Just DON’T Do It

Is it me, or does it appear that Omar is falling into a trap? Omar knows better than any of us that he is perilously close to losing his job. If the Mets falter again this year, I believe this winter will be his last winter making deals as GM of the Mets.

The trap? Omar is like a shooter with not only an itchy trigger finger, but a shooter, with an itchy trigger finger, suffering from Tourette's syndrome. He is starting to make moves that appear out of desperation rather than carefully and methodically constructing a winning franchise.

Omar’s moves thus far: signing Alex Cora. Might not be a bad move, but for $2M? That is a bit much for a utility infielder. I like Cora, have no problem that they brought him back, but is he really the best option for $2M? I would be less than honest if I said I wasn't concerned.

Chris Coste? Not only signing a 37 Year Old (Feb. 2010) catcher who hit .224 with the Astros and Philiies, but they also added him to the 40 man roster. As my esteemed colleague scribed, Coste was signed to back-up and mentor young Josh Thole , but a 37 year old catcher is needed as much as a 60 year old SS.

We have also been hearing that the Mets are interested, and possibly close to signing another elderly catcher, Henry Blanco, who is 38.

Omar is not only pushing, but sitting on the Panic Button. He must realize he isn’t going to bring this team from 92 losses in ’09 to 92 wins in ’10. The rebuilding process might take two or three years, but it can’t be expected to be done during one off season. The Minor League system is a joke. The Mets haven’t drafted particularly well under Omar, and what few prospects they have had, either haven’t developed well, or have been used in trades. He needs to make smart trades and/or free agent signings, as well as draft intelligently.

I would rather see the Mets take time, build their system, along with smart trades/signings, so that they can compete for years, as opposed to shooting for the moon, and explode off the coast of Florida (or should that be off the Coste of Florida?).

Be smart this off-season Omar. Don’t make panic moves. Make smart, sound, methodical decisions to build this team. If not, this might be your last Hot Stove winter with the Mets.