The Mets of '09

There goes another 5 years off of my life, but who really cares. The biggest problems that face the Mets of next year in a new ballpark are quit compelling.

The bullpen is bullshit.

The starting lineup should be OK

The closer role needs to be filled.

Reserves need to be addressed immediately if not sooner.

Here are my proposals:

1st Base: Give Delgado his team option for 2009 and go from there. I honestly believe he had a problem with his swing, and he found the fix by himself. Pay him.

2nd Base: Luis Castillo is signed for the next few years, Hopefully he can actually show up and play 125 games next year.

3rd Base: David Wright. 'Nough Said.

SS: Jose Reyes. Please see David Wright.

Right Field: Ryan Church deserves a shot. The concussions were not his fault, except that he is a hard nosed player. I'll take those any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Center Field: Carlos Beltran. I would like to see 30 HR's and 130 RBI's from him next year.

Left Field: Endy Chavez. I just can't help but remember that catch. One of the greatest off all time. Oh... and he comes to the field ready to play every day.

Catcher: Brian Schneider. Solid defensive catcher. Ability to knock in some runs. I love this guy as a player. Good clubhouse guy as well.

Starters:

Johan Santana. Even without much support this year he may deserve a vote or two for 2008 Cy Young Award.

John Maine. Good pitcher. Solid command. I hope he can stay healthy.

Mike Pelfrey. Showed good poise and composure during the second half of the season. You can see why he was a #1 pick.

Oliver Perez: He showed up in a big way after only 3 days rest against the Marlins. In the number 4 spot how much trouble could he get in?

Pedro Martinez: There is nothing more powerful than a pitcher that feels he has left a few quality starts on the diamond. Just ask Randy Johnson. I know he has one more solid year left in him.

Relievers: Ouch. This is without a doubt the softest part of the roster. Let's see if I can't figure something out.

Heilman: See ya!!.... just like so many of your pitches that you made this year. Bye bye Captain Chaos.

Luis Ayala: After his brilliant performance as a closer after Wagner went down, I want him with me.

Jonathon Niese: This kid has some great stuff. Start him off in the pen then work him into the rotation.

Juan Cruz: If the Diamondbacks are stupid enough to let him go, pick him up and walk away. He has an explosive arm, and can chew up innings like a weed whacker.

Kyle Farnsworth: He is only 33 and still throws in the mid to upper 90's. Get him in here and do it now.

Ryan Dempster: Please see Cub's success. If they do not sign him, the Mets should.

I know that there are a few good arms in the organization that can do a better job than those that have come before them. The farm system cannot really be that bad...can they?

Reserves:

Adam Dunn: He wants $10mil per year, offer him $8 and see what happens. 40 HR's and 100RBI's cannot go un-noticed. If Delgado doesn't work out, Adam will.

Craig Cousell. He is a solid pro off of the bench. If I owned a team, I would sign him first.

Kevin Millar: Loose clubhouse and a will to win. Oh....he also has a World Series Ring.

Damion Easley: Solid pro, has occasional power. He can and will play anywhere.

Gustavo Molina: He is a good catcher. I don't have much more than that to say.

The other two spots should be fairly easy to fill. If the Mets stick with me, they can have a great first campaign at CitiField.

Only 153 days till pitcher and catchers report......... I love this game.