The New York Mets’ 2009 campaign fell apart just as the playoff races heated up in the dog days of summer. Early injuries to Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, Ryan Church and Oliver Perez in April and May posed a challenge, but the team found a way to remain competitive. But when Carlos Beltran joined John Maine and others on the DL in June, it was obvious they just didn’t have the horses to compete. New York finished the month of June 9-18 and the season at 70-92, fourth in the NL East.
Fans and analysts alike have said that the 20 players on the DL appears to be a fluke and should not be an issue in 2010. Keeping their core of Reyes, Beltran, David Wright, Johan Santana and Francisco Rodriguez healthy should automatically bump them out of the basement and into contention. A few lucky breaks with role players and/or prospects could help them further, but General Manager Omar Minaya really needs to make some moves this winter if New York wants to return to the post season.
Catcher
Omir Santos is the only MLB-ready catching talent New York currently has, earning $400K. Santos’ average leveled out to .260 over the course of the season; he hit 7 home runs and knocked in 44 RBI in 281 at bats. But hitting just .218 against lefties and not being a plus defender, there’s room for a platoon. Free agent Rod Barajas is a better defensive catcher, also has some pop and hit .267 against lefties. Barajas would not cost the Mets a draft pick as a type B free agent, and probably won’t command more than a few million at most.
First Base
There seems to be a love/hate divide between fans about Daniel Murphy. Factually, Murphy is a hard-nosed player who never complained when asked to play third base, second base, left field and first base during his time in the system, including on the big stage. He started the season with a high average, which fell to below .250 by mid-season, until it rebounded to over .260 in the last month. He also started to show more power, hitting 4 home runs with a rag tag offense in the last 30 days. Making $401K next year, I would advocate signing a cheap backup/platoon partner and hoping Murph’s average and power grow.
Second Base
At the moment, Luis Castillo is in the third year of his four-year deal, earning $6 million. Known as a singles hitter, base stealer and plus defender, Castillo was a bust for the Mets beginning with his ludicrous contract. Now 34, his defense and base stealing abilities appeared to be receding some in 2009, not including the notorious dropped pop-up against the Yankees. His average climbed to .302, but just 16 of 147 hits were extra base hits. The Mets Front Office has reportedly been enamored with Orlando Hudson for some time, and rumors earlier hit about Cincinnati possibly trading Brandon Phillips. If Omar can dump Castillo without taking on Milton Bradley-type players and get something mildly useful in exchange, they should definitely take the time to investigate a replacement. Chone Figgins has also become a free agent. Known as a base stealer and owner of a high on base percentage, the 31-year-old Figgins is likely to get $10 million for several years from any number of suitors.
Shortstop
Jose Reyes. There is no question that Reyes is the starting shortstop. In fact, he’s got $9 million reasons why. That doesn’t include the fact he’s among the fastest active ballplayers, has a little pop and is a standout defender at a premium position. His baseball instinct and intellect have been called into question, but it’s hard to argue with results. Hopefully he matures further into 2010 and beyond.
Third Base
Again, there’s no question here. David Wright is not only the starting third baseman, but makes up the best left side of any infield in baseball. Set to earn $10 million next year, hopefully Wright can shake off his fears of getting beaned in the noggin again and return to hitting for average and power.
Right Field
The Mets picked up Jeff Francoeur mid-season in a trade with the Braves for Ryan Church. Less versatile than Church, F-Core proved that he still owns one of the strongest right field arms in baseball. He also appeared to shake off some of the offensive woes that had plagued him in Atlanta, having hit just .239 in 2008 and .250 in part of 2009. As a Met, he smoked the ball at a .311 clip with 10 home runs in 289 at bats. Set to earn at least $3.375 million, F-Core is under New York’s control until 2012, although Minaya is rumored to be considering a contract extension.
Center Field
Labeled as soft early in his Mets career, Carlos Beltran did everything he could in the past few years to shake that label. Sadly, a bone bruise on his knee got the best of him for most of 2009, and New York’s season went with him. When healthy, Beltran is a gold-glove defender, plus power, owner of a respectable average and capable of stealing a few bases. Beltran will be 33 in April, but plays so smoothly that there’s hope his body won’t break down quickly. He will command an $18.5 million salary next year.
Left Field
Left field is one of two glaring holes in New York’s off season roster. They made do with Angel Pagan, Gary Sheffield, Fernando Tatis and other players last year, but none were a true corner outfielder anywhere near their prime. Shef is far too old and has since left the team, while Pagan boasts all sorts of tools but makes too many mental mistakes. Left field is also a stereotypical power position and the Mets need power badly after hitting just 95 home runs in 2009. Two of the biggest names on the free agent lists are left fielders, Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Both are highly sought after and expected to be paid at least $15 million a year for several years. Holliday will be 30 in January, can play average defense while hitting for a high average and power. Bay is 32 and tends to hit more home runs with a lower batting average. Either would be a nice addition to the Mets, but could cost too much, especially with other vacancies. Jermaine Dye is a free agent and can hit for power with a decent average, but is 35. Detroit has also revealed that Curtis Granderson may be available via trade. Granderson is younger, a plus defender, fast and has good power, but may cost a lot of prospects.
Starting Pitching
Johan Santana $21 million
Mike Pelfrey $2.6 million
Oliver Perez $12 million
John Maine $1.3 million
What’s missing? A number two starter, the other of New York’s major problems. Santana has proven to be worth every dime as an ace, a leader and even a pinch hitter at times. A home-grown favorite, Pelfrey was thrust into the No. 2 hole in 2009, but his ERA climbed over 5 after pitching more than 200 innings for the first time in 2008. He may come back on track as a high-caliber power pitcher, but the Mets can’t rely on hope, especially with Perez and Maine rounding out the other taken spots. Maine has shown glimpses of greatness, but has had mysterious shoulder injuries. Ollie, on the other hand, is widely known for being inconsistent and losing his head mid-game despite having some of the best stuff in baseball. Both Ollie and Maine are 28 and have shown the ability to be good middle of the rotation starters – see playoffs 2006 – but New York needs another proven commodity. John Lackey is the big fish in the sea this year. At 31, Lackey is an ace with a wide arsenal, but has a history of injury and is demanding a five-year contract for $16 million a year. A few other names have been floating about, including Jason Marquis. Marquis, 31, has been a solid middle of the order pitcher for years, but publicly stated a desire to play for New York in 2010 and had a career year last season – 216 innings pitched with a 4.04 ERA. Joel Pineiro is also an intriguing free agent. Also 31, Pineiro is a crafty ground ball machine, but has been a mixed bag during his career. Randy Wolf is also reportedly on the Mets radar. Wolf, 33, just finished a one year, $5 million contract with the Dodgers by going 11-7 with a 3.23 ERA in 2009.
Bullpen
Francisco Rodriguez $11.5 million
Pedro Feliciano $1.6125 million
Sean Green $471K
Pat Misch $402K
Bobby Parnell $400K
Brian Stokes $410K
The bullpen was a strength in 2009, despite losing setup man/backup closer JJ Putz for most of the season. The Mets bought out Putz’ contract for $1 million, but the two sides are considering a return for less than his original $8 million. Detroit and several other teams have also been linked to Putz. Frankie should be fine as closer, but the Mets need to carefully review Green. Highly touted in Seattle, Green struggled in 2009, losing the faith of his skipper at least once. New York should also find another successful lefty, and possibly LOOGY, to pair with Feliciano. Pedro proved to be a workhorse and MVP-candidate for the team, but they can’t continue to ride him year in and year out.
Expectations
Reports are abound the Internet that the Wilpons will only add $20 million in salary this year. While I’m not sure the number is accurate, they certainly can’t afford to buy every top-notch free agent. Personally, I think the Mets would be fine signing the best-looking of Wolf, Marquis and Pineiro to a one-year deal along with Holliday. Granderson would be an interesting addition, but I’m not ready to offer an injury-plagued Lackey a five year deal that will end when he’s 36. Omar also needs to do whatever he can to unload Castillo and find a younger, better defensive second baseman. Hudson could do the trick, although Figgins is available too.
