By Mr. Met
Staff Writer NFL PRO ZACH
Update
on the Wright and Dickey situation
David
Wright:
According
to Mike Puma of the New York Post Wright was not happy with the Mets
first offer. Puma states that Wright is seeking a 7 year
deal worth about 125 million dollars. Puma believes that
the chances Wright are signed for an extension before the spring is
now at 50-50. Although, there has been speculation on what that offer
was. However, I cannot know for sure so I will not report it.
RA
Dickey:
The
situation with Dickey according the New York Post is this the Mets
are said to have discussed with Dickey a 2 year extension worth about
10 million per year. Even if they do end up signing Dickey
the Mets could still look to move him in a deal that would include a
package of high end prospects and major league catching and outfield
help. Essentially the Mets would want a king’s ransom.
Mets COO
Jeff Wilpon today commented on the situation according to the team’s
website stating that he was encouraged with the progress of both
negotiations.
My
take:
First on
the Wright situation I know what rumors are being swirled around the
web of what the Mets first offer was and quite frankly there is not
much difference between that and what is reported David is looking
for. Not getting into numbers here is that seems to be the
case than I would expect the deal should be done soon. However,
I suspect this not to be the case and I feel cheated as a fan to the
fact that what Wright is asking for seems fair to me for his value on
and off the field. Remember this is a man who
literally BROKE HIS BACK trying to carry this franchise and
I think it’s a disgrace that his extension is even an issue. If
the Mets can get this done before the holiday’s it would go a long
way in restoring some trust and loyalty in the fan base.
Now
for Dickey I personally feel if the offer is what the Mets are
rumored to be discussing, it is an insult to the man. Dickey
just won an NL CY Young Award and the Mets are trying to offer him
less money than what Mark Buerhle got just a year ago from the Miami
Marlins. Personally I want to know what this garbage is
from a team in a New York market. I feel like this is not
just Wilpon at work here but Sandy Alderson himself who has stated on
several occasions he does not believe in long term deals that command
long term money. I think the fact that Alderson went on
WFAN during the last few weeks of the MLB season and stated that the
Mets need some major work along with a statement saying the Mets
would try to have the Wright and Dickey situations resolved before
the World Series ended and has yet to do anything besides sign a few
minor leaguers show what kind of 3 ring circus he intends to run here
in New York!
This
Offseason: How I think the Mets can become competitive once again!
First I
would like to say I am really excited to share this with other fans,
as my friends can tell you I love to play GM for the New York Mets.
In fact, I usually do something like this every year. For
starters I would like to say I really tried to come up with a payroll
for the Mets similar to last seasons, then I came across Ken
Rosenthal’s article of Fox Sports.com and as he powerfully stated
it is time for the Mets to reinvest. No matter the cost
the Mets must become relevant and competitive again. However, I
did try to stay realistic in that you cannot believe an aging slugger
like Josh Hamilton with his problems would love to come play not only
in New York but the ballpark that is Citi Field. With that
being said I hope you guys enjoy and I encourage you to comment in
the comment section and tweet me @MrMetNFLPROZACH.
Enjoy:
Before
we get into anything rosters, lineups, rotations, free agents, or
trades the Mets must do 2 things:
1. Sign
David Wright to the 7 year 125 million dollar extension he reportedly
wants or give him whatever he wants because he is the face of the
franchise and you cannot expect him to play another year out not
knowing what will become of him in the offseason.
2. Sign
RA Dickey to a 3 year extension which would take him beyond his
40th birthday I believe this is reasonable for both parties at a
price of around 15 million a year. If you look at Dickey’s
production since he’s become a Met he has been in one of the most
productive starters in the league not to mention this year’s CY
Young award.
Now I
will take you through my plan Areas of the Roster: Pitching Rotation,
Bullpen, Lineup, and the Bench.
Pitching
Rotation:
· Obviously
your number 1 starter or Ace as I refer too will be RA Dickey. Coming
off his CY Young award he should provide another strong season.
· The
Number 2 here will be Johan Santana; unfortunately he will not pitch
like a 31.5 million dollar pitcher but who could. A year removed from
surgery and a season where he looked both Santana like and fatigued
he should provide a solid year for a number 2 starter and imagine if
he can recapture the form he found midseason last year.
· Your
number 3 starter will be Jon Niese, after another solid year Niese
should once again look to progress and should become a very solid
middle of the rotation arm for the Mets.
 |
| Matt Harvey |
· Your
Number 4 starter will be Matt Harvey and who can argue with the year
he had last year as a rookie where he posted a 2.73 ERA with 70 k’s
in 59.1 innings pitched with only a .200 batting average against.
· Your
Number 5 starter at least to start the year will be Dillon Gee fully
recovered from his unfortunate health problems of last year he should
mature into a more than capable 5th starter.
Waiting
in the wings:
1. Zach
Wheeler the Mets top prospect who was just added to the 40 man roster
earlier tonight will look to break into the big leagues. I see him
following a path like Matt Harvey’s of last year, meaning he will
probably be in the Majors sometime next summer.
2. I
also think the Mets should re-sign Mike Pelfrey. Especially coming
off Tommy John surgery and not being able to start the year I think
the Mets can non tender him and he can be had on a reasonable 1 year
5 million dollar deal.
 |
| Zach Wheeler |
3. Chris
Young should be re-signed if he can be had on a minor league
deal. Young was solid for the Mets last year but was not
very good at going deep into the game if he can be had on a minor
league deal with an invite to camp it would be worth it for the Mets
to bring him back. If not the Mets can then try for Jason
Marquis on a similar if not identical type deal.
4. Jeremy
Hefner he is on the roster and will probably be best served as the
long man out of the pen, however, he can serve as a spot starter if
the Mets ever get in a bind.
Comments:
 |
| Dillon Gee |
I think
the rotation was obviously the strong point of last year’s
team. It’s important for any team not just the Mets to
have a few options after their top 5. Especially in the
case with the Mets with the uncertainty with Santana and Gee and then
the inexperience of Harvey and who knows how he responds to the
increase workload of the major leagues. I know there has been talks
of the Mets trying to move one of these starters for a bat or a
catcher in particular Niese but I think if you look around the
division you will realize that with the rotations of this division
with the exception of Miami you will need a strong rotation to
compete in the games let alone for a divisional crown or potential
wild card berth. I think if all goes well perhaps Gee,
Pelfrey, or Wheeler can also be an option to help out in the bullpen
down the stretch if the Mets are competitive. Again this group was
good last year so there is no need with the emergence of Harvey and
as top prospect Wheeler aims for the big leagues for much of a
change.
Bullpen:
Unfortunately
with the bullpen the main man being Frank Francisco is still locked
up at a considerable amount of money for next year. With
this considered you have to build your bullpen around him and hope
for a bounce back year. That being said bullpens are often hit or
miss from year to year and some of the young arms the Mets have
should take up a few spots to maximize the roster and the pen.
· The
Mets should look to sign a veteran lefty specialist to a 1 year major
league deal; I think the Mets should look into either bringing back
Tim Byrdak who was good in this role for the Mets these last two
years. If not Byrdak I think the Mets should bring look to bring back
Pedro Feliciano. Either guy should only command a 1 year deal as they
are both injury prone and if they can be had for 1 or 2 million
should be considered a bargain.
· The
Mets should then look to bring in one arm that can have a potential
impact at the end of the bullpen either closing games or setting up
in the 8th or 7th innings. Three guys I like for
this spot are Mike Gonzalez a lefty, Brian Fuentes also a lefty, or
Juan Oviedo (formerly Leo Nunez of the Florida Marlins). I think
whichever of Fuentes or Oviedo can be had for a 1 year deal for
around 3-5 million should be signed with a preference for Oviedo who
had a lot going on last year and is still only 30 years of age who I
think can bounce back big this year. If not Gonzalez in my opinion
can be had for slightly less money.
· I
think the Mets should also sign Chad Qualls in addition to the
options mentioned before. I think if you’re the Mets you can give
Qualls a 1 year commitment to at around 2 million maybe 3 million
dollars. Qualls is a journey man who has experienced both
success and failure during his career. However, I think with the
bullpen I am proposing to build he can have a good veteran presence
in the middle innings not being asked to do too much and perhaps
being a nice ear for the young arms in the pen for the Mets to have.
 |
| Chad Qualls |
· I
then think you have your long man and spot starter in Jeremy Hefner
as he did a solid job in this role for the Mets last year.
· I
think you should then have Rob Carson and Josh Edgin two young
lefties battle for the second lefthander spot in the bullpen. I
think this spot is important to take away appearances from either
Byrdak or Feliciano to keep both guys fresh and off the D.L. as they
both have had recent injury history. I also believe with
Edgin and Carson both being hard throwers this will also provide
Collins with a different option than the Byrdak/Feliciano combo as
they are both crafty lefties so to speak.
· The
last spot in the bullpen should go to the hard throwing Bobby
Parnell, although, inconsistent Parnell has earned a spot in this pen
with his past performances. With that being said it is time for him
to step up.
· Guys
to watch for later in the year: As mentioned before anyone of those
starters who falls out of favor can help out in the bullpen. With
that being said the Mets could use a couple of depth signings here in
addition to guys like Jenry Mejia, Manny Acosta, and Elvin Ramirez.
Here’s
how the pen will look at least to start the year:
Closer –
Frank Francisco
Set up-
Oviedo/Fuentes/Gonzalez
LHP-
Byrdak/Feliciano
LHP-
Carson/Edgin
RHP-
Chad Qualls
RHP-
Bobby Parnell
Long
Man- Jeremy Hefner
The
Everyday lineup:
I think
this post is long enough so without too much to say I think the
starting infield should stay intact. So:
· 1st Base
– Ike Davis
· 2nd Base-
Daniel Murphy
· 3rd Base
David Wright
· SS-
Ruben Tejada
Catcher,
however, is a different story I think Thole in the Jerry Manuel years
proved he can be a good part time bat off the bench and the recent
years has proven that his defense will always be a work in progress
but he has gotten better with working with a pitching staff. His
value for me is a very capable backup catcher. But then what about
the starter at this spot:
 |
| Jarrod Saltalamacchia |
· I
really would have liked to come up with a list of 2 maybe 3 guys for
this spot but I think for balance in this lineup and what other
things this lineup lacks I think the right guy for the job is Jarrod
Saltalamacchia. He has recently been rumored to be
available with the recent signing by the Sox of former Braves catcher
David Ross. I think he can be had for a package based
around mid-level prospects, maybe based around Collin McHugh. Other
guys I can see being involved in this deal maybe Zach Lutz and
perhaps catching prospect Kevin Plawecki. I do not see the
Mets needing to include a guy like a Cesar Puello, Juan Lagares, or
even a Den Decker type. With that being said I believe the Mets have
the horses to get this deal done and they should as adding 25 homers
and a switch hitter to the catchers spot in the lineup could go a
long way for this team.
· Justin
Upton is a similar situation for the Mets I feel. He provides the
same type of balance to the order that Saltalamacchia provides at the
catchers spot but in right field for the Mets. He’s a right
handed power bat for the Mets who could serve for protection for
Wright and Davis in the order. I know the Diamondbacks say
they want a big league shortstop for Upton and I do not think or will
I ever advocate the Mets trading Ruben Tejada for Upton because it
just creates another whole in the lineup. I will also not advocate
the Mets ever considering playing Wilmer Flores at
shortstop. However, I think his bat and he being a
shortstop should be intriguing for the Diamondbacks to bite with
package that would also include Lucas Duda and possibly Jeurys
Familia and Reese Havens. I have floated this trade on twitter and
have gotten mostly are you crazy type reviews from other met bloggers
and fans. However, I propose to you this the Diamondbacks are giving
up what their equivalent is to David Wright and Upton is still young
under a good contract for what he provides to this lineup which is
power, a stable outfielder, and a right handed bat that could help
protect both Wright and Davis isn’t he worth it? I think he
certainly is and that’s why he is the centerpiece of my offseason
plan.
· For
Leftfield I think the Mets should use some sort of platoon of Kirk
Nieuwenhuis, Mike Baxter, and resign Scott Hairston. Hairston’s
market will develop later in the offseason so it is hard to tell what
it will take to re-sign him. But it’s like I always say this is New
York not Oakland or Kanas City this team can’t compete unless they
re-sign their own productive players. So Hairston
plays against the lefties and Kirk and Baxter play against the
righties until somebody catches fire in which case that guy gets the
bulk of the at bats.
· For
Centerfield I propose two options with this in mind the Mets lack a
leadoff hitter and need speed at the top of the order with Daniel
Murphy being the idol two whole hitter you would like this guy to be
either a switch hitter or a right handed batter. Two guys
come to mind:
1. Angel
Pagan- he is a switch hitter with speed familiar with the ballpark
and the team which is both good and bad. It was rumored
management did not think Pagan was a winning ball player well now he
has a championship ring after the Mets sent him packing last
offseason to San Francisco which is probably the worst move of the
Alderson era given he has not made many moves at all. What will it
take to sign Pagan my guess is a 2 year deal worth around 20-25
million dollars.
2. The
second option would be to bring in BJ Upton the brother of Justin
Upton not only would this be a good move for what the lineup lacks on
paper but for the talked about clubhouse chemistry of the team as he
would be playing with his brother and another player from their area
in David Wright. Ultimately winning is the most important thing for
the clubhouse and I think Upton is the best option for this as well
especially since he can probably be had for the same deal as Pagan.
So here
is your lineup:
CF-
Pagan/ BJ Upton S/R
2b-
Murphy L
3b-
Wright R
1b-
Davis L
RF-
Justin Upton R
C-
Saltalamacchia S
LF-
Kirk/Hairston/Baxter L/R/L
SS-
Tejada R
Pitcher’s
Spot
The
Bench:
C-
Thole L
OF-
Kirk/Hairston/Baxter L/R/L
OF-
Kirk/ Hairston/Baxter L/R/L
If-
Turner R
Utility
man – Valdespin L
 |
| Justin Turner |
We have
already discussed Thole and the rest of the left field platoon will
fill out the rest of the outfield spots on the bench. I
think the other two bench options are also on the roster in Jordany
Valdespin who can play the outfield and the middle infield and Justin
Turner who can play the whole infield. Valdespin being a lefty and
Turner being a righty also provides good balance for the bench. I say
go with what you have here because I do not see a lot of good looking
free agents for the bench on the market and if this team competes you
can acquire one cheap at the deadline so why load up now!
In my
opinion this team can compete for the divisional crown and wild card.
I think it can be solid in every area and more importantly is
realistically achievable if management decides to invest in its on
field product.
1 comment:
Sign Saltalamacchia!!!!
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