset.

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The next stage is to fill the secondary holes:  Catcher, 4th OF, backup MI & setup man

Catcher: Pudge

Despite the fact that Omar has always liked him, he can be had for a cheap, $1-2M deal ($1.5M in '09) while providing still solid defense and some pop from the bottom of the order.  He batted .250 w/ 10 bombs in '09 and I'd hope for somewhat similar production in 2010 while giving Omir 2-3 days a week.  Disclaimer:  Not expecting a .300+ OBP from that duo, just give me 7-9 hrs and good D.  I'd also hope he could play mentor whenever Thole comes up, which I assume happens around mid-season after Omir turns back into a pumpkin.

Plan B -  Gregg Zaun is option 1A and I might even favor him to Pudge based on the contracts; either way he was just let go by TB and fits the cheap, decent hitting, decent fielding (decent OBP) place-holder role until Thole takes the job.  He's even open to the 'mentor to promising young catcher' role.  Rod Barajas would be allright as a similar player to Ramon Castro (good pop, rarely walks, often day-to-day) w/ a bit better glove; add him to the BABIP Bargain Bin (.234).  I'd also talk to ARZ who is looking to deal the decent Chris Snyder but the words 'back surgery' and 'catcher' don't mix well so who knows what he'd give you; probably too risky for someone owed $12M over the next 2 years unless they'd pick a lot up.  No way will I give declining Bengie Molina the multi-year deal (AND a raise from $6M no less) that he reportedly wants, even if he can still hit for power.

4th Outfielder: Matt Murton

We all know his deal:  Murton has proved that he can play at a pretty decent level in the majors (career .345 wOBA) yet can't get a fair shot.  Fangraphs compares him to Nelson Cruz  before he blew up this year.  Murton hits for average, his K/BB is always good, decent pop, he steals bases and he's a good fielder; the guy was even a first round pick out of a college baseball powerhouse, not that long back ('03).  Seriously, what the hell is going on here, is he being black-balled?  He would fit really well as a 4th OF/platoon partner for Pagan (Murton crushes lefties, Pagan righties) and could even steal the starting job.  Nobody claimed him when COL put him on waivers so he's still a Rockie but I can't imagine it'd cost much to get him.  If we had to trade, send them Eddie Kunz and be done w/ it. 

When these 2 are together, great things happen...wait, that's not Obama.  Well just trust me, they'd be good.

Plan B - Coco Crisp is another low BABIP victim (.247 in '09) who likely could be had for cheap (especially if/when KC drops his option); similar all-around solid game as Murton but w/ less offense and more defense.  Off a down year I'd see if we could nab Fred Lewis for cheap.

Backup Middle Infielder: Adam Everett

Made $1M in '09, I'd offer the same and save the other million you'd spend on Cora.  Now I admit I'm kind of a sucker for the veteran leadership stuff w/ Cora but money talks.  Plus, Everett is a FAR better defender which MUST be a priority after what we witnessed on the infield in 2009.

Plan B - They'll probably bring back Cora which wouldn't be the end of the world but if they must have a veteran, I'd personally go for the cheaper/better version of Alex Cora, Omar Vizquel (made $1M in '09). 

Setup/8th inning RP: JJ Putz

I know we dropped the option, now try to bring him back for cheap and hope he's healthy, especially because in this plan you've already traded Parnell so there aren't many other in-house options; even w/ Parnell we probably need him.  I'm thinking the $2-3M neighborhood.  I don't imagine he sees many better financial offers off the injury/ineffectiveness but in case he gets the tempting option to close from somebody else, throw him a performance-based option for 2011 to sweeten the deal.  He doesn't need to be '07 Putz but just something moderately resembling that would be fine. 

Plan B - If Putz decides to move on, that's fine because Kiko Calero is an equal if not better option.  As Fangraphs proclaimed coming off his 1.4 WAR 2009, Kiko's Back but like Putz health is an issue w/ him.  If we can get him for a similar 1yr/$.5M deal as the Marlins did, I'd take him as my first option; he's risky but not any more so than Putz.  I also like the idea of Kelvim Escobar if he can be had for less than $3M on a 1yr deal.  I said it last year and I'll say it again (and now I bet more people will believe me), Chan Ho Park STRICTLY as a reliever works.  For the record, I am against guaranteeing multiple years to ANY non-elite relievers.

Odds & Ends

• Murphy is a super-sub, where he'd cover the corner IF spots, maybe cover the OF in a pinch and be the primary pinch hitter, basically taking Tatis' role where he'd see about 300 ab's; As an aside, I feel that there is no offseason scenario where both Pagan and Murphy can be in the lineup everyday, IMO it's one or the other
• Jeremy Reed is cut; The last spot on the bench goes to a better defensive OF, basically SIGN ENDY; unless he's still not healthy in which case Dewayne Wise would work fine or Laynce Nix, who is a surprisingly good fielder w/ very good power
• Hold onto Pat Misch and try to replicate the Darren Oliver, 2nd lefty specialist/longman role;  However, he's on a short leash w/ Bostick waiting in Buff; I'd be tempted to bring back Oliver himself
• The bullpen is already nearly filled out (I give both Green & Stokes another chance being a trusting/foolish person) but the last spot is saved for a Rule 5 guy because it's stupid not to take advantage of this creative opportunity; an early favorite of mine is former Phillies top prospect and TJ fiend Scott Mathieson, who is currently mowing people down in the AFL and is no longer on their 40 man; I like the hit rate on Japanese relievers
• Fernando, Niese, Nieve, Gee, Stoner, Evans, Chris Carter & Thole begin in AAA, awaiting the call (as long as they're performing, obviously); Wilson Valdez is my first call if we need a MI, Anderson Hernandez can rot at Coca-Cola Field forever
• That 5th spot in the rotation is NOT set in stone, it's up for whoever claims it during ST; If Ollie struggles, I don't hesitate to start him in AAA and give it to Niese or whoever earns it in March
• Since you can't bat Pagan 2nd w/ Castillo there and his solid OBP is wasted in the 7-8 holes, I pull a LaRussa and bat him 9th; This way you capitalize on the typically unutilized above-average power that Reyes posesses as a leadoff man.  In a way you've basically got 2 leadoff hitters

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The Final Product: (click to enlarge)

Overall, I'm projecting this roster's cumulative salary (w/ all of the acquisitions as well as contractual increases, likely arbitration raises, etc) at just about $139M compared to the $149M that we had in '09.  Obviously that figure changes if we shift from the Gonzalez/Plan A scenario to the Holliday/Plan B scenario.  But either way I feel this team (if healthy of course) is a strong contender for a playoff spot.

But basically, I'm consciously trying not to break the bank here because: 

1. I'm tired of this team wasting resources
2. After 2010 we will not be losing a lot of payroll like we did this offseason (base payroll may actually go up based on arbitration and raises)
3. Next winter will be a big one for legitimately great top-tier FA pitching (Halladay, Lee, Beckett, Webb & Vazquez) and I want to see the Mets very active in that market.  Wouldn't it suck if we couldn't be because John Lackey was sitting on our DL w/ an elbow injury (which he's suffered both in '08 and '09) collecting $17M/yr?

So yeah, that's what I would do.  Feel free to criticize.