The Mets have now won four of five and five of seven, and this homestand (two more against Pittsburgh, four against Washington) provides them ample opportunity to build up a nice streak.
But the idea of "acquiring" Moises Alou and Pedro Martinez as midseason reinforcements is seeming less inspired by the day. Alou experienced yet another setback on Tuesday, just as he was finally ready to join the team. And Martinez isn't yet ready to start his 30-day rehabilitation clock.
So with July 31 so close, what do you think the Mets should do? As you know, the market isn't bursting with wonderful possibilities. But there are starting pitchers in Jose Contreras and Matt Morris (who pitched well for the Giants, in the game I covered), relievers in Octavio Dotel and Eric Gagne and bats in Jermaine Dye and Mark Teixeira.
The Mets could use some help at second base, with Jose Valentin out for a while. Their bench can't be scaring anyone. Their starting pitching is pretty consistent, and their bullpen has pitched better lately.
Whom should the Mets target? Houston's Mark Loretta at second base? Cincinnati's Jeff Conine for the bench? Contreras for the rotation? Or do you think they're good enough as is to make a run for the title?
Comments (12)
As a die hard Met's fan, I've seen some weakness in the offense this year and I'd like to see Omar Minaya make a run for Jermaine Dye. The way I see it, Moises Alou is better off seating in the bench whenever he's healthy. I think we have enough help at second base, so maybe Omar should also try to get some bullpen help. Hopefully, Pedro's comeback straighten the starting rotation.
I completely agree. Even if Alou comes back (wouldn't count on it, he's paper mache)...you can just use Dye in right field and replace the paltry stats (7 HR, 28 RBI!) and god awful defense of Shawn Green. Green is a bench player at this point in his career, plain and simple...I don't care how much he is being payed. Also, you cannot have Green and Alou both starting a playoff game. Every double would become a triple, and balls with 20 seconds of hangtime would drop in all over the place. Acquiring a solid, right handed RF, in my mind, is the Mets greatest need...aside from perhaps getting a quality 7th/8th inning guy with a good K/9.
i can't agree on dye, he's like green, washed up and inconsistant. milledge needs more experience and has earned a spot in the lineup, gomez will be back also and could be a better pinch runner than anderson hernandez. marlon anderson and ramon castro will be the primary pinch hitters and green would be good to bring up in late innings. as far as pitching, i'd leave it alone unless ian snell is available. freddy sanchez would be a better fit than loretta. what do you think?
I think the lack of decent available talent makes a trade unappealing at this point. Maybe a bench player like Conine, but otherwise they would probably be smart to keep the younger guys and do their best with the roster they have.
The Mets should trade Delgado for Texiera and also go for Lorreta for 2nd base. If they can't get Loretta give Gotay a chance and keep Milledge in Left field; forget Alou he's to unreliable. I think Beltran maybe over the hill even though he's a young guy. Get Byrne from Arizona.
Bob, don't see Delgado for Teixeira happening; the Rangers want young, cheap guys, not expensive, over-the-hill guys. I agree with those of you concerned about the corner outfielders. It's not good when you're yearning for the return of Endy Chavez.
Bullpen, bullpen, bullpen. Period. Milledge is a gem, Beltran should come around, and Endy and Carlos III will be back. (Alou is never going to be a factor, abd Green just sucks.) The rotation is above average. We have more 2nd baseman than I can count, and Gotay will do fine. It's getting to Wags that's the rub. We have the best record in the NL WITH unachievers, a rough schedule, and major injuries. No need to kill the farm system for a reject or a rental.
The Mets don't need offense. I'd rather see them go after bullpen help. They need someone to set up for Wagner since Heilman has been too inconsistent all year, so maybe some like Dotel or Gagne. If the Mets do go after offense, I would like to see them grab Eric Byrnes from Arizona. He would bring power, contact, and speed to the lineup.
The Mets just need to tweak the Roster...A trade with KC for Dotel (set up man) & Grudzilanek (platoon with Gotay)....I would consider getting Chad Bradford back... Don't Trade for Contraras, he is an overpaid waste.
Minaya has successfully boxed himself in as far as trades are concerned. Who wants that aged collection of past-prime players. Pelfrey has pitched himself off the most wanted list and the farm system offers Alomars, Ledees, Newhans, Johnsons and Tatis. Minaya is building quite a dynasty.
Get Byrne/and or Nady. Try for Dan Haren. If you have to give up the farm, do it. Waiting for Alou and Pedro is suicide. And please stay away from Cordero and Sosa.
Lou, Haren isn't going anywhere.
The Mets should make a run at Ray Durham at 2B