Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here.
Today we're double dipping with the NL and team #2 is the New York Mets. Our guest is Andrew from the Mets Blog, The Ropolitans.
1. The Mets should have a bit of cash to play with and should be a major pursuer on the open market, which free agents do you want, and whom do you think they land?
The big names are out there, but I'm still not sure who I want the Mets to pursue. They obviously need a big bat and Matt Holliday fills that role. Are they willing to pony up the dough and years, I doubt it. Frankly, the Mets need pitching - and bad. Behind Johan Santana are four big question marks. John Lackey is not ideal, but they need another arm. I'm banking on a smaller off-season for the Mets, with maybe one big splash.
2. At the start of last season if you listed off the Mets 10 most important players, approximately 2 of them didn't get injured (Pelfrey and K-Rod), whom if anyone do you blame? Which player are you most worried about going into 2010?
For the most part, no one is to blame. Injuries for David Wright, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran were not foreseeable. Jose Reyes, though, they botched. From a strain to a tear to another tear to surgery five months too late, the medical staff completely dropped the ball on that one. Hopefully the Mets learn from their mistakes and play it "better safe than sorry" from here on out. And also take serious looks at medical histories for the players they plan on bringing into the organization.
3. There's always talk on the radio of breaking up the Mets "Core", if you had to deal either Reyes, Wright or Beltran whom would it be and what would you expect in return?
Geez. Tough one. I would have to trade Beltran for his age and his contract. Wright and Reyes have the chance to be with the Mets for their entire career - the faces of the franchise. I'm a big Beltran supporter, so I would expect a hefty sum in return. At least one major league ready player (preferably a corner outfielder or pitcher) an A-level prospect and at least two B-level prospects.
4. Owner Jeff Wilpon gave both GM Omar Minaya and Manager Jerry Manuel a vote of confidence and is bringing both back for 2010. Would you have brought both back? If this team fails to make the playoffs or gets off to a slow start will both be fired?
Yes, I would have brought both back. But they would both be on very, very short leashes. Slow starts in 2010 could mean the end of both of their careers with the Mets. The first month is probably make-or-break for Manuel and Minaya might have until July if the team is flailing.
5. Carlos Delgado practically carried you the 2nd half of 2008, but was injured early in 2009 and out for much of the year. What are your thoughts about bringing him back?
No thanks. Daniel Murphy did a decent enough job to be platooned with a cheap, short-term right first baseman as Ike Davis gets more seasoning. Hopefully in 2011, Davis is starting at first base.
6. When a Met fan calls up WFAN and bitches about how the Mets don't spend enough money you... A) Agree, that cheap bastard Wilpon, B) Think Rationally that they do spend a lot of money but the Yankees just make way more or C) Shake your head that most Met fans are morons?
B. Look at the payrolls. You can't deny the Mets are spending money (most may argue just spending in the wrong places), but when you're sharing a town with the guys spending the most, you'll always pale in comparison.
7. As a non-met fan I personally loved Citi Field (except for the fact I couldn't see LF or CF while sitting in the upper deck) but my Met friend was extremely pissed by the amount of Dodgers stuff. What were your thoughts about the stadium in 2009 and what do you think they can improve on in 2010?
It's an absolutely gorgeous stadium. No matter your feelings about Shea Stadium, you must admit Citi Field is a gem. No, I'll never understand the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, but the team has made an effort to add more Mets stuff to the stadium. Give it time. They didn't get it right to start off, but the fans will get what they want soon enough. Starting with a Met Museum (or something of the sort).
8. Which Mets prospect are you most looking forward to in 2010? Do the Mets actually have prospects? Can Omar spell the word prospect?
Yes, they have prospects. Problem is, they're not major league ready. Most of them are in Double-A and are considered too raw to bring up. I really can't wait to see Jenrry Mejia or Davis at the MLB level. Also, Brad Holt is exciting people with his arm. In a few years, if things go as planned, the Mets might have an exciting, home-grown team. (But don't hold your breath!)
9. I'm giving you the option to cut players without any salary repercussions, which Mets do you part way with?
Bye, Luis Castillo. Is an explanation really necessary? And Jeff Francoeur. His .311 OBP is just sad. Some will argue he's "gritty" and he "plays the game with passion," but when you swing at nearly everything that comes your way and don't get on base 2/3rd's of the time, are you really worth it as a player?
10. Final Question, you've got a crystal ball, the Mets will win the World Series in _______.
2013.
Today we're double dipping with the NL and team #2 is the New York Mets. Our guest is Andrew from the Mets Blog, The Ropolitans.
1. The Mets should have a bit of cash to play with and should be a major pursuer on the open market, which free agents do you want, and whom do you think they land?The big names are out there, but I'm still not sure who I want the Mets to pursue. They obviously need a big bat and Matt Holliday fills that role. Are they willing to pony up the dough and years, I doubt it. Frankly, the Mets need pitching - and bad. Behind Johan Santana are four big question marks. John Lackey is not ideal, but they need another arm. I'm banking on a smaller off-season for the Mets, with maybe one big splash.
2. At the start of last season if you listed off the Mets 10 most important players, approximately 2 of them didn't get injured (Pelfrey and K-Rod), whom if anyone do you blame? Which player are you most worried about going into 2010?
For the most part, no one is to blame. Injuries for David Wright, Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran were not foreseeable. Jose Reyes, though, they botched. From a strain to a tear to another tear to surgery five months too late, the medical staff completely dropped the ball on that one. Hopefully the Mets learn from their mistakes and play it "better safe than sorry" from here on out. And also take serious looks at medical histories for the players they plan on bringing into the organization.
3. There's always talk on the radio of breaking up the Mets "Core", if you had to deal either Reyes, Wright or Beltran whom would it be and what would you expect in return?
Geez. Tough one. I would have to trade Beltran for his age and his contract. Wright and Reyes have the chance to be with the Mets for their entire career - the faces of the franchise. I'm a big Beltran supporter, so I would expect a hefty sum in return. At least one major league ready player (preferably a corner outfielder or pitcher) an A-level prospect and at least two B-level prospects.
4. Owner Jeff Wilpon gave both GM Omar Minaya and Manager Jerry Manuel a vote of confidence and is bringing both back for 2010. Would you have brought both back? If this team fails to make the playoffs or gets off to a slow start will both be fired?
Yes, I would have brought both back. But they would both be on very, very short leashes. Slow starts in 2010 could mean the end of both of their careers with the Mets. The first month is probably make-or-break for Manuel and Minaya might have until July if the team is flailing.
5. Carlos Delgado practically carried you the 2nd half of 2008, but was injured early in 2009 and out for much of the year. What are your thoughts about bringing him back?No thanks. Daniel Murphy did a decent enough job to be platooned with a cheap, short-term right first baseman as Ike Davis gets more seasoning. Hopefully in 2011, Davis is starting at first base.
6. When a Met fan calls up WFAN and bitches about how the Mets don't spend enough money you... A) Agree, that cheap bastard Wilpon, B) Think Rationally that they do spend a lot of money but the Yankees just make way more or C) Shake your head that most Met fans are morons?
B. Look at the payrolls. You can't deny the Mets are spending money (most may argue just spending in the wrong places), but when you're sharing a town with the guys spending the most, you'll always pale in comparison.
7. As a non-met fan I personally loved Citi Field (except for the fact I couldn't see LF or CF while sitting in the upper deck) but my Met friend was extremely pissed by the amount of Dodgers stuff. What were your thoughts about the stadium in 2009 and what do you think they can improve on in 2010?
It's an absolutely gorgeous stadium. No matter your feelings about Shea Stadium, you must admit Citi Field is a gem. No, I'll never understand the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, but the team has made an effort to add more Mets stuff to the stadium. Give it time. They didn't get it right to start off, but the fans will get what they want soon enough. Starting with a Met Museum (or something of the sort).
8. Which Mets prospect are you most looking forward to in 2010? Do the Mets actually have prospects? Can Omar spell the word prospect?
Yes, they have prospects. Problem is, they're not major league ready. Most of them are in Double-A and are considered too raw to bring up. I really can't wait to see Jenrry Mejia or Davis at the MLB level. Also, Brad Holt is exciting people with his arm. In a few years, if things go as planned, the Mets might have an exciting, home-grown team. (But don't hold your breath!)
9. I'm giving you the option to cut players without any salary repercussions, which Mets do you part way with?
Bye, Luis Castillo. Is an explanation really necessary? And Jeff Francoeur. His .311 OBP is just sad. Some will argue he's "gritty" and he "plays the game with passion," but when you swing at nearly everything that comes your way and don't get on base 2/3rd's of the time, are you really worth it as a player?
10. Final Question, you've got a crystal ball, the Mets will win the World Series in _______.
2013.
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