Well, the Mets have signed Perez to a three year deal worth $36 million. No fourth year vesting option. Perez will be a free agent again at 30 years old. So, let's take a look at the team make up for 2009.
Potential Lineup:
- Jose Reyes
- Luis Castillo
- David Wright
- Carlos Beltran
- Carlos Delgado
- Ryan Church
- Tatis/Murphy
- Brian Schneider
Starting Rotation:
- Johan Santana
- John Maine
- Oliver Perez
- Mike Pelfrey
- Redding/Garcia/Niese
With the exception of Tim Redding and Freddy Garcia, is it me or is this the same team that didn't make the playoffs last year? Forgive me for not listing the bullpen as a lot of it has not shaken out yet. Yes, we have K-Rod and Putz. Yes, we sent Heilman, Schoeneweis, Ayala out of here. However, this team has not acquired a strong bat and I am not sold on Tatis/Murphy. I am still confused about how this team cannot get into this buyer's market to solidify its lineup. If it isn't Manny, we need another right handed bat in that lineup. This team is not better than it was last year.
Also, the Braves have made a strong couple of moves. The Phillies were the World Champs and chase Utley looks like he will be back from surgery a lot earlier than originally expected. Schneider, Castillo, and LF are questions and it is not plausible to think all three will go the right way. In fact, if two of the three are strong, I consider them lucky. Fact is, Schneider has never been a hitter, Castillo is always banged up, Tatis is a shell of his former self, and Murphy is unproven.
Several sources, including Joel Sherman, speculate that the Mets are looking for a cheap bat or two for the bench and maybe a lefty reliever. Wow, hold me back. The Yankees spend $500 million this off season, the Mets spend around $95 million. Maybe someday we won't be the little brother.
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