The Mets need a closer. One of the best closers in the game is a free agent this off-season. Too bad he's going to cost a fortune.
According to Jon Heyman, Francisco Rodriguez would command a five-year, $75 million contract.
Woah.
The Mets are unfortunately still paying Billy Wagner $11 million to get surgery and attempt a recovery for his career, not the Mets. He has thrown his last pitch as a member of the Mets, without a doubt.
I'd love to see K-Rod wearing orange and blue, but the Mets have a lot of fish to fry, and they can't blow it all on a closer, who earned the season saves record last year, but also struggled with putting runners on base. According to Jeremy Cothran, he was the fourth best reliever in the AL last season.
Omar Minaya would love to add him, but the Mets have to look elsewhere. Maybe Eddie Kunz can make an impact, maybe Brant Rustich can join the ranks, but the Mets still need to add a few key free agent acquisitions that won't break the bank.
One giant free agent or a bunch of smaller ones? Omar and the Mets have a lot of holes to patch in the bullpen.
10/3/08
Feast on this tidbit: Bobby Valentine?
If Jerry Manuel and the Mets can't agree on a contract, an interesting name has popped up.
David Lennon, in Newsday:
I'd do anything to see him don that fake mustache and glasses one more time in the Mets dugout.
David Lennon, in Newsday:
But if negotiations do fall through, one of the names that could surface again is Bobby Valentine. The club's chilly relationship with Valentine has thawed during the past year, and the Mets' job is one of the few that might prompt him to leave Japan. Having him return to open Citi Field next April would be like the franchise welcoming home a prodigal son.I think Manuel will be back, but if he's not, I think Valentine is the next best option. He's a fan favorite, and is in that same calm, cool, collected vein of coaching that Manuel also subscribes to.
I'd do anything to see him don that fake mustache and glasses one more time in the Mets dugout.
10/2/08
Carlos Delgado will be your first baseman for 2009
Mets fans suffered through a year of futility before he busted out in July and August. For the sake of the Mets, one can only hope he can recreate his August numbers through the entirety of 2009.
The Mets are close to picking up Carlos Delgado's $12 million option, choosing to keep him around instead of buying him out for $4 million.
I think I can live with it. Hopefully he's not hitting .223 with 13 home runs and 68 RBI at the end of September 2009.
This solves at least one big problem for Omar Minaya. He will not be spending $200 million on Mark Teixeira.
The jury is still out. We saw both sides of Delgado in 2008. The really terrible, slumping Delgado, and the freaking amazing, out-of-his-mind hitting Delgado. I'll take the happy medium.
The Mets are close to picking up Carlos Delgado's $12 million option, choosing to keep him around instead of buying him out for $4 million.
I think I can live with it. Hopefully he's not hitting .223 with 13 home runs and 68 RBI at the end of September 2009.
This solves at least one big problem for Omar Minaya. He will not be spending $200 million on Mark Teixeira.
The jury is still out. We saw both sides of Delgado in 2008. The really terrible, slumping Delgado, and the freaking amazing, out-of-his-mind hitting Delgado. I'll take the happy medium.
Bringing back Omar Minaya
Omar Minaya received a three-year extension, carrying him at least to 2012, with team options for '13 and '14.
I'm all for it. In Omar We Trust, as they say.
Yes, the Mets have missed out on the playoffs the last two years. Yes, the bullpen has been the thorn in their own side, and not much was made to resolve that fact last off-season. But here the Mets are, just one game out of the playoffs for another year. Is that good enough to keep bringing him back?
Minaya has a very, very difficult job to do this off-season. Looking at the team from a pessimists perspective, Omar might need to fill two starting pitcher spots, at least three or more bullpen spots, a first baseman, maybe even a second baseman, a left fielder, and almost the entire bench, sparing a fourth-outfielder.
Though people will call for one, a youth-movement is not coming. The Mets are set to open their brand new stadium, Citi Field, next season, so don't expect them to field a team of 24-year-olds fresh out of the minor leagues.
Minaya has done a spectacular job reshaping the franchise, for better or for worse is up to you. You cannot forget that baseball is a business, an entertainment money-maker. I have no problem with "Los Mets" because the money pours in from there. Also, we've read much about how African-Americans are shying away from baseball, while the Latino countries are simply pumping out baseball players as fast as they can.
It's a product of the city, the business, the niche. As long as they perform, it's fine with me.
It also seems he's learning his lesson with veterans. After Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, and Moises Alou, though they were all serviceable for a time, they all faltered when the team really needed them. The influx of call-ups like Daniel Murphy and Nick Evans might be enough to signal a change in the "Omar Doctrine."
The Mets have a lot of money to spend this season, somewhere between $40 to $50 million. It's going to be a long off-season, full of Minaya rumors, and he better be ready to catch some flak if the Mets three-peat the "collapse." If, god-forbid, it happens again, I can guarantee Minaya will be jobless next October 1.
Still, I like what he's done, especially with trash-heap guys like Fernando Tatis. The Johan Santana trade will be a gleaming gold star on his resume, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Manny Ramirez in left next season. He has his favorite players, and they're all pretty well known. Omar has a playbook, but it's almost paid off three straight years.
Is almost good enough? Guess we'll just have to wait and find out. Hopefully we don't have to wait until 2012.
I'm all for it. In Omar We Trust, as they say.
Yes, the Mets have missed out on the playoffs the last two years. Yes, the bullpen has been the thorn in their own side, and not much was made to resolve that fact last off-season. But here the Mets are, just one game out of the playoffs for another year. Is that good enough to keep bringing him back?
Minaya has a very, very difficult job to do this off-season. Looking at the team from a pessimists perspective, Omar might need to fill two starting pitcher spots, at least three or more bullpen spots, a first baseman, maybe even a second baseman, a left fielder, and almost the entire bench, sparing a fourth-outfielder.
Though people will call for one, a youth-movement is not coming. The Mets are set to open their brand new stadium, Citi Field, next season, so don't expect them to field a team of 24-year-olds fresh out of the minor leagues.
Minaya has done a spectacular job reshaping the franchise, for better or for worse is up to you. You cannot forget that baseball is a business, an entertainment money-maker. I have no problem with "Los Mets" because the money pours in from there. Also, we've read much about how African-Americans are shying away from baseball, while the Latino countries are simply pumping out baseball players as fast as they can.
It's a product of the city, the business, the niche. As long as they perform, it's fine with me.
It also seems he's learning his lesson with veterans. After Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, and Moises Alou, though they were all serviceable for a time, they all faltered when the team really needed them. The influx of call-ups like Daniel Murphy and Nick Evans might be enough to signal a change in the "Omar Doctrine."
The Mets have a lot of money to spend this season, somewhere between $40 to $50 million. It's going to be a long off-season, full of Minaya rumors, and he better be ready to catch some flak if the Mets three-peat the "collapse." If, god-forbid, it happens again, I can guarantee Minaya will be jobless next October 1.
Still, I like what he's done, especially with trash-heap guys like Fernando Tatis. The Johan Santana trade will be a gleaming gold star on his resume, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Manny Ramirez in left next season. He has his favorite players, and they're all pretty well known. Omar has a playbook, but it's almost paid off three straight years.
Is almost good enough? Guess we'll just have to wait and find out. Hopefully we don't have to wait until 2012.
10/1/08
Ambiorix Burgos is a terrible person
This is just awful.
Ambiorix Burgos, who has been at the center of controversies already this season, has allegedly struck and killed two people during a hit-and-run.
According to the Daily News, Burgos was driving a Hummer in the Dominican Republic, when he struck two people, then fled the scene.
He is also wanted for a gun possession charge.
Brugos was arrested earlier this month after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in New York. He also had his "bling" stolen during spring training.
The Mets should cut their losses and release him immediately. This should not be tolerated.
Ambiorix Burgos, who has been at the center of controversies already this season, has allegedly struck and killed two people during a hit-and-run.
According to the Daily News, Burgos was driving a Hummer in the Dominican Republic, when he struck two people, then fled the scene.
He is also wanted for a gun possession charge.
Brugos was arrested earlier this month after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in New York. He also had his "bling" stolen during spring training.
The Mets should cut their losses and release him immediately. This should not be tolerated.
Johan Santana is better than you and me
His last start: 9 IP, 3 hits, 0 runs. All on a torn meniscus.
Johan Santana had surgery on his left knee, and had been playing through pain for the last month. He did not alert the team to the situation, nor know how bad the injury actually was, as he did not want to cause a stir.
I've been through this same injury, on my right knee. I haven't been able to find if they were able to sew the meniscus back together, or if they had to cut it out. For me, they had to remove the damaged part. The sewing back together led to a longer recovery time, so it's something we may be able to find out if he makes any appearances with the team.
Hopefully they repaired it, as any team would want their $137.5 million investment to be playing with all his normal body parts.
The pain of a torn meniscus is something you can cope with. It's a dull, stinging pain as you put pressure on the leg, at least where mine was torn. Walking was fine for me, but anything quicker than that, even a light jog, brought the pain back. I couldn't imagine what pitching must have been like. Ouch.
What a gamer. The more I know about Santana, the more I respect him. As David Lennon wrote, the "Santana legend grows."
Johan Santana had surgery on his left knee, and had been playing through pain for the last month. He did not alert the team to the situation, nor know how bad the injury actually was, as he did not want to cause a stir.
I've been through this same injury, on my right knee. I haven't been able to find if they were able to sew the meniscus back together, or if they had to cut it out. For me, they had to remove the damaged part. The sewing back together led to a longer recovery time, so it's something we may be able to find out if he makes any appearances with the team.
Hopefully they repaired it, as any team would want their $137.5 million investment to be playing with all his normal body parts.
The pain of a torn meniscus is something you can cope with. It's a dull, stinging pain as you put pressure on the leg, at least where mine was torn. Walking was fine for me, but anything quicker than that, even a light jog, brought the pain back. I couldn't imagine what pitching must have been like. Ouch.
What a gamer. The more I know about Santana, the more I respect him. As David Lennon wrote, the "Santana legend grows."
My playoff predictions
Since the Mets are MIA from the playoffs, I figured I'd make a few picks and predictions on what will happen in the first round.
NL:
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
LA Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
AL:
Boston Red Sox vs. LA Angels of Anaheim
Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
MIL vs. PHI
I'm taking Philly here. The Brewers had to scrape together a starting rotation for the last week of the season, and now with Ben Sheets struggles, they'll have to continue to hope and pray for good starting pitching. Philly caught fire late, and has been rolling near the end. Their bullpen is far superior, as is their starting pitching, and offense. Philly in three.
LAD vs. CHC
Tough one. Cubbies in five. I think this will be the toughest fought out match-up. The Cubs are really good, so are the Dodgers. The Cubbies can rely on both their starters and their bullpen, plus they have a nasty offense. The same argument can be made for the Dodgers.
BOS vs. LAA
Angels in four. The Sox are good, but I think the Angels are going all the way. Their SP hasn't been the same, but it's kind of tough to pitch when you've locked up the division in early September. The Sox will miss not having Josh Beckett until game three. Angels are going to win it all, beating the Cubs in the WS.
CHW vs. TB
Tampa in four. A good run for the Pale Stockings, but it's going to have to end. They won three games against three different teams to close the season, but the Rays are going to come out and be running on all cylinders. Tampa is nasty. Go Scott Kazmir?
Thoughts? How do you see the playoffs breaking down?
NL:
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
LA Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs
AL:
Boston Red Sox vs. LA Angels of Anaheim
Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
MIL vs. PHI
I'm taking Philly here. The Brewers had to scrape together a starting rotation for the last week of the season, and now with Ben Sheets struggles, they'll have to continue to hope and pray for good starting pitching. Philly caught fire late, and has been rolling near the end. Their bullpen is far superior, as is their starting pitching, and offense. Philly in three.
LAD vs. CHC
Tough one. Cubbies in five. I think this will be the toughest fought out match-up. The Cubs are really good, so are the Dodgers. The Cubbies can rely on both their starters and their bullpen, plus they have a nasty offense. The same argument can be made for the Dodgers.
BOS vs. LAA
Angels in four. The Sox are good, but I think the Angels are going all the way. Their SP hasn't been the same, but it's kind of tough to pitch when you've locked up the division in early September. The Sox will miss not having Josh Beckett until game three. Angels are going to win it all, beating the Cubs in the WS.
CHW vs. TB
Tampa in four. A good run for the Pale Stockings, but it's going to have to end. They won three games against three different teams to close the season, but the Rays are going to come out and be running on all cylinders. Tampa is nasty. Go Scott Kazmir?
Thoughts? How do you see the playoffs breaking down?
9/30/08
No sympathy
The Met-killers of old are getting up there in age. It's about time.
Burrell will most likely not be in Phillies red and white next season, thank goodness. Chipper Jones is getting old, but he can still hit. Maybe these two are finally on the decline, and the Mets might be able to get him out sometime in the near future.
Also, what the heck is this? A pronouncer? An incorrectly spelled one, if it is.
Weird.
Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell left today's workout with a sore lower back, a day before Philadelphia opens the NL playoffs.Aww...shucks.
Burrell will most likely not be in Phillies red and white next season, thank goodness. Chipper Jones is getting old, but he can still hit. Maybe these two are finally on the decline, and the Mets might be able to get him out sometime in the near future.
Also, what the heck is this? A pronouncer? An incorrectly spelled one, if it is.
Weird.
Eric Byrnes for Luis Castillo? Yes yes yes yes yes
People actually think this guy can still play baseball? Chumps!
Nick Piecoro, in The Arizona Republic:
I've never been too hot on Byrnes, as his off-the-wall attitude always struck me as annoying. But he's a hard-nose, no nonsense player, something this team desperately needs.
If the Mets can trade Castillo away and get something, anything in return, it will be a huge plus.
Nick Piecoro, in The Arizona Republic:
Outfielder Eric Byrnes would figure to be the toughest to deal as he's coming off an injury-riddled season and is owed $22 million over the next two years. But the club could look to match up his contract with another team's bad contract, like that of Mets second baseman Luis Castillo, who is owed $18 million through 2011.I will personally drive to Phoenix to pick up Byrnes and drive him here.
I've never been too hot on Byrnes, as his off-the-wall attitude always struck me as annoying. But he's a hard-nose, no nonsense player, something this team desperately needs.
If the Mets can trade Castillo away and get something, anything in return, it will be a huge plus.
Should they stay or should they go? [Hitters]
As we solemnly shift into the 2008-2009 off-season, I guess it's never too early to look ahead.
Here's a list of all the position players who made an appearance with the Mets in 2008, and whether they should stay or go, and why:
Hitters
Brian Schneider - Stay. He wasn't as good defensively as I was lead to believe. He also did not throw out as many runners as expected. His hitting is typical of a catcher, so I can't complain much there. I say he stays simply because Ramon Castro can't stay healthy enough to be a full time catcher. Otherwise, I'd say trade him and move Castro up to #1.
Ramon Castro - Stay. His hitting for average was down this year, as was his power numbers, but another year where he struggled to stay healthy and showed he can't be a teams full time catcher. His numbers with Johan Santana are in stark contrast to the games Johan threw with Schneider, and I would keep him purely for that reason. Keep your $137 million investment happy.
Robinson Cancel - Go. At least back to the minors. Decent as a third string catcher. Had some timely hits, and looks like a Ninja Turtle. What more can you ask?
Raul Casanova - Go. Not really much to say.
Gustavo Molina - Go. Did not realize how many catchers were up with the Mets this season.
Carlos Delgado - Go. Maybe. This is the toughest call on the team, I think. He was absolutely abysmal for over a year, then seemed to flip a switch in July and August and absolutely tore up the league. September saw him come back down to the Delgado of old. His bat seems to be still there, at least due to the last three months of baseball. But the Mets cannot forget about what he did for most of 2007 and the beginning of 2008. I think his defense at first in underrated, and he saves tons of David Wright errant throws. He might be worth picking up the option unless the Mets think they can sign Mark Teixeira, which I doubt. So I say "go," only because I don't think he'll be able to put up the same numbers again. I don't know where else they can turn though.
Luis Castillo - Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. I don't care what you do, Omar Minaya, but get this guy off the Mets as soon as possible. Eat the rest of the $25 million if you have to (and you will), but trade him for a bucket of balls and some Big League Chew. I'd be pleased with that.
Damion Easley - Stay. I love this guy, and I feel the worst for him. He's played the most games without making the playoffs, and he missed out again. He may be cursed, but he was amazing as a utility player this season. When Castillo went down and Argenis Reyes couldn't cut it, Easley was always there to fill in. His age started to show, but he's a veteran. He doesn't rub me as a leader, as he seems too quiet, and I wish he was more outspoken, but he's a decent utility / man off the bench, who you know you can rely on.
Argenis Reyes - Stay. The 26-year-old came out of nowhere in spring training and really surprised a few fans. When he came up to the Mets, he was hitting, playing stellar defense, and making everyone quickly try to put Castillo out of their minds. Unfortunately, he fell back to Earth, and hard. He's the poor mans Anderson Hernandez. Can hit a little better, but not as good defensively. Not a pinch hitter, but could work off the bench. Teach him SS, and see what happens.
Ramon Martinez - Go. Yes, I know he was clutch down the stretch (all 16 AB's) but I don't see him coming back, at all.
Jose Reyes - Stay. This should be a no-brainer, but some "chubby" radio hosts in New York seem to think that he, or Wright, should be traded away because "they haven't won with them, maybe they can win without them." Ridiculous. He's the most exciting player in baseball, posted amazing numbers once more, and is a stalwart in the field. He puts peoples in the seats.
David Wright - Stay. That same chubby host also entertained the idea of trading Wright. He put up the #2 RBI total in the league. He's the face of the franchise. He's not a gold-glover (at least not his throws) but he's well above average at the hot corner. If the Mets trade him, you will see true anger and bitterness toward the organization.
Moises Alou - Go. If any team signs him, I'd be shocked. Maybe as a DH, if they really need somone. The guy can still rake at the plate, if he can stay healthy...which is never.
Fernando Tatis - Go. His come back was amazing this season. He came out of left field (and was a savior in left and right for a time) and put up stellar numbers. A case could be made for Comeback Player of the Year. But I can't see him performing the way he did for another year. No way, no how. Some team will take a flier on him, though.
Carlos Beltran - Stay. No brainer. If he's traded, Omar is an idiot. He'll never hit for average, but he's proven to be more "clutch" than most people think. He's the best centerfielder I've seen, and makes some ridiculous catches look like simple pop flies. He's a cornerstone of this team. Bat him second!
Ryan Church - Stay. But I can see him being traded. He was great at the beginning of the season. Just absolutely unbelieveable and unexpected out of the gates. Then he got hurt again, was completely mishandled by the Mets organization, and never seemed to recover. He might be able to put up similar numbers, but who knows. He's still yet to play a full season.
Endy Chavez - Stay. Another spectacular catch in a huge game solidified his folk-like status among Mets fans. Amazing as a fourth-outfielder, and capable as a spot starter. Bring him back.
Angel Pagan - Stay. Remember him? If anyone thinks he's going to put up the same numbers, think again. He was hot when he was healthy, then went down with a shoulder injury and has yet to recover. See what he can do in spring training again, and see if he can actually be a consistent starter.
Daniel Murphy - Stay. Next years starting second baseman? Possibly. This kid can hit, that is undeniable. He might be in LF, might be at 2B, and I think they should test him at first. He'll be back. He's already a fan favorite. I just hope he's not a Jacoby Ellsbury-type player. Flash in the pan?
Nick Evans - Stay. Next years starting left fielder? I think he was overmatched for most of the season. The Mets are high on him, and I think he can be a solid hitter. Just where does he fit, though? Completely possible that Evans or Murphy gets traded for a legitimate major league player.
Trot Nixon - Go. No fit.
Chris Aguila - Stay. Stick around the minors a little more. Getting a little old for the minor leagues though.
Brady Clark - Go. Gone.
Marlon Anderson - Go. Fell apart after his injury to his hamstring. Just not the same hitter. No way he was 100 percent, and it showed. Might be the best pinch-hitter on the team, but was anemic for most of this season.
Also: check out my Should they stay or should they go? [Pitchers] post.
Here's a list of all the position players who made an appearance with the Mets in 2008, and whether they should stay or go, and why:
HittersBrian Schneider - Stay. He wasn't as good defensively as I was lead to believe. He also did not throw out as many runners as expected. His hitting is typical of a catcher, so I can't complain much there. I say he stays simply because Ramon Castro can't stay healthy enough to be a full time catcher. Otherwise, I'd say trade him and move Castro up to #1.
Ramon Castro - Stay. His hitting for average was down this year, as was his power numbers, but another year where he struggled to stay healthy and showed he can't be a teams full time catcher. His numbers with Johan Santana are in stark contrast to the games Johan threw with Schneider, and I would keep him purely for that reason. Keep your $137 million investment happy.
Robinson Cancel - Go. At least back to the minors. Decent as a third string catcher. Had some timely hits, and looks like a Ninja Turtle. What more can you ask?
Raul Casanova - Go. Not really much to say.
Gustavo Molina - Go. Did not realize how many catchers were up with the Mets this season.
Carlos Delgado - Go. Maybe. This is the toughest call on the team, I think. He was absolutely abysmal for over a year, then seemed to flip a switch in July and August and absolutely tore up the league. September saw him come back down to the Delgado of old. His bat seems to be still there, at least due to the last three months of baseball. But the Mets cannot forget about what he did for most of 2007 and the beginning of 2008. I think his defense at first in underrated, and he saves tons of David Wright errant throws. He might be worth picking up the option unless the Mets think they can sign Mark Teixeira, which I doubt. So I say "go," only because I don't think he'll be able to put up the same numbers again. I don't know where else they can turn though.
Luis Castillo - Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. I don't care what you do, Omar Minaya, but get this guy off the Mets as soon as possible. Eat the rest of the $25 million if you have to (and you will), but trade him for a bucket of balls and some Big League Chew. I'd be pleased with that.
Damion Easley - Stay. I love this guy, and I feel the worst for him. He's played the most games without making the playoffs, and he missed out again. He may be cursed, but he was amazing as a utility player this season. When Castillo went down and Argenis Reyes couldn't cut it, Easley was always there to fill in. His age started to show, but he's a veteran. He doesn't rub me as a leader, as he seems too quiet, and I wish he was more outspoken, but he's a decent utility / man off the bench, who you know you can rely on.
Argenis Reyes - Stay. The 26-year-old came out of nowhere in spring training and really surprised a few fans. When he came up to the Mets, he was hitting, playing stellar defense, and making everyone quickly try to put Castillo out of their minds. Unfortunately, he fell back to Earth, and hard. He's the poor mans Anderson Hernandez. Can hit a little better, but not as good defensively. Not a pinch hitter, but could work off the bench. Teach him SS, and see what happens.
Ramon Martinez - Go. Yes, I know he was clutch down the stretch (all 16 AB's) but I don't see him coming back, at all.
Jose Reyes - Stay. This should be a no-brainer, but some "chubby" radio hosts in New York seem to think that he, or Wright, should be traded away because "they haven't won with them, maybe they can win without them." Ridiculous. He's the most exciting player in baseball, posted amazing numbers once more, and is a stalwart in the field. He puts peoples in the seats.
David Wright - Stay. That same chubby host also entertained the idea of trading Wright. He put up the #2 RBI total in the league. He's the face of the franchise. He's not a gold-glover (at least not his throws) but he's well above average at the hot corner. If the Mets trade him, you will see true anger and bitterness toward the organization.
Moises Alou - Go. If any team signs him, I'd be shocked. Maybe as a DH, if they really need somone. The guy can still rake at the plate, if he can stay healthy...which is never.
Fernando Tatis - Go. His come back was amazing this season. He came out of left field (and was a savior in left and right for a time) and put up stellar numbers. A case could be made for Comeback Player of the Year. But I can't see him performing the way he did for another year. No way, no how. Some team will take a flier on him, though.
Carlos Beltran - Stay. No brainer. If he's traded, Omar is an idiot. He'll never hit for average, but he's proven to be more "clutch" than most people think. He's the best centerfielder I've seen, and makes some ridiculous catches look like simple pop flies. He's a cornerstone of this team. Bat him second!
Ryan Church - Stay. But I can see him being traded. He was great at the beginning of the season. Just absolutely unbelieveable and unexpected out of the gates. Then he got hurt again, was completely mishandled by the Mets organization, and never seemed to recover. He might be able to put up similar numbers, but who knows. He's still yet to play a full season.
Endy Chavez - Stay. Another spectacular catch in a huge game solidified his folk-like status among Mets fans. Amazing as a fourth-outfielder, and capable as a spot starter. Bring him back.
Angel Pagan - Stay. Remember him? If anyone thinks he's going to put up the same numbers, think again. He was hot when he was healthy, then went down with a shoulder injury and has yet to recover. See what he can do in spring training again, and see if he can actually be a consistent starter.
Daniel Murphy - Stay. Next years starting second baseman? Possibly. This kid can hit, that is undeniable. He might be in LF, might be at 2B, and I think they should test him at first. He'll be back. He's already a fan favorite. I just hope he's not a Jacoby Ellsbury-type player. Flash in the pan?
Nick Evans - Stay. Next years starting left fielder? I think he was overmatched for most of the season. The Mets are high on him, and I think he can be a solid hitter. Just where does he fit, though? Completely possible that Evans or Murphy gets traded for a legitimate major league player.
Trot Nixon - Go. No fit.
Chris Aguila - Stay. Stick around the minors a little more. Getting a little old for the minor leagues though.
Brady Clark - Go. Gone.
Marlon Anderson - Go. Fell apart after his injury to his hamstring. Just not the same hitter. No way he was 100 percent, and it showed. Might be the best pinch-hitter on the team, but was anemic for most of this season.
Also: check out my Should they stay or should they go? [Pitchers] post.
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