17
2011
What Are the Top Priorities for the Off-Season (After Reyes)?
An article by 
Now that the Mets are officially eliminated from playoff contention this year, its time that we start thinking ahead towards the off-season, and what the Mets might do to rebuild this team for 2012, and (possibly) beyond.
With the Mets rebuilding for 2012, there are some priorities that the team needs to address first, and foremost. We should all know by now that the top priority for this off-season will be to resign the Mets offensive catalyst, Jose Reyes. But when the Reyes extension saga is finally over, what other priority will be tops on the Mets priority list? We could possibly hear the team going after a closer, a catcher, an outfielder (or someone who can play center-field if Pagan is non-tendered), and relievers.
In my opinion, I believe that the top priority the Mets are going to need to address for 2012 is a closer. The Mets have tried to have Parnell close, but that plan ultimately backfired on them. They have used Isringhausen, but he has been ineffective at times, and has been hurt. They have used Acosta to close and that didn’t work out either. Really this team is going to need to look at getting someone who to me, is younger, and can handle the pressure that comes with closing out the game, and securing the win.
Your thoughts?
About the Author: Brandon Butler
Brandon is currently a MMO Minor League Staff Writer. He is also the co-host of the Mets Madness Podcast on Talkshoe Radio. Brandon lives in Hornell, NY.
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Get a healthy starter first then worry about a closer. Ain’t no need for a closer if you’re not winning the game in the first place.
I would sign a HEALTHY starter and I’m sure there will be somebody out there for a reasonable amount. Because if you sign a healthy starter than you can move Capuano to the bullpen.
That way you take care of 2 problem spots with one move. They can always go back and spot start Cap in a pinch.
We might have the worst bp in baseball, needs to be upgraded bigtime. Closer and set up guy at least. Brydak the only guarantee in the bullpen. Parnell has zero command, he’s a con’t work in progress not a closer. Yes, I’d like to sign a starting pitcher also, at worst a solid#3 but hopefully better (then Santana , Dickey,Niese and (cap, Pelf gee tbd..)
I’d like Reyes back but honestly I’d be just as happy w Tejeda at SS and sign another offensive player to a 5yr $18mill ..
If possible I’d like Pagan to be pa-gone, and upgrade cf, but free agents weak wud have to be done by trade
My priority is Reyes or another big offensive player, closer and pen, a starter–but it’s so early sooo many ways to go and improve this offseason should be fun
1 – Ptching
2 – More Pitching
3 – Even more Pitching
4 – While your at it get Pitching
5 – Then look for Pitching!
And if you can’t find any of that find a taker for Jason Bay!
Yes this answer is a joke!
But what is said in jest…..
Very creative post Metsie LOL. Remember the old saying “you can never have too much pitching”….
LOL Brandon…
You posts probably deserved a more serious answer but the truth of the matter is to me with better pitching this team as is might have competed if it stayed healthy.
No we don’t have ideal guys at every position but other than CF, C and LF you really can’t complain about what is there!
with Reyes in the fold you have your entire IF sorted out with players to spare! (Trade bait!)
And while Bay has been disappointing I don’t see him being replaced anytime soon lets just hope he thinks it’s September in April and hits like it!
Pagan has his moments where you love him and then want to shoot him. But he isn’t the worst CF we ever had!
So really it comes down to getting as much pitching as we can to hold us until the MiL arms are ripe for picking.
And that should be our priority the second they know what Reyes is going to be playing!
Besides More Pitching How about a better Medical staff and training staff to reduce injuries and conditioning of the players. Get more money ( investor) or settle that legal problems.
I say improve BP and if he can get someone that can close or compete for closer but with Santana returning and Niese, R.A, Gee and either Pelf or Cap, if re-signed, then maybe another starter but with the return of Ike and Murph Mets have the weapons to score, they were tops in OBP this year, though RISP, was a problem they need to work on defense also.
If Santana’s shoulder can’t handle starting, I could see him closing.
1 Reyes – We need Reyes. 6×18 should get it done.
2 Closer and bullpen revamp. Matt Capps comes to mind at a resonable price. Maybe Bell if it’s not too many years since our first round pick is protected.
3 CJ Wilson IF you can get him for a resonable deal. If not hope that santana/RA/niese/gee/Cappy and whoever of the youngsters who get promoted to hold down the fort. We have a lot of pitching coming so only sign him if it makes sense.
Now, this is the kicker. If the dodgers are still in a mess I say try and do the following trade if it’s workable.
Dodgers give Mets Matt Kemp (contingent on him signing an extension)
Mets give Murph who could play 1st there. Mejia who is a top shelf prospect who is a little further away from the majors because of TJ. 2-3 other minor leaguers (Harvy, Wheeler, Familia Havens are only untouchables.) and Jason Bay with a years worth of his salary. This way you can realign the outfield with Pagan in right, Kemp in center and Duda in left.
Mets starting position players for 2012
1 Reyes – SS – S
2 Pagan – RF – S
3 Kemp – CF – R
4 Davis – 1B – L
5 Wright – 3B – R
6 Duda – LF – L
7 Havens – 2B – L
8 Thole – C – L
Bottom of the lineup is a little lefty heavy but if Palino is playing you can slide him in at 7 move Havens to 8 and that’s what I call a ballanced lineup. Let this team gel for a very competitive 2012 have some of the young aces break in and be all set to go for dominance from 2013.
Capps is a type A. So that will be a no.
CJ, I’m all for signing, but it’s a long shot.
As for Kemp… Yeah, he’s solid, but looking at this from the Dodgers perspective, I think they’d spit out their mocha latte frappachino and convulse in laughter at that. Murphy, Mejia (coming off TJ and yet to pitch), Bay and 2 other prospects for Kemp, who’s arguably an MVP candidate? Would be nice, I’d take it in a second as a Met fan but I’d think my money would be better spent playing the lottery than betting on that happening.
As for your lineup, I’d go Reyes, Wright, Davis, Kemp, Duda, Pagan, Havens/turner/tejada, thole… But that being said, I’m not see much of the above happening.
CJ would be a Type A also. Not sure if you’re against Type As or just Type A closers.
Yeah, I was a coin flip on him due to that, but I think he’d be worth it. And I believe Mets 1st rounder is protected so you’d only be losing a 2nd rounder (well worth that).
As for Capps (or Paps or comparable), not ready to put big money into that position when I feel Mejia will be that guy down the road. So Nathan on a 1 or 2 year deal is well worth the money vs. Capps or another at 3 or 4 years.
I wouldn’t mind CJ, but I’d almost never spend a draft pick on a reliever. Those pitchers are way too fickle to invest anything long-term. The contract might not be, but the high round draft pick given up could be in the new team’s future plans for 8-10 years befor even hitting free agency.
Havens an untouchable? He hasn’t played a full season without injury yet and he’s untouchable.No one in this organization should be untouchable.
I think Sandy needs to bring in at least 1 solid SP and at least 2 bullpen pieces- a closer and a solid support reliever. I’m hoping Sandy and his staff can identify and trade for a good under the radar SP that might thrive at Citifield like the Tigers did with Doug Fister. I don’t want either Mike Pelfrey or Chris Cappy back. The buzz around Cappy is that he wants a guaranteed contract next season (no incentive laden deal like this yr.) because he stood healthy all season and wants to be paid based on his ML tenure which is at least 5MM per, plus is also looking for 2 yrs., so I don’t think he’s a fit for Sandy and the Mets headed forward. As for closer, 2 names to keep in mind are Tyler Clippard of the Nats in a trade and Jason Frasor as a FA because of the Ricciardi/Blue Jay connection. I know that the Nats GM Mike Rizzo wants to acquire an athetic, top of the order,SB CF this offseason so a trade of Angel Pagan for Tyler Clippard might make sense for both teams. Then Sandy would sign Rick Ankiel for 1 yr. as a FA for CF. As for Frasor, Jason in 2009 did a credible job as the Blue Jays part-time closer- 11SV out of 14SVO, 2.50 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 56SO 16BB. Jason has an expensive 3.75 MM option for next season that the White Sox are probably going to decline because they are looking to cut payroll.
Pagan in a bad year is better than Ankiel in a good one though and I think there is a very good chance of Pagan having a good walk year next season, leaving us with a better job in CF in 2012 and a supplementary round pick in 2013 which could turn into another good player.
Ankiel has looked better against us than anyone else and even his best is worse than Pagan’s worst.
at least 1 solid (healthy) SP, and some better BP arms, at least 1 of which needs to be able to close.
next to that, a C upgrade would be nice (but not easy to find)
And prioritize figuring out a way to move Bay out.
I totally agree. The rate at which they have blown save situations is sickening. With Santana coming back, they should bring back capuano and try to get pelfrey back to form from a couple years ago. Just as Jose sets the pace for the offense, I think Santana brings that to the rotation. Getting a closer and then going after a catcher and outfielder should be top priority.
I’d say SP, then closer.
Ideally CJ (prob ain’t happening) or E jax. I can’t see this happening if they tender Pelf a contract.
Closer looks to be Nathan, in my mind. I can’t see them shooting for a Type A and Nathan as a 4 mil+ incentives seems right up the Mets alley.
2B is internal
C is a mess FA wise and unless there is a trade, just re-sign Paulino
3ish BP arms – Figuring Parnell, Herrera, Beato, Stinson or another inhouse option + Nathan, Loogy and another.
CF they’ll probably just roll with Pagan.
All in all, it’s not looking pretty for next year, though we could see Havens & Harvey up with the team come July, which would be solid.
Trades make all the above moot, and as ANY has mentioned before, that very well be the way Alderson goes to make this team better. The FA’s aren’t all that impressive and there are many players that are banging on the door of the 40 man roster that could be used as trade chips.
To keep it simple, before you need a competent closer you need a reliable starting rotation and middle relievers who can get you to a save situation. Without those pieces in place, there is no need to go crazy looking for a closer because we won’t be winning any games anyway. So I say the top needs are at least 1 SP and 2 RP’s. Oh yeah, please send Carrasco packing during the off-season.
Getting a first rate closer on the free agent market (if one is available) is going to cost big money and I really don’t think that it will happen. The big money if it exists will go to Reyes. The idea of having John Franco mentoring Bobby Parnell is a good one and if it the team saves a bundle. If Reyes doesn’t resign then the closer issue becomes a different one. They could look for a successful setup guy who has shown the mental toughness necessary for the closer role.
As mentioned in another posting today on this site, The Mets will be looking to sign Jose Reyes quickly and not have him test the free agent offers first. They don’t want a bidding war that gets out of hand. That would be foolish for a team that has question marks with injured players (Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy, Johann Santana) and some other holes.