AAOP: No More AARP

To say that the Mets have a lot of changes to make is an understatement. Hopefully, the likes of Castillo, Schneider, and others take a walk to another city. So, where do we begin?

Catcher:

The last decent offensive season from a Mets catcher was 2006, where MySpace LoDuca had a “good” offensive year. He was a perfect number two hitter behind Reyes and got on base for the Carlos’ and Wright. However, since then the Mets catchers have been atrocious. What should the Mets do? No, Omir Santos is not the answer. The best free agent catcher out in the open market is undoubtedly Bengie Molina. A player who played at Pac Bell Park(I know its not still called that. But I have no idea what its called now) and put up good offensive numbers. Yet, I would consider Molina to be an older player and this is something that I would like to stay away from. An enticing thought I came up with was to become great friends of the Tampa Rays. They hold a young catcher that had an awful year last year, in Dioner Navarro. Would they consider moving such a player? There the Rays, no one other than Longoria is untradeable.

In a perfect world: Dioner Navarro, John Buck

Probably: Bengie Molina, Rod Barajas, and Greg Zaun

First Base/Third Base:   

These positions are connected. I would like to see the Mets sign Chone Figgins. Firstly, to keep him away from the Phillies and also because he would be a fantastic top of the order hitter for the Mets. I can see it now, Reyes and Figgins running wild. Move David Wright to first base, and you automatically solved your first base problems. Wright’s defense at third base was good, yet his throwing accuracy is very poor and erratic. Due to his concussion, just throw Wright over to first base. A much easier position to play.

In a perfect world: Chone Figgins at the hot corner, Wright taking a vacation on First

Probably: The free agent first basemen are bland. The most enticing option of the players on the list would be just to resign Delgado. Also, maybe give Hank Blalock an opportunity. And by no means give Russell Branyon a look, other than tearing it up on the Old Nintendo 64 Ken Griffey Jr. Slugfest, Branyon has accomplished nothing. I’m happy he had a good year last year, should stay in Seattle.

Second Base:

Find someone to take Castillo off our hands. I would trade him to the Cubs for Milton Bradley strait up. And then turn right around and sign Orlando Hudson. Hudson wants to be a Met and is a good player. This is a no brainer.

In a perfect world: Orlando Hudson

Probably: I am almost 100% positive that Hudson will be in a Mets Uniform.

Shortstop:

Reyes just needs to remain healthy.

Left Field:

Matt Holliday is the jewel of the free agent class. I feel that the Mets need to sign him. An awsome bat that would only solidify the line-up. His defense may be suspect; however, his offensive numbers automatically dismiss those defensive gaffs. Holliday or bust. Mets can’t go into the season with a Francouer-Pagan-Beltran outfield. It just will not work.

In a perfect world: Matt Holliday

Centerfield:

Beltran

Right Field:

Jeff Francouer played well with the Mets after the trade. He is a young player and will do fine with the Mets in the 2010 season. I am confident with his bat and his arm in right.

In a perfect world: Jeffrey Francouer

The starting rotation:

John Lackey is the best option out there free agent wise. However, I would stay away from him. After elbow and forearm soreness last season, there are too many red flags to give him the 100+ million that he desires. As of today, Santana, Pelfrey and Niese are presumably the three definite starters in the rotation. I look for the Mets to sign either Randy Wolf or Joel Pinero, which I do not necessarily agree with. Both players, Especially Pinero had fantastic 09 campaigns. I would stay away from Pinero, too much risk for the money he is asking for. If anything I would sign Erik Bedard. Bedard is an A-C-E. Bedard is a hell of a pitcher and was having a great season before going down to injury for the second year in a row. He would be attained for cheap due and could be put on the side.

In a Perfect world: Wolf, Bedard (Could possibly miss first few weeks of season, yet would be great to fill in for Perez if he continues to pitch like a garbage man)

Bullpen:

Ocatavio Dotel would be a nice player to add to the bullpen. Kiko Calaro seems to be a popular choice. And someone like Grabow, Ohman, and Beimel from the left side.

2010 Mets Lineup:

1.       Jose Reyes Shortstop

2.       Chone Figgins Third Base

3.       David Wright First Base

4.       Matt Holliday Left Field

5.       Carlos Beltran Centerfield

6.       Jeff Francouer Right Field

7.       Orlando Hudson

8.       Dioner Navarro

The Pitching Rotation

1.       Johan Santana

2.       Mike Pelfrey

3.       Jonathan Niese

4.       Oliver Perez/Maine

5.       Randy Wolf

6.       Erik Bedard

Looks like a good team on paper, and is mainly attained through free agency. It is just a matter of spending the cash. With Delgado’s 16 million coming off the books allows the Mets to sign Holliday for $18 or so per season. Putz, Wangers contracts are now also off the books.