Go Get Mark Texiera

[Gwreck]

Vic Sage wrote: first of all, $$$ is always an object.

Well, in that case, it's a little less than "nutsy" to consider options other than Texiera, no?

I agree that Texiera is the best possible option, but if the Mets have limited $$$$, they have to consider other places to use it (ie. a #2 or #3 starting pitcher).

[Guest AG/DC]

Well, Centerfield's plan is to acquire more pitching by trading the guy Texiera replaces.

It also seems some others are at least somewhat satismafied with the notion of Maine and Pelfrey or Pelfrey and Maine as their second- and third-best starters.

[Gwreck]

AG/DC wrote: Well, Centerfield's plan is to acquire more pitching by trading the guy Texiera replaces. It also seems some others are at least somewhat satismafied with the notion of Maine and Pelfrey or Pelfrey and Maine as their second- and third-best starters.

I know. I just happen to think the first point is over-optimistic and disagree with the second point.

[Guest AG/DC]

Can anybody find a similar player to Delgado with a a similar contract to see what such an animal fetches?

[Guest AG/DC]

How about Fred McGriff in 2001? The Rays traded him near the deadline to the Cubs for Manuel Aybar and PtBNL Jason Smith.

Some particulars are off (deadline deal, lesser salary) but that didn't fetch what Vic might have hoped --- a journeyman reliever at the end of his run and a punchless utility man.

[Gwreck]

Jim Thome went from the Phillies to the White Sox in November 2005.

Player and contract are similar ($14 million/year) but there were 3 years remaining on the contract and the Phillies had to eat half the money.

He returned Aaron Rowand and two minor pitching prospects.

[Guest AG/DC]

That would be more like it.

[Centerfield]

When you build a team, I think it works better to think about filling in slots in the lineup first, and then try to fit them at different positions. That's why I believe it's too simplistic to say "we need a 2nd baseman, and left-fielder". Such an approach shows a tremendous lack of creativity.

The way the lineup stands now, we are solid at slots 1, 3 and 4. (Reyes, Wright, Beltran). Everyone else is a question mark. If Delgado returns, we should expect him to be nothing more than a #6 hitter. It would be nice if he repeated his second-half surge, but it is without a doubt, a gamble. That leaves us relying on Church and Murphy. That's a lot of question marks to have in your first 6.

I think for the Mets offense to improve in 2009, you need another middle-of-the lineup type guy. If you look for a second baseman or a leftfielder to bat in the middle of the lineup, the candidates out there scream "bad contract down the road". Burrell has been up and down and is a poor fielder. Manny is old. Adam Dunn is probably the best candidate, but his average is low, plays poor defense, and there have been questions about his heart. Orlando Hudson has an OPS in the low 800's. On the other hand, Texiera is a legitimate superstar heading into his best years. If free agent dollars are to be spent, it would be foolish to ignore the best player on the market.

Now, if we had a Reyes or Wright playing first base, it wouldn't be a good fit. But the guy we have slotted in right now is old, signed for one year, and makes a lot of money. Fortunately, his second half gives him trade value. And makes him moveable. I would love to get productive players back. But if we do nothing but move his salary, that's fine too.

Let's assume the price difference between Texiera and Delgado is $6 million ($12 for Delgado, $18 for Tex...it might even be less if Tex agrees to backload his deal). That still leaves $20 million or so to upgrade your other positions even if you get nothing back for Delgado.

Now your lineup looks like this:

1. Reyes
2. Church/Murphy
3. Wright
4. Texiera
5. Beltran
6. LEFTFIELDER
7. Church/Murphy
8. Schneider

Yes, you've used up $6 million, but now your middle of the lineup is solid, and the leftfielder/second baseman you want to sign can bat towards then end of the lineup.

You've also addressed a need for the coming years with the type of player you want to lock up, rather than being forced to take what is available later.

[Guest Edgy DC]

AG/DC wrote: Yeah, last year wasn't a great crop. I'll still stick with my guns. While I understand the vulnerability at first, I think the position our team most needs to fill are second and corner outfield and the bullpen and back of the rotation.

Last year also gave us Torii Hunter, Aaron Rowand, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera. Sombebody thought Andruw Jones was a star, also.