Even though he rejected their initial offer today (thanks MLBTR), there is a very good chance that Jason Bay signs with the Red Sox. He enjoyed Boston and the success he had there. Also, Boston is clearly motivated to keep him.
Similarly, there is certainly a chance that the Cardinals will be able to sign Matt Holliday. He had a great second half with them and the Cards know he was an important presence in the line up for Albert Pujols. They have clear intentions of trying to sign him. They have made that known. Also, indications around the rumor mill are that teams will not be throwing huge contracts around at free agents. While it is not definite, it doesn't look like the 6 or 7 year deal will be out there from a lot of teams. This could spell disaster for the Mets if they are set on Holliday because unless they blow him out of the water, he seems like the kind of guy that would sign a deal to stay in a market like St. Louis rather than test New York.
What does this mean for the Mets? This could spell trouble as there aren't a lot of options for that slugger they so desperately covet this winter. Do they beat a St. Louis offer by $20 million to sway him? Would that make sense even if they were willing?
Clearly the Mets would scramble to the trade market in this scenario. Although there are some high salaries out there that could become available (Carlos Pena, Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Lee), none are a great fit because of age, injury issues, or simply trade match ups.
Besides acquiring a couple mid level productive guys like Chone Figgins and Davis DeJesus, where could the Mets look?
Adrian Gonzalez it is. We know what he does offensively and defensively. We also know he is merely 27 years only. Did I mention he is a healthy guy? The Mets should go after this guy big time. He is a long term solution for the clean up spot and for his Gold Glove Defense. Luckily for the Mets, the Yankees do not need him. The main competitor is the Red Sox. They have an obvious need and have a great set of prospects. However, the Yankees and Sox may get into a war trying to trade and sign Roy Halladay. If this begins to take shape, all Met fans need to pray the Sox land Halladay and use up a lot of prospect to get him. We could only hope this would take them out of the market for Gonzalez. The Angels have an up and comer at first in Kendry Morales so they wouldn't go there.
What other competition would there be? The Dodgers could be interested. James Loney is good, but not substantial. There was a ridiculous White Sox 3 team trade recently. I would think if this goes this way, the Mets would be in as good a position as any to trade for Gonzalez.
What would get it done? How about Pelfrey, Ike Davis, Fernando Martinez, and Bobby Parnell or Brad Holt? That might not get it done, but I think it would be a start. Maybe add Oliver Perez and pay part of his salary, but that may be wishful thinking. Regardless, this is a situation worth praying for.
James Loney is a 1st basemen, the Padres have Kyle Blanks who has tremendous upside no way the Padres go after another 1st basemen! Mets don't have the prospects to get it done, period! Remember the PAdres are ONLY going to trade Adrian if its a haul of prospects, he has been called by MANY as the biggest chip in all of BB because of his talent and affordability!
Posted by: Mickey | November 20, 2009 at 10:09 AM
The fact that you would even write this column is ridiculous. The Mets farm system is so weak on all fronts and no one wants Oliver Perez.
Get a clue. You have absolutely no idea.
Posted by: Brian Johnston | November 20, 2009 at 10:24 AM
I disagree with this article. Although the Mets do indeed need a first baseman, the Mets have top-ranked prospect Ike Davis in the minor leagues, who is shaping up to be the Mets 1st baseman of the future. The Mets should instead go after a position where they have no depth, both at the major and minor league levels, such as starting pitching and a left fielder. Furthermore, I believe that the Mets should actually deal Jose Reyes to obtain some elite OF or SP talent, since not only is Reyes a selfish distraction in the clubhouse, but the Mets have depth in the middle infield to a certain degree, so they can afford to lose Reyes for a more elite talent, perhaps a power hitter that the Mets lacked this year, to compliment the returning power of David Wright.
Posted by: Alex | November 20, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Alex,
While I do agree with your idea of being patient for Ike Davis to play 1B; I do disagree on trading Reyes. You can't trade Reyes now, not when his value is at a low point. And please define infield depth because I do not see it, you do not mention any names. There was a revolving door at short last year trying to replace Reyes, nothing worked. Not to mention that he is the catalyst for this offense and we have no one to replace that.
Posted by: WestCoastMetsFan | November 20, 2009 at 11:54 AM