Perhaps the success of the Jets and Giants has New York fans putting baseball on the back burner, and rightfully so. After all, the Jets and Giants are looking like legitimate contenders, while the Mets and Yankees were busts this season ....again. But make no mistake, while football takes center stage in New York, Met fans know exactly what's going on with their team. While Brian Cashman has begun the rebuilding process in the Bronx by making a shrewd move to acquire Swisher from the White Sox, Omar Minaya has done nothing. Now I realize it's early in the off-season, but to hear the rumors of Minaya's potential moves would suggest that 2009 could be another long season for Met fans...despite their team playing in a new ball park.

The Mets have asked for medical records of K-Rod, and his agent expects to hear back from the Mets with an offer. That would be off-season error number one. The Mets would be better off using that money to find a less expensive option at closer while perhaps buying out Castillo, or using the funds to find a legitimate leftfielder. If the Mets were to give Rodriguez a deal for $15M per year, which would be ludicrous, the 2009 payroll would include more than $30M going to closers (Wagner and Rodriguez). Does Minaya not read the reports which claim that Rodriguez' fastball has lost velocity over recent years? Brian Fuentes will be overpriced as well, but he offers more value than Rodriguez. Trading for Huston Street probably makes the most sense...even if he has been less than stellar of late. Street may just need a change of scenery, and the Mets could pry him away from the Rockies if they so choose. As of now, Omar chooses not.

Now Omar Minaya states that the Mets expect Luis Castillo to be their starting second baseman in 2009. That is off-season error number two. Just because Castillo promises to be in better condition and to rededicate himself doesn't mean that Minaya should take him at his word. If a player has to rededicate himself, that means he has been undedicated to begin with, and those are players the Mets need to avoid. The fans will use Castillo as their main target of disgust and they'll run him out of town eventually the way they did with Kaz Matsui before him. The ridiculous contract that Minaya gave Castillo is the reason the Mets are stuck with Castillo. If Omar can't admit to the mistake, don't make another mistake and hand Castillo the starting gig in 2009. If you can't deal him...keep him on your bench, but not as your starting second baseman. Here's a thought: Go after Furcal and convince him to play second base. Can you imagine Reyes and Furcal atop that order?

The New York media suggests that the Mets are looking at Bobby Abreu. That's error number three. Abreu is a solid guy, but in my opinion, he's more about himself than the team. When's the last time you saw him crash into an outfield wall? When the last time you even saw him run NEAR an outfield wall. The Mets need a leader for that clubhouse. Abreu is not a leader. He's not the homerun hitter he once was either...which could suggest he was taking some...."medicine"...back in the day that may have enhanced his numbers. That's not an accusation....I'm just saying.......If the Mets don't care about having a leader in left field, go after Burrell or Ibanez. Baldelli would be a perfect fit, but naturally, his name has not been connected to the Mets.

The bullpen is the same today as it was at the end of last season. That's Omar's off season mistake number four. Why hasn't there been progress on the trade front or the free agent market? If nothing else, how about talking to player agents for guys like Embree, Lyon, or Howry to see what they're looking for? Howry may even be able to close, and wouldn't that be a big savings on the payroll? The market is saturated with relievers this off-season. That means that any team that signs K-Rod would be foolish to do so when there are other options available.

The rotation still has holes in it. Mistake number five. I haven't heard a peep that the Mets have talked with agents for Lowe, Burnett, or Sheets. Lowe makes the most sense for the Mets, but will they go hard after him? The Yankees have already made a bona-fide offer to Sabathia. The Mets should outbid everyone for Lowe's services in a similar fashion. Chances are...Minaya won't...especially if he overbids on K-Rod and has limited funds available. There's also talk of Minaya trying to deal for Javier Vasquez from the White Sox. Please Omar...please....move on and forget about that being an option. We know you have a connection to the guy, but leave it alone. Did you not learn from signing El Duque and to a lesser degree, Pedro? (though we don't fault that signing, his injuries hurt the Mets). The Mets won't allow Aaron Heilman to start, so they'll deal him to another team, and he'll probably shine in that role. Despite a need for starting pitchers, Minaya remains steadfast that Heilman will NEVER again start for the Mets. Wanna bet the Mets come up short in the rotation, while Heilman has success starting for another team?

Met fans want to see a plan in place that actually makes sense. Minaya's plan...if you can call it a plan, has flaws...as usual...as it did last year and the year before that. Once again, the names that Met officials are dropping, suggests that Minaya is fixated on Latino players. It may be coincidence...but it may not. Again...I'm not accusing....I'm just saying.....

Here's the most realistic plan Omar: Try and sign Varitek....he's not the hitter he once was, but he has grit, and won't hit worse than Brian Schneider. Let Argenis Reyes play second base unless you can sign Furcal. Even if Reyes' hitting is lackluster, his attitude is anything but, and he plays a very good second base. Sign Howry and Embree and trade for Street. And for left field, the realistic signing would be Ibanez, but Baldelli would be a nice surprise. Trade Church for pitching, and deal Castillo for Byrnes. Byrnes has had off years as well, but the Mets need a character like him. His desire to win is unmatched by most. Perhaps the Mets should see what Cincy wants for Freel. He's another guy with passion, even if he is less than 100%.

It's difficult for Met fans to trust Minaya's plan for the Mets. If his first major move of the off season is to sign K-Rod to a ridiculous contract, 2009 will be another long year for Met fans. Then again, we're used to it.


Court Adjourned!