Reasons for Optimism Moving Forward

For those of us hoping for a glimmer of light for the upcoming season, let’s not forget that we have a host of kids coming.

We have had plenty of false hope over the years with guys like Alex Escobar, Bill Pulsipher, Paul Wilson, Jason Isringhausen and more, but the Mets have a steady crop coming, and while, as a fan, it’s tough to have to wait until next year before the season even start, there’s some reason for optimism moving forward.

Prospects

The Mets have the potential to have a dominant rotation, a la the San Francisco Giants did when they won the World Series. I can see a rotation of Zach Wheeler, Matt Harvey, Jon Niese, Dillion Gee and Jennry Mejia or Noah Syndergaard. That’s the Mets’ dream, a completely homegrown rotation with cornerstone guys like D’Arnoud, Ike Davis, Ruben Tejada and David Wright in the field.

Money Coming off the Books

1. Johan Santana- $25.5 Million: We will never forget the no-hitter, but this is likely his last year with the club. The Mets are moving towards youth, and he’s been injury prone and declining.
2. John Buck- $6 million (although $3 million is being paid by Miami): He’ll hit a few homers, but when the time is right and D’Arnoud is ready, he will become an afterthought.
3. Frank Francisco- $6.5 million: He’d have to have the best season of his career to envision a future beyond this season in Queens.

David Wright’s Extension

I had the same feeling going into the David Wright extension talks as I did with Mike Piazza. I wanted them to keep him, but I didn’t think it was going to happen. Luckily for us, I was wrong on both accounts, and the Mets were able to keep their cornerstone player. He also has just $11 million owed to him this season before it jumps to $20 million from 2014-18. He agreed to defer $2.5 million during those years to give the Mets a little more wiggle room.

There are Bargains on the Market

I scoured the free agent market (thanks ESPN) and came up with some guys that may have to prove themselves on one or sometimes two-year deals. Let’s take a look.

1. Matt Capps: He owns a career 3.52 ERA and would be a nice fit for Citifield.
2. Aaron Cook: Definitely looking to prove himself, and he’s a groundball pitcher. Would also be a nice fit for Citifield.
3. Kyle Farnsworth: Solid reliever who could be had, but it might take a 2-year deal to get him.
4. Brandon Inge: Has had tough times, could probably be snagged at no risk on a minor-league deal.
5. Carlos Lee: Do the Mets dare take a shot and risk defense? His power right-handed bat is surely tempting, and he’s still got some pop in that bat.
6. Matt Lindstrom: The fireballer has talent, and he was a pretty good closer at one point. Would probably have to fork over major league money on a 1-year deal to get him.
7. Juan Oviedo: More commonly known as Leo Nunez. Minor league deal and would be low risk. He was a good closer during his time with the Florida Marlins.
8. Jon Rauch: Proved enough last year, and the market’s been dry for him. It’d be worth another 1-year deal.
9. Francisco Rodriguez: Another guy who’s worth giving a shot. Although he comes with those crazy antics, the talent is there.
10. Chien-Ming Wang: Another guy looking to prove himself. No risk on minor league deal, although he may go back overseas.
11. Delmon Young: Going to cost you money and multiple years, but he’s right handed and would fit nicely in the line-up. PS- He looks like Jay-Z.

What do you think the Mets should do? Tell us in the comments section below.

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7 Comments

1. 

   Tim Gallagher

   January 4, 2013 at 7:25 pm

   Mike: I wish you were the GM (and not your dad). Your analysis is right on the money. Now that the Mets’ owners have refinanced their debt, they have some flexibility. Let’s keep this team competitive in 2013 and 2014 with some of these signings. I like Delmon Young a lot. (Carlos Lee would kill us in the spacious Citifield OF.) But the list of FA outfielders is very slim. Lots of pitchers available.

   I am hoping for (hoping) for 81 wins in 2013 and then 90 in 2014. After that, let’s have a nice run for several years…. something we have never had before.

   Reply
2. 

   Chi-Jo Wang

   January 4, 2013 at 11:24 pm

   Based on the local media reports, Chien Ming Wang turned down the offer made by EDA Rhinos, a new Taiwanese baseball team. He still seeks to find a place in MLB.

   Reply
3. 

   MetsHype

   January 6, 2013 at 1:38 pm

   I like Delmon Young and he would be perfect but his problems in New York wouldnt fly here http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/detroit_slugger_delmon_young_busted_qabDrrRJ45eBxoay6qou1O

   Reply
4. 

   jl9830

   January 6, 2013 at 1:39 pm

   Delmon Young stinks and is an anti-semite. No thanks.

   Reply
5. 

   dick varian

   January 6, 2013 at 4:40 pm

   Nice positive article. beats all the negativity of late.

   Reply
6. 

   Chris Roy

   January 7, 2013 at 12:53 am

   i like the beginning part of your article but u can have all those free agents .. i’d rather use what we have in house than waste money on that garbage

   Reply
7. 

   Mike

   January 7, 2013 at 7:28 am

   I would love to spend some money on Capps & bring back Rouche. I think those two would boost the pen though not entirely sure if they fit righty/lefty. What I do know id that we would have some good arms down there with those two plus Fransisco, Parnell, and the other younger guys. We need an OF. Scotty H makes sense if we can get him for 2 years. Delmon has had some problems…I wouldn;t mind going after a guy like Boesch from Detroit if he can be had for little. Rotation wise, I like Chris Young, and would like to bring in someone better than him as well. let them fight it out, and give the loser the long man spot.

   Reply