Why Can't The Mets Do This?

As reported by Bill Shaikin - LA Times this afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers have re-worked Anduw Jones' contract with the assurance they will either trade him or release him before Spring Training. The Trade has been approved by MLB and MLBPA.

Jones' new contract mirrors the contract Bobby Bonilla had with the Mets years ago
(see Jon Heyman's article from 2000 - scroll down to see deferred payment of contract): Jones, as did Bonilla, have agreed to defer much of his contract, which has $22M left.

The article mentions the Mets might be interested in Jones. This scares me, unless it is a trade that would jettison much maligned Luis Castillo from the Mets to the Dodgers. Jones blames his much reported poor season due to knee issues. Maybe so, but Jones is only .091 in the Dominican League this Winter.

Riddle me this Jeff Wilpon: why don't the Mets attempt the same sort of agreement with Luis Castillo? He is not wanted, he is no longer productive, and might fare better with another team. Castillo's contract is smaller than Jones; $18M and three years. If the Mets were able to defer a large portion of the contract, and release him before Spring Training, a new team would be able to negotiate a more palatable contract. With Jones, if/when released, the new team is only required to pay him the Major League minimum of $400K. The Mets, like the Dodgers, would be responsible for the remainder of the deferred contract.

If the Mets did this, although it would cost them some money, it would open the door to sign Orlando Hudson, who from reports is salivating over the idea of playing in Flushing.

Whatdya say Jeffy? We would get a large headache off our team, and open the door for the younger, better Mr. Hudson.

Think about it Jeff. You can either call or e-mail me at 24 Hours From Suicide...A Day In The Life Of A Met Fan.