Based on previous results, contract year motivation, hunches, research and more, I have created a projected stat line for all of the New York Mets starters this year. Let me preface the slide show by saying these are just projections and do not account for injuries. These are meant to be ballpark numbers and should not be taken exactly as written.
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New York Mets 2011: Pressing Issues and How They Should Be Handled
As a Mets fan I’ve been wondering five things throughout the offseason and spring training:
When will they release Oliver Perez? Done.
When will they release Luis Castillo? Done.
Who is going to play second base? To be determined.
What’s going to happen with the most dynamic leadoff hitter in the game, Jose Reyes? To be determined.
When are the Wilpons finally going to sell the f***ing team? Unfortunately, it’s not looking like it’s going to happen.
So let’s talk about No. 3 to start. It should be Daniel Murphy manning second base for the Amazin’s this year. His fielding, although not superb, and his defense at second have looked satisfactory so far.
That’s obviously not why he should start. He should start because of his bat. He is a FANTASTIC hitter, and his bat needs to be in the lineup. Especially if they could slot him after Ike Davis.
Imagine a batting order that looked something like this:
1. Jose Reyes
2. Angel Pagan
3. Carlos Beltran (assuming he plays)
4. David Wright
5. Ike Davis
6. Jason Bay
7. Daniel Murphy
8. Josh Thole
How many pitchers would want to face that lineup? With the first three hitters able to switch hit, then alternating righty lefty with good hitters all the way to the seven-hole, that’s a good (and potentially great) lineup if everyone can produce.
Now, moving on to the most important decision the new front office has to make: How are they going to handle the Jose Reyes situation? What they should do is clear.
They need to re-sign him.
How many franchises have a player who, at 27 years old, is their all-time steals leader, can get 200 hits, 15 home runs, 70 RBIs, steal 60 bases, hit .290 and have nobody be surprised?
It’s a no-brainer—they need to keep him.
Although the farm system is not strong and the Mets are in need of prospects, it’s not worth trading one of the—if not THE—most dynamic players in the game at age 27.
Why trade a super star in his 20s for people who might be solid pros also in their 20s? It just doesn’t make sense.
With all this in mind, he’s a homegrown player!
The fan base LOVES him. Any Met fans reading this article know exactly what I’m talking about.
Maybe if the Mets were in Kansas City or another small market they could get away with trading him. Not in New York. You’re in the biggest city in the world. The fans expect and deserve better than losing their favorite, and best, player. You need to spend whatever it takes to keep him.
Last, but definitely not least: Wilpons. Sell the team already. Your whole Madoff mess is destroying a once proud franchise.
You’re telling a GM of a New York team to only spend $10 million in an offseason. The Mets had a LOT of holes to fill and you limited a GM to $10 million. That’s an absurdly low number, ESPECIALLY for the New York market. Fans are fed up.
Either let Sandy Alderson spend money like he wants (and should be able to) or sell the team. It’s that simple. You don’t even need to look for a buyer; Trump has already said he’d buy the team if you asked! It’s that easy. Stop screwing up the franchise.
So to recap:
Make Daniel Murphy the starting second baseman.
Re-sign Jose Reyes.
Sell the f***ing team, Wilpons!!!!
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