What to do with the Mets?

Someone asked me recently what I would do if I was given the Mets situation. I'm going to assume that since the Mets have some salary coming off and that they would like to keep the salary similar to last years payroll they have about 30 million to spend this offseason for this years roster. Using that as a guide I'll describe my moves for the 2010 mets.

The first thing I would do is hire a new Pitching coach. I dont know why no one has said or noticed how the staff has deteriorated since Warthan has taken over. I do not think it's coincidence that Maine, Pelfrey and Perez have all struggled since halfway through 2008.

Sign Lackey to a deal of 85 million/5 years

I know 17 million per year is a lot for a team in possible economic trouble, but there's plenty of other ways to cost cut this offseason. You should never skimp on solid pitching and Lackey would definitely be worth every penny. Having a great 2 starter behind Johan would be fantastic for the Mets. And besides, on most teams, Lackey is an Ace.

Trade F. Martinez and F. Nieve to the Royals for David DeJesus::

I believe the Royals are looking to dump salary and have a rather nice Leftfielder and New York Native in David DeJesus. He plays great defense in left field and can definitely hit well. He's a smart baseball player and would be a great fit for 4.7 million per year which is what hes making. I like Byrd as an OF option too, but he will be MUCH more expensive, especially in this free agency pool where he is pretty much the third best outfielder and definitely the best outfielder who can play center. Look for the Cubs, The Giants, Rangers, Mariners, and maybe even the Yankees to get involved on him. Why not just make a run for DeJesus if the Royals are listening to offers, it would certainly be cost efficient.

Sign Rod Barajas: 4 Million/1 Year

Bengie Molina will command multiple years and way more money Barajas. The last thing they need is to lock up Molina for 3 years and he can only produce one of those 3 years. Barajas hits surprisingly well, and plays decent defense at catcher. Thole needs more time in AAA to develop into a potential every day catcher; and Santos is definitely just a backup.

Sign Eric Hinske to a 1 year; 1.5 million.

A big problem in the Mets lineup is Francoeur's inability to hit right handed pitching. This to me says you should find someone to play right field when Francoeur gets ugly. Now his defense isn't great, but he can hit when he's not exposed to playing every single day; Eric Hinske. You can certainly grab him with a promise of some playing time and 1.5 million dollars.

trade Luis Castillo for Lyle Overbay

The Blue Jays would like to move Adam Lind to an actual position to free up their DH for some more offense in the lineup. A 3 team deal was proposed over on MLBTR came from a tip via Ken Rosenthal. it would send Castillo to the Cubs and Milton Bradley to the Jays. This would be quite beneficial to the Mets because it adds merely 2 million to the payroll while getting a serviceable and fine starting 1B while not giving up much.

Sign Orlando Hudson to a 18mill/3 years deal

The need at Second should be filled by the guy they wanted to sign last year but couldn’t. Now with second open, they will finally get their man.

That brings my off season spending total to smartly added 35.7 million dollars on this years payroll and shape the team to be one more reliable reliever (which is proven to be easiest to find within an organization) away from being a top contender.

It shapes the team to look something like this:

Lineup

1. Reyes-SS

2. Hudson-2B

3. Wright-3B

4. Beltran-CF

5. DeJesus-LF

6. Francoeur-RF

7. Lyle Overbay-1B

8. Rod Barajas-C

P

Bench

Pagan-OF

Murphy-1B

Hinske-3B/OF

Santos-C

Hernandez-ss/2b

Rotation

Santana

Lackey

Pelfrey
Maine

Perez

Bullpen

K-Rod

Feliciano

Green

Stokes

Parnell

Misch

Muniz