Today in Newsday, Ken Davidoff’s article, Pitching top priority, but Mets look at Ibañez, states that the Mets have more than a passing interest in LF Raul Ibanez. Ibanez will be 37 in June, and is a left-handed hitter; two things the Mets should be avoiding.
Ibanez has received glowing compliments from Carlos Beltran, who played alongside Ibanez for three years during their stays in KC. Johan Santana also speaks highly of Ibanez, whom he faced frequently in the American League. Ibanez was raised in Manhattan, and has avowed he would like to play in NY. It’s nice to see he is well liked, but the Mets have to stop making player decisions because one of the Mets think “he’s a great guy”. This is what got them into trouble during the Steve Phillips era, where Franco, Glavine, and Leiter were running the team.
Conversely, and thankfully, the Mets haven’t reached out to Pat Burrell, who is also a LF, is just 32, and is a right-handed hitter.
As you have read, the Mets are also showing interest in Javier Vazquez, whom Minaya signed when he was GM of Montreal. I wish Omar would realize that the teams he fielded in Montreal finished last, and we don’t need that in NY.
We are all still smarting from “The Collapse – Take III”, but to be hasty and impulsive will only add to our woes, not resolve them. We need Omar to be intelligent and diligent in his moves.
Personally, I would like the Mets try and get OP back, for a reasonable price. If he is too expensive, or wants too many years, then it’s been real Ollie, and good luck.
I would also like to see the Mets go hard after Derek Lowe. I know he is older, and that is a contradiction of what I said about Ibanez, but Lowe is the type of pitcher who will be able to throw for quite a few more years. If the Mets could get a deal done for two or three years, I would go for it. He is a real good pitcher, who pitches well in big games, and might be a real good influence on the younger arms of the staff. He has also shown he can start and relieve.
Second base and left field should be priorities. Omar has blamed Castillo’s injuries for his poor season. I’m not buying it. Castillo’s demeanor reminded me an awful lot of Mike Hampton. Looked like he really didn’t want to be here. He seemed disassociated with his teammates. Orlando Hudson could be the man.
As for LF, I would like to see the Mets go after Garrett Anderson. His stats are still good, and he knows how to win. Again, because of his age (36), I would only offer a two-year deal. He is from the Los Angeles area, and I really don’t think he will leave that comfort area, but this is only a wish list.
What are your concerns, wishes, and feelings going into the “Hot Stove” season? Please leave your comments, we'd love to hear them.
2 comments:
Ibanez is a serviceable hitter but belongs at DH. For one or two years, he wouldn't be a terrible pickup. Burrell would probably be a better choice.
Assuming they won't be in on Sabathia, Derek Lowe should be their number one target to fill in the rotation. He's still getting enough ground balls and K's to be effective for a few more years, plus having him around can only help Pelfrey, since their basically the same type of pitcher.
Hudson won't be in NY unless Minaya can get some moron to take Castillo's wreched contract off his hands. If Danny Murphy can even play decent defense at 2B, they should just go with him. Pick up a cheap utility guy to replace him defensively late in games if necessary.
As far as Garret Anderson's stats still being good, look beyond the batting average. A .758 OPS (97 OPS+) is unacceptable for a leftfielder, especially one that is probably better off as a DH.
Pat Burrell at least would not be a Met killer but he is useless defensively and is a clubhouse cancer. I dont see the Mets spending the $$ on Ibanez unless they unload some contracts or strikeout landing the pitching they want.
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