The Mets Should Target Soriano
If the Mets were considering bringing Michael Bourn into the fold at $12 million per season, then perhaps they should target Alfonso Soriano. The Cubs are in total rebuild mode, and they are more than willing to deal Soriano. If the Mets are willing to pay about $7 million of his $18 million annual contract, the Cubs would be willing to deal him. His defense is suspect, but his bat still has plenty of life left in it. And the Mets certainly have a need for right-handed power. The Mets would only be on the hook for two more seasons, and at $7 million per season, they could manage that contract, and he would provide more pop than Bourn would have supplied. Mike Baxter could come in and play defense late in games. It’s a move that makes baseball and financial sense for the Mets…as well as the Cubs.
Similarities Between These Mets and the 83’ Mets
Many will tell you that 1983 was the start of the Mets ascent to title in 1986. The pieces didn’t start coming together until that season. In 1983, Darryl Strawberry was hitting the Shea scene, and Dwight Gooden was making his Met debut the following season. There are actually similarities between that club and the current team.
1983/84 Mets: A promising young slugger named Daryl Strawberry hits the scene
Current Mets: A promising young slugger named Travis d’Arnaud hits the scene
1983/84 Mets: A promising young trio of pitchers hit the scene: Gooden, Ron Darling, Sid Fernandez
Current Mets: A promising young trio of pitchers hit the scene: Zack Wheeler, Matt Harvey, and Jonathon Niese
1983/84 Mets: A key veteran stabilizes the infield: Keith Hernandez
Current Mets: A key veteran stabilizes the infield: David Wright
1983/84 Mets: Have a disappointing high priced leftfielder in George Foster (released 1986)
Current Mets : Release disappointing leftfielder Jason Bay after three dreadful seasons.
1983 Mets finish 69-93
2012 Mets finish 75-87
Of course, there are differences between the clubs as well. But who knows? We may be seeing the start of a special club. Then again, Terry Collins is no Davey Johnson and Sandy Alderson is no Frank Cashen. We’ll have to wait and see.
Don’t Mess With Johan For Very Long
Is there a single Met fan out there who thinks that Johan Santana will pitch an entire season injury-free? He’s already had his first Spring Training start pushed back because he’s not ready and he’s demonstrating “slow arm speed”. Here is the real problem….Santana is in the final year of his contract. Don’t put it past him to pitch while being less than 100%, so he will get a contract somewhere next season. Ultimately, that will hurt the team. The Mets would be smart to pull the plug quickly if he falters.
Be Patient Sandy
Last season, as players slumped, Sandy Alderson was quick to send those players down to AAA. Lucas Duda, Jordanny Valdespin, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis were demoted while struggling outfielders Jason Bay and Andres Torres stunk up the joint. That can’t happen this year. Be patient and let these guys play through slumps. It would make no sense to demote one of those players in favor of Marlon Byrd.
In the On den Dekker Circle
There’s been so much talk about the Mets weak outfield, and who the Mets should bring in, and yet….the one player in camp whose name is barely mentioned is Matt den Dekker. No one should give up on this kid. He has done nothing in the minor leagues to suggest he can’t be a very good major league hitter. He has a potent left handed bat. Before the season is over, he will play a part in the Met outfield. How much will depend on their confidence in den Dekker, as well as their patience with the current crop of outfielders.
