There is something eerily familiar to the moves and deals made by Omar Minaya of the Mets. They'd been done already by former General Manager, Steve Phillips. Minaya has almost followed the exact blueprint used by Steve Phillips in putting this current Met team together. Let's take a look at the similarities in moves made by both Minaya and Phillips.

Mo Vaughn/Carlos Delgado - Vaughn, like Delgado had a decent first year with the Mets, then it began to unravel. Delgado did well for the Mets in his first season, and like Vaughn, he's fallen on hard times and is not aging gracefully. Both have heard the boos from the Shea faithful.

Roger Cedeno/Luis Castillo - For some unknown reason, Steve Phillips gave Cedeno a four year contract, and he never came close to earning that salary. For some unknown reason, Minaya gave Castillo an equally ludicrous four year contract, despite a decline in production and temperamental knees.

Art Howe/Willie Randolph - Phillips hired a listless, low-key manager in Art Howe to lead the Mets into mediocrity. Minaya hired a listless, low-key manager in Willie Randolph to lead the Mets to mediocrity.

Roberto Alomar/Carlos Beltran - Alomar was considered one of the best ever second basemen, and he considered the final piece to a Met championship. Beltran was considered the best centerfielder in the game, and he was considered a vital piece to the Mets championship puzzle. Beltran, like Alomar, has been a huge disappointment. Like Alomar, Beltran hasn't shown any intensity or a sense of urgency.

Astacio/Hernandez - Phillips brought in Pedro Astacio to solidify his pitching staff. Minaya brought in El Duque to solidify his pitching staff. Neither pitcher solidified anything but their own checking accounts.

Payroll - Steve Phillips typically spent the Wilpon's money, bringing in high priced free agents while depleting the farm system of talent. Omar Minaya typically spends the Wilpon's money, bringing in high priced free agents while depleting the farm system of talent.

And so, what does all of this mean? It's hard to say, but perhaps it's time for Minaya to put a call into ESPN to see if they're still hiring former Mets General Managers. After all, the two of them have one other thing in common...they talk a good game, even when they don't put a good game plan in place.


Court Adjourned!