Strange Days For Met Fans

An article by Joe D    Comments Off

Hi everyone,

I’m finally home again after some badly needed "R&R" and back behind a computer. I hope all of you had a great New Years Day or week, as it was in my case.

What is up with Omar lately? I am really surprised that he didn’t have a contingency plan for not signing Barry Zito. Does he really mean it when he says he’s happy going into the 2007 season with the current rotation? I would have bet anything that it was just a negotiating ploy, but it’s looking more and more like a reality as we loom closer to pitchers and catchers reporting in less than 7 weeks.

I’m starting to wonder if what really transpired this offseason, was a gross miscalculation by Omar and the Mets on the whole Zito situation. I really believe they thought Barry Zito was in the bag. Why else would they have left themselves with little or no backup plan.

As Met fans, we shouldn’t get too worked up about it though. We really do have a lot of promising young arms on the team coupled with a "very" veteran presence with Glavine and El Duque. Plus, it’s still early enough for Omar to pull something significant off before Opening Day.

However, don’t let it be said that our beloved GM rested on his laurels this past week. On the contrary, he did find some time to sign 33 year-old, utility man David Newhan, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles. He can play the outfield or infield and has started games at six positions in the majors. He is as mediocre a hitter as Chris Woodwrad was and is below average, defensively.

So what gives? It feels like we’ve spent an entire offseason trying to fill out our bench spots. I always thought those final roster spots were decided in Spring Training. It doesn’t seem like there will be any competition for starting jobs or reserve jobs this spring for the New York Mets. I don’t know if I’m to keen on this strategy. I’ve always believed that a good position battle brought out the best in an athlete. I don’t think I’m ready to see a bunch of complacent players who are virtually assured of their roles as our best case scenario for a division title defense.  

Seems like it will be a strange Spring Training this year… maybe just as strange as our offseason.