AAOP: The greatest offseason that ever lived

For the purposes of this offseason plan, let us assume that the following players are not resigned by the Mets:

• Carlos Delgado
• Alex Cora
• Gary Sheffield
• JJ Putz
• Ramon Martinez
• Brian Schneider
• Tim Redding
• Fernando Tatis

Now, we can get on with the show.
1) I'm going to start this off with a non-bang. The Mets sign OF Jeff Francoeur to a 1 year deal worth $3.5 million. Francoeur (AKA "Big League Beau Brummel") was quite productive in his 308 PA with the Mets in '09 (10 HR, .311/.338/.498). If he reverts back to his post-2005 Atlanta form there isn't much of a concern, as he'll be off of our backs before we know it. 

2) The Mets sign OF Matt Holliday to a 6 year deal worth $120 million ($20 mil per year). We need a left fielder, so why not go for one of Holliday's caliber when we have the chance?  With Delgado and others coming off the books, we should have the salary room to do this.

3) Trade Bobby Parnell for Joe Mauer.
Kidding.

The Mets trade Daniel Murphy, Dillon Gee, and Jon Niese to the Marlins for 1B/3B Jorge Cantu.

I think the Marlins would take this, as they are constantly in rebuilding mode, and look for any possible ways to cut salary. We pick up a stronger player who can actually hit to play first base. It's what they call a win-win.

4) The Mets sign SP John Maine to a 2 year deal worth $8 million ($4 mil per year). We know him already, and it's easier then having to sign an extra starting pitcher. He's young and not too expensive. All in all, he should be a serviceable option.

5) The Mets sign SP Justin Duchscherer to a 1 year deal worth $8 million. Duchscherer is a veteran pitcher who can provide depth at the back of our rotation and eat some innings. Like with Frenchy, if he falls flat on his face (he is known to be prone to injury), then he's off our hands after 2010. Of course, as with any oft injured player, we cannot rely on him alone, that's why I'm proposing another controversial move:

6) The Mets sign SP Shawn Estes to a minor league deal. Estes isn't likely to get picked up by another team in free agency, so I'm assuming that the Mets will be able to get him for next to nothing. He serves as a respectable backup in case Duchscherer is injured.

7) The Mets trade Luis Castillo, Reese Havens, and Nick Evans to the Royals for 2B Alberto Callaspo. Callaspo is a brilliant young infielder.  A normal team would never trade him for that poor of a package. The Royals, though, are a different animal. They nearly traded Callaspo to the Dodgers for AJ Ellis and this summer sent two pitchers, including their 3rd best prospect, to the Mariners for Yuniesky Betancourt. 

8) The Mets sign RP Joe Beimel to a 1 year deal worth $1.5 million. This adds a strong extra lefty to our bullpen.

9) Resign SS Wilson Valdez to a 1 year deal worth $500K. Valdez will serve as the backup shortstop.

Payroll numbers (via ESPN):

Money out (estimate): $32 million

Money in (estimate): $34.5 million

Net payroll increase: $2.5 million

Payroll 2009 (estimate): $145 million

Payroll 2010 (estimate): $147.5 million

2010 Projected Lineup:

C Omir Santos

1B Jorge Cantu

2B Alberto Callaspo

SS Jose Reyes

3B David Wright

LF Matt Holliday

CF Carlos Beltran

RF Jeff Francoeur

Bench Josh Thole

Bench Wilson Valdez

Bench Chris Carter

Bench Jeremy Reed

Bench Angel Pagan

Bench Anderson Hernandez

Projected Rotation and Bullpen

SP Johan Santana

SP John Maine

SP Mike Pelfrey

SP Justin Duchscherer

SP Oliver Perez

CL Francisco Rodriguez

RP Joe Beimel

RP Pedro Feliciano

RP Brian Stokes

RP Sean Green 

RP Pat Misch/ Adam Bostick/ Figgy/ whoever