”Just when I wanted out…they pull me BACK IN!”

Michael Corleone said it best in the Godfather III as the Don of the family who finally wanted to go legit and leave behind his life of crime, murder and corruption. I felt the same way this past MLB draft when the Mets once again – as they have the past few years- proved that the best place to save a buck is telling a young, promising, did I say YOUNG- kid that he’s not worth a few hundred thousand over 3 or 4 years- and decided to reign in spending, placing themselves 20th out of 30 amongst other major league teams.

Here I was thinking, hoping, that just possibly through some minor miracle, or a winning powerball ticket, that the powers that be of the New York Mets would have an epiphany and sign all their draft picks. Like Joe D said, perhaps it’s time to back off the Kool-Aid and wake up.

Earlier this year I wrote a piece on MMO regarding the Mets state of minor league affairs and sadly to say, things never change with this motley crew. Not to come off as a nattering nabob of negativism- and send Bill Safire rolling in his grave- but the Mets are truly becoming as Jeff Pearlman recently stated- the worst franchise in Major League Baseball.

How else can you compare a business that is valued at almost a billion which acts more disjointed and at times laughable that doesn’t have a broken oil rig in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico? Didn’t BP’s CEO say at the time that the oil spill wasn’t really THAT bad in comparison to the big ole’ ocean? Here I thought the sun didn’t rise in England. The Mets are one more embarrassing story away from becoming a TLC reality show.

Now before you say it, the Mets did sign many of their top picks including top pick – pitcher Matt Harvey – albeit at the very last minute- and went over slot on him. Before you pull out the smelling salts you have to weigh it with the rest of the pack that they didn’t sign.

Somehow the brain-trust thought that offering somewhere in the neighborhood of $400 thousand for a high schooler was just too rich for their orange and blue blood- the same blood that was apparently flowing like a hemophiliac at a Twilight convention when Ollie Perez was up for free agency last time. The really sad part about this is that you can’t even blame the Madoff scandal for the Mets paltry draft budget. This has been going on for years.

So once again the Mets find themselves outspent this MLB draft by that powerhouse of a franchise, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Just on principle alone that should make the brain-trust want to pummel a player’s father in law to a pulp but they digress.

I hear that TLC has offered the Mets a prime time slot right up there with Cake Boss and Toddlers and Tiaras. It’s titled 24 Years and Counting. Move over Howard Megdal I hear Jon Gosselin is up for Minaya’s job. This could get ugly.

Sach C has done an impressive job by breaking down the many high school and college prospects recently. It’s a definite must read and I recommend everyone to check those out.

The Mets last two first round picks were in 2008 when they had the 18th pick – Ike Davis and the 22nd pick – Reese Havens. I’ve always been adamant that the Mets need to build from within and draft picks, while always a gamble, can sometimes yield very nice results – the aforementioned Ike Davis being one.

As much as I stress having a stocked farm system, it’s always welcome to have a few teams willing to part ways with a gem or two. As we get closer to the trade deadline of July 31st, the Mets find themselves in the hunt to assemble an elite starting pitching triple punch core , the likes of which are only talked about in that OTHER New York borough. Two ace starting pitchers are on the market.

Roy Oswalt’s non-demand, demand to be traded may have rubbed a few of his fellow Texans on the Astros the wrong way. With a record as of today of 3 – 8 and an ERA slightly over 3, Oswalt, who’s silver bullet is a no-trade clause in his contract, has seen the writing on the wall and yes Houston we have a problem. The Astros are in a serious decline and Roy Oswalt wants a ring. I can’t blame him. He’s option one.

Option two is out on the left coast and plays in the Siberia of baseball, Cliff Lee of the Seattle Mariners. The only thing that would have been worse for Lee, when the National League Champion Phillies traded him this past off season, would have been if Lee’s plane ticket read : one way – Baltimore/Washington International Airport. The TSA probably would have had a few issues that day.

To this day I’m still oddly annoyed at the treatment of Lee by the Phillies. Then again anything the Phillies do tend to annoy me. I realize Roy Halladay is THE stud pitcher in baseball right now but call me sentimental; didn’t Cliff Lee pretty much pitch his gluteus maximus off during his brief tenure?

He went 7 – 4 with an ERA of 3.39 for them last season. The postseason is where he was truly off the charts. He went 4 – 0 with a minuscule 1.56 ERA, winning Philadelphia’s only 2 games in the World Series.

Now I understand the business complexities of baseball but isn’t there something to be said for a little loyalty anymore, especially when it comes to the guy who carried his team’s water in the postseason?

Not only did Philly go out of there way to trade for Halladay, but constructed a four team deal that required Ralphie’s Little Orphan Annie decoder ring to decipher. The result of which supplanted their 2009 postseason “hero” into baseball exile.

Allow me to explain. You ready? You may need to sit for this. The Phillies sent Lee to Seattle then sent prospects – catcher Travis d’Arnaud , pitcher Kyle Drabek and outfielder Michael Taylor to the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays then sent Taylor to the A’s for first baseman Brett Wallace.

In return the Phillies received Halladay, pitching prospects Phillipe Aumont and Juan Ramirez and outfielder Tyson Gillies from Seattle. I almost forgot they also pick pocketed six million in cash from Toronto.

Now I’m not sure if I’m annoyed at Lee’s disrespect by the Phillies, or that the Phillies had the stones to get this done- and who the hell knew Canada had six million dollars just laying around? I mean it’s Canada…really?

Now what does all this mean to the Mets you ask? Great question. First off I’m leaning towards Omar making a move for Lee, as soon as possible. The Mets and just about every other buyer come the July 31st trade deadline, could be in the driver’s seat for Lee.

The Astros still have Oswalt under contract until the end of next year, trading him, in spite of his unhappiness, isn’t a major priority, unless of course he has a major league Oliver Perez style hissy fit in the next few weeks. Now that would just be downright ugly and not to mention would completely lack originality and I’m a man that likes originality baby. There can only be one big A…I mean O and it’s not you Oswalt.

The Mariners gain nothing by keeping Lee for the remainder of this year unless of course they plan on offering him arbitration knowing he’ll decline and in turn score themselves a draft pick. They’re in last place and unless they collectively have a complete out of body experience, it’s going to remain that way.

I find it hard to believe that at 32 years old and to have already tasted postseason play, that Lee will decide to stick around for a few “rebuilding” years in Seattle.

What would it take to pry Lee from Seattle? Not much if Omar plays it right. It’s like a game of poker and Omar knows that Jack Zduriencik, the General Manager of the Mariners, has a weak hand and the river card is about to be dealt.

I could see a deal involving mostly minor leaguers. Perhaps going so far as to offer Fernando Martinez, Brad Holt and perhaps Kirk Nieuwenhuis. I’d be more apt not to let F-Mart go, but I swear every time I hear about another F-Mart injury the name Alex Escobar comes to mind and we all know what a storied career he had.

If Omar really wants to test his creativity and Zduriencik’s will, he could try prying Chone Figgins along with Lee. But let’s not jump ahead of ourselves; that may cost the Mets some serious coin and it’s not like this is Toronto where 6 million clams are sitting around stuck in a zamboni. The key to the deal would be for Omar to do what he did in the Johan Santana trade when he worked out an extension simultaneously.

Imagine a rotation that includes Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and Cliff Lee. Imagine Chone Figgins and Jose Reyes in the same lineup? That my friends, could be a huge advantage and take us to the post season and if you don’t think that deep down Cliff Lee would absolutely love to stick it to the Philadelphia Phillies, then I’d bet my rather impressive MMO salary on it. If by any chance you win, just reach out to Joe D for the payout. I hear he pays in Euro’s.

Josh Thole’s nearest modern-day comparisons aren’t very comparable. Jason Kendall and Brad Ausmus were both great natural receivers, game callers and in his prime Kendall was a 10 HR/20 SB threat. Ausmus never hit for high BA and Kendall only struck out more then 60 times in a season ONCE. Kendall had a decent arm, and Ausmus was lights out throwing out 35% of runners over 1900 games. The closest to home comparison, Paul LoDuca did some things that Thole will probably never likely do, such as a 25 HR/90 RBI anomaly of a season, throw out 40% of runners or be a 4 time All-Star.

The only advantages and similar ties would be age, as LoDuca wasn’t called up until his age 25/26 season and Josh Thole turns 24 this year. However, LoDuca played catcher for years in college and had the tutelage of Mike Piazza to help him along with hitting and receiving. But realistically, with his lack of speed, relatively new approach to catching and 9 career MiLB home runs in nearly 1700 AB’s scream nothing more then singles-hitting catcher who draws walks. Think Luis Castillo…behind the plate. Can the Mets really afford to “punt” a position of power and defense to someone who is above-average or even average at neither of them. This is why i pose this idea

If Yasmani Grandal falls to the Mets at #7 (Which as Sach and others have been reporting, is possible) I believe it is the most prudent decision from a develop a winning-team now standpoint. UNC starter Matt Harvey as well as Georgia starter Deck McGuire are limited-projection, get-what-you-see kind of starters, in the mold of Kevin Mulvey and Phillip Humber, who were total busts. Chris Sale, who could slip this far is another prep-arm, a la Kazmir who has high upside but numerous things that need to be fixed for him to be effective (pitching delivery, managing pitch-count, maintaining velocity, holding runners) makes him a project, possibly not arriving if ever for 3 to 4 years. The Mets team is built to win NOW and any player who could assist in the next 2-3 years latest would be the best additions.

Grandal switch-hits, but its noted that his right-handed swing is rough and looks unnatural. His lefty swing is strong, natural and produces good loft and good power as evidence by his 12 HR and 20 doubles this college season. He is said to be a good receiver, a great throwing arm and as Toby Hyde of MetsMinorLeagueBlog.com mentions “potential to be above-average”. Catcher, as is known is a position where drafting talent period is at a premium, less in fact a power-hitting college catcher.

With some development, he could remain a switch hitter and use his right-handed swing as a more contact/spray side, and his left side as a power, slugger type of build. Or, depending on how he handles minor league pitching scrap the switch hitting entirely to focus on his left-handed approach. It isn’t unfathomable to believe that if drafted, he could be Flushing-bound by 2012, with a cup of coffee in 2011 depending on hitting performance

Catchers have gone early in years of past, and rightfully so. Joe Mauer, Matt Wieters, Buster Posey and to a lesser extent Neil Walker were all drafted for their power-potential, with Wieters and Posey being regarded for such. Walker didn’t stick at catcher, but is a consistent bat playing everyday for the Pittsburgh Pirates. A player who can stick at catcher and can even provide 15-20 HR power is a commodity, that may be much more valuable for years to come then a pitcher who’s upside may be a #3 starter as with McGuire and Harvey.

From a fan’s opinion, developing another home-grown product will help the fan base to side with the team, feeling as if they are growing with the players and not rooting for mercenaries. Grandal covers a position that will need addressing in the future, and would you rather see the next cornerstone catcher, or the next Kevin Mulvey/Phillip Humber type?

Please, Mets. If Grandal is around, draft him.

All the Type A free agents have been accounted for now that Jose Valverde has signed with the Detroit Tigers. Only three Type B free agents remain: Brian Shouse, Rod Barajas and Joel Pineiro. Their former teams will receive a supplemental first round pick once they sign with a new team. 

The last time the Mets had a top ten pick, they selected Mike Pelfrey ninth overall in 2005. Catcher Bryce Harper will most likely be the top pick in a pitching rich draft. Here is a top ten projection:

1. C Bryce Harper
2. RHP Jameson Taillon
3. 3B Nick Castellanos
4. RHP AJ Cole
5. OF Austin Wilson
6. RHP Anthony Ranaudo
7. RHP Karsten Whitson
8. LHP Drew Pomeranz
9. RHP Brandon Workman
10. RHP Stetson Allie

First Round  

1. Nationals
2. Pirates
3. Orioles
4. Royals
5. Indians
6. Diamondbacks
7. Mets
8. Astros
9. Padres
10. Athletics
11. Blue Jays
12. Reds
13. White Sox
14. Brewers
15. Rangers (for failure to sign ‘09 first rounder Matt Purke)
16. Cubs
17. Rays
18. Angels (from Mariners for Type-A Chone Figgins)
19. Astros (from Tigers for Type-A Jose Valverde)
20. Red Sox (from Braves for Type-A Billy Wagner)
21. Twins
22. Rangers
23. Marlins
24. Giants
25. Cardinals
26. Rockies
27. Phillies
28. Dodgers
29. Angels (from Red Sox for Type-A John Lackey)
30. Angels
31. Rays (for failure to sign ‘09 first rounder LeVon Washington)
32. Yankees

Supplemental First Round

1. Blue Jays (for Type-A Marco Scutaro)
2. Braves (for Type-A Mike Gonzalez)
3. Red Sox (for Type-A Jason Bay)
4. Angels (for Type-A John Lackey)
5. Red Sox (for Type-A Billy Wagner)
6. Blue Jays (for failure to sign ‘09 sandwich rounder James Paxton)
7. Angels (for Type-A Chone Figgins)
8. Rays (for Type-B Gregg Zaun)
9. Mariners (for Type-B Adrian Beltre)
10. Tigers (for Type-B Brandon Lyon)
11. Rangers (for Type-B Marlon Byrd)
12. Cardinals (for Type-B Mark DeRosa)
13. Rockies (for Type-B Jason Marquis)
14. Tigers (for Type-B Fernando Rodney)
15. Rangers (for Type-B Ivan Rodriguez)

Second Round

1. Nationals
2. Pirates
3. Braves (from Orioles for Type-A Mike Gonzalez)
4. Royals
5. Indians
6. Diamondbacks
7. Red Sox (from Mets for Type-A Jason Bay)
8. Astros
9. Padres
10. Athletics
11. Blue Jays
12. Reds
13. White Sox
14. Brewers
15. Cubs
16. Rays
17. Mariners
18. Tigers
19. Braves
20. Twins
21. Rangers
22. Blue Jays (for failure to sign ‘09 second rounder Jake Eliopoulos)
23. Marlins
24. Giants
25. Cardinals
26. Rockies
27. Phillies
28. Dodgers
29. Blue Jays (from Red Sox for Type-A Marco Scutaro)
30. Angels
31. Yankees

Third Round

1. Rays (for failure to sign ‘09 second rounder Kenny Diekroeger)
2. Nationals
3. Pirates
4. Orioles
5. Royals
6. Indians
7. Diamondbacks
8. Mets
9. Astros
10. Padres
11. Athletics
12. Blue Jays
13. Reds
14. White Sox
15. Brewers
16. Cubs
17. Rays
18. Mariners
19. Tigers
20. Braves
21. Twins
22. Rangers
23. Marlins
24. Giants
25. Cardinals
26. Rockies
27. Phillies
28. Dodgers
29. Red Sox
30. Angels
31. Yankees

Supplemental Third Round

1. Blue Jays (for failure to sign ‘09 third rounder Jake Barrett)
2. White Sox (for failure to sign ‘09 third rounder Bryan Morgado)
3. Angels (for failure to sign ‘09 third rounder Josh Spence)

Fourth Round (and subsequent rounds)

1. Nationals
2. Pirates
3. Orioles
4. Royals
5. Indians
6. Diamondbacks
7. Mets
8. Astros
9. Padres
10. Athletics
11. Blue Jays
12. Reds
13. White Sox
14. Brewers
15. Cubs
16. Rays
17. Mariners
18. Tigers
19. Braves
20. Twins
21. Rangers
22. Marlins
23. Giants
24. Cardinals
25. Rockies
26. Phillies
27. Dodgers
28. Red Sox
29. Angels
30. Yankees