Much has been made of the Mets seeing if they have what it takes to trade for Johan Santana and signing him to a long term deal. Santana is certainly one of the best pitchers in the game if not the best. And while it would be great to see him taking the mound for the Mets every fifth day, I just don’t see how that vision can ever come to fruition.
Earlier today I read on Matt Cerrone’s Mets Blog, that 23-year-old pitching phenom Tim Lincecum may be available from the San Francisco Giants for a young everyday position player. The young right hander is bursting with talented and was the Giants’ first round pick and 10th overall in 2006. Last season he got a taste of the big leagues after absolutely dominating minor league batters. He went 7-5 with a 4.00 ERA and struck out 150 batters in 146 innings pitched. Even the most conservative of scouts say the sky’s the limit for Lincecum.
So what would be best for the Mets… an ace, or a future ace?
One would cost a ton in players and then another ton in cash to sign him. The other may only cost Lastings Milledge and another prospect.
One is as close to a sure thing as you can get. The other might take a year or two of nurturing before he can fulfill his true potential.
I’m really undecided on this and I would love to hear what you think the Mets should do…
