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by Digger

2006: Carlos Beltran strikes out looking on a bases loaded, two out, 3-2 pitch ... Mets lose NL Championship Series Game 7. Season Over.

If anyone believed the hype in New York, then the past two NL East crowns should have been won by the Mets after a heartbreaking NLCS '06 defeat. As the baseball world knows... the Mets choked in consecutive September's and failed to qualify for post-season play in '07 & '08.

For 2009, NY GM Minaya made a couple of bold moves to bolster one big weak spot by trading for JJ Putz and signing prized Free Agent Closer, Francisco Rodriguez. Two good deals. Ok, now what? How about solidifying the starting rotation? How about everyday players in left and right fields? How about a dp partner for Reyes at 2B?

World Series Champions, and arch rival, Philadelphia has proven they're coming out swinging once again preparing for '09. Phillies signed LF Ibanez, RP's Chan Ho Park (transformed into good middle reliever) and Mike Koplove, resigned ageless vet Jamie Moyer plus a few key role players. Unless someone gets traded, they won't be losing any star power other than the man Ibanez replaces, Pat Burrell.

So what's the holdup for a team desperate for a World Series Championship? One bit of heavy news released today had to do with NY Mets owner Fred Wilpon. Evidently, he's a victim's of the ponzi scheme perpetuated by former Wall Street guru Bernard Madoff. We'll see how this affects Mets operations, if at all.

GM Minaya made a couple of nice headline moves shoring up a leaky bullpen. What's his plan for a weak Mets lineup? Hopefully he's smart enough to build a team best suited for the dimensions at new Citi Field. Sometimes I wonder about this guy being all too wrapped up in making headlines (a-la signing Pedro Martinez) instead of piecing together a workable winning ballclub. At this stage of the game, if it's headlines he seeks, then go hard after Manny Ramirez. Otherwise, go under the radar and assemble a fine squad. Quality available starting pitching will be gone from the market very shortly.

My first two suggestions would be to waste no more time... sign Orlando Hudson (2B) & Bobby Abreu (RF). Hudson/Reyes would make an excellent double play combo and top of the order 1-2. Abreu's OBA is what's needed batting 3rd. They'd be followed by Beltran/Delgado/Wright... and that's a nice lineup! Add a solid LF and the Mets are in business.

Mets' plans seem to be on hold for the moment after rapid succession addressing late relief. The Phillies are full steam ahead building on their Championship season. Atlanta has been fishing without any bites, but they're out trolling nonetheless.

Time is ripe for making a move. Get with the game New York. Build a winner!