TransMonk

Had to get into the way-way back machine for that one. I've never felt more like Ambler. Now all I need is a four-panel headshot and I'll be good to go.

There's no denying that Beltran may have some baseball left in him. But does he help the 2011 team? Without increasing payroll are the Mets going to be better in 2011 than they were in 2010? If not, does Beltran even matter? If not, should we use dealing him to build for the future? What's the plan? Show me the plan!

I guess "cut salary" was a poor choice of words. I only mean to trim the fat. Beltran may or may not be worth his 2011 salary. Castillo and Ollie most certainly won't. That's 3 players making a total of about 35 million dollars, or over a quarter of the total payroll. I don't envision the payroll growing anytime soon. I believe whatever financial plan this team has is flawed. Either ownership has their head in the sand about it or they are trying to keep it as a secret. Before I see an offensive approach or a good manager, I would be happy with ownership just admitting there is a problem.

This team is a mess. The talent is suspect, the game management is laughable and I'm much closer to believing the Wilpon's financial woes are more true than false. Factoring in some of the horrible contracts that are on the books, things may have to get worse before they get better. Earlier this season, I thought this season could be the prelude to bigger things. I now believe it may be the epilogue to the disasters of 2007, 2008 and 2009. It is not all doom and gloom, however. I feel the farm system is deep and that the performances of some of the youngsters will provide youthful and cheap talent for the next few years. For the first time in a long time (maybe ever), I am actively rooting for the Mets to clear some payroll and NOT sign a free agent. I am not giving up on Beltran, as I believe given time to get up to game speed over a full season that he still has the talent to produce. I have given up on this team, though. For a team like the Mets that is filled with bloated contracts, $18.5 million and "bargain" cannot be shared in the same sentence. IMO, it's time to cut and run. Take what we can get by moving the heavy contracts and go forward. I like Beltran, but if another team wants to give us a young part or take on some salary, I'd have to consider it.

I like that the Mets are exploring possibilities. $18.5 Mil is a lot of dough in 2011, even if we get 2006 Beltran...which is unlikely.

Get that straight brim to flushing... Sean Green be damned.

D'oh...you are correct. Still, this lineup screams "rebuilding" to me.

Everyone in the lineup was drafted by the Mets, no? All homegrown...save Pagan's time with the Cubs?

I have a date at Citi at the end of the month. That will prolly be my last hurrah win or lose. Obviously, if they win 12 of 15, I'll be back in.

Batters Pitchers

Johan Santana David Wright Ike Davis Jon Niese Jenrry Mejia Wilmer Flores Reese Havens Kyle Allen Jeurys Familia Brad Holt

I'm gonna go with Newie. Or Kirk.

Per Cots: Omar Minaya Executive VP of Baseball Operations & GM 3 years (2010-12), plus 2013-14 club options signed extension with NY Mets 10/2/08 5 years/about $4M (2005-09) hired by NY Mets 9/04 Montreal signed 1-year extension as GM for 2004 signed 2-year contract as GM (2002-03) VP, Assistant GM John Ricco VP, Scouting Sandy Johnson Director, Amateur Scouting Rudy Terrasas

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: ...could be replace Francoeur for the '11 Mets? And/or Beltran? It'll be nice to see him with the big club next month.

Phuck the Phils! Nice job GYC.

I perceive the general rule in today's game to be: the guy who's making the most money will start on the typical day as long as he's healthy. I'm genuinely shocked that the Mets had the balls to pull Perez from the rotation this season...and I fully believe it was only from fans clamoring for it. If the Mets had been playing under .500 ball since May, I think Perez would still be starting. Stengal's way may have been best, but this is not even close to being the same game that Casey was involved with.

I'd say 19 losses (if this team could limit themselves to that, which I don't think they can) is still too many. 15 is the number I'm going with...meaning that I predict 93-69 would win this division...no less.

Frayed Knot wrote: I fucked up the facts but it all just served to allow me to get a joke in at ARod's expense and, really, isn't that the most important thing? Yes!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I'm seriously considering getting a jersey, or at least a custom shirsey Me too. I'll prolly wait through the offseason to make sure he's around next season before I pull the trigger.

Reverse position order?: 9 Francouer 8 Beltran 7 Pagan 6 Reyes 5 Wright 4 Castillo 3 Davis 2 Thole 1 Dickey Maybe not.

Jerry Manuel Omar Minaya Howard Johnson Dan Warthen Wayne Hagin Oliver Perez Alex Cora Jeff Wilpon

Centerfield wrote: Go get Bobby Valentine. Agreed, I have to believe Bobby V would be as or even more popular than Backman. If Bobby wants more control (asst or co-GM), I say give it to him...what's the harm in trying things that way to see if his way works or not?

Well, I liked Backman as a player and he has had some success managing low level minor league teams. On the other hand, and this may speak to JCL's comment of waste, but he comes off to me less of an even-keeled tactical leader and more of a "dumb jock" loud mouth (NTTA necessarily WWT). From my limited views of him in his post-playing career, I think he would make a better NCAA linbacker coach than a MLB manager. The grass may be greener, but I think there are acres and acres to explore before settling on Backman's patch.