K-Rod and Manny? Mets fans can keep dreaming

October 23, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

New York Mets fans have a dream. That dream is to bring in a new closer, Francisco K-Rod Rodriguez and a new left fielder, Manny Ramirez. Mets fans like to dream, and they do so in a big way. Fortunately, and yes I do mean fortunately, it looks like those dreams won’t even come close to being true. In fact, Kevin Davidoff of Newsday.com reports that the Mets look like they won’t even be participating in the bidding wars for both of these players. Let’s take a look at both players and why the Mets may not be involved.

First, Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets biggest offseason need is their bullpen, at least in my opinion it is. Once Billy Wagner went down with his season injury, the bullpen completely collapsed. And truthfully, even before his injury things started to fall apart. With Wagner now out for all of next year, a strong closer is definitely a need. This leads the fans and media to automatically consider the free agent. Back in early September, I wrote an article saying that the Mets would most likely not go after K-Rod due to the insurance policy on Billy Wagner. From what Davidoff is reporting it sounds like I’m partially correct.

My argument was the Mets could not afford to pay two closers a total of $25 million, especially when one can not touch the mound. Ken says it does come down to money, but more in the line of general manager Omar Minaya feels that K-Rod is not worth the money he will command. This would leave the Mets to go after someone like Brian Fuentes, or give up young talent via trade fora closer. Ken thinks this is an absolute mistake and that the Mets should go after Rodriguez. I’m still not sure I agree with that thinking, actually I know I still don’t. Mets shouldn’t go down that road if they want to succeed, take a lesser option, you have too many holes.

Now to Manny Ramirez. Do the Mets really need another nut job on this team? They’ve got Wags, who luckily won’t be around due to his injury. But can you imagine the insanity in that clubhouse if you team up Manny and Jose Reyes? Jerry Manuel is going to be screaming to get out of there after a month or so. But this again is another move that Davidoff doesn’t think will take place. From what he hears the Mets are going to pass on Manny due to all the complexities a signing would bring. He’s going to cost way too much money, for too long of a period of time and at advanced age. Sure he’s still performing at a high level but can that last another four years? It’s not worth the risk at that dollar level, especially when you consider the potential clubhouse headache he could become. I’d say good jobs to Mets management if they pass on Manny, even thou personally I’d love to see him go there and make them even more of a joke.

So unfortunately Mets fans this offseason is not starting out on the right foot for you guys. Two straight years of a major disappointment, and your team still won’t go out and get the guys it needs. They thought Johan Santana was enough last year and it clearly it wasn’t. I’d take solace in the fact thou that this year they aren’t going to throw money at the big names. Who knows, maybe this time they’ll actually try to put together a team instead. Till they do that, there won’t be any ticker tape parades for them.

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