I have put a lot of thought into what our priorities should be this off season and how to build a contender. What do you think of this plan?
I would first pursue a trade, something that shows the FA market that we do actually want to improve this year, i.e. Dexter Fowler. He’s entering the prime of his career and could be an excellent chip toward making our lineup dangerous.
I imagine Daniel Murphy will be gone, (perhaps in this deal) so we’re going to need another #2 hitter, and I think Fowler profiles as that very well. Plus, I’m not sold yet on Juan Lagares in the two hole, I think he fits better as a 6-7 hitter, with the potential to be a number five.
Next, my focus is on Curtis Granderson. He finishes the outfield. He also brings a significant power uptick and fills out about 80% of the home runs the Mets lost via Marlon Byrd/John Buck. You can make him our cleanup hitter, leaving Eric Young Jr. as our leadoff man.
This potentially reduces the price of my third target. Jhonny Peralta said he wants big money and to play for a contender. I think showing him we mean business along with our plan for the future will make him view us as a legit destination for the next 3-4 years.
As far as the veteran pitcher is concerned, I’ve been hoping for Roy Halladay since August. He will greatly aid our youth, specifically Thor in my opinion, and I think that alone makes him worth the investment.
I’m not shooting for a World Series right now. While it would be nice, I think a good 85+ win season will show next year’s free agents the Mets are prepared to be good for many years to come, and thus make us more enticing for them. I think this lineup and rotation could do the job next season…
Starting Lineup
- Eric Young Jr. – 2B
- Dexter Fowler – RF
- David Wright – 3B
- Curtis Granderson – LF
- Lucas Duda – 1B
- Jhonny Peralta – SS
- Juan Lagares – CF
- Travis d’Arnaud – C
Rotation
- Zack Wheeler
- Dillon Gee
- Jon Niese
- Roy Halladay
- Place holder for Thor/Montero
For the first time in a long time I’m not worried about our bullpen.
I think we’re on the cusp of something great here.
How do Met fans feel about this?
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This Fan Shot was contributed by MMO reader, Kevin. Have something you want to say about the Mets? Share your opinions with over 22,000 Mets fans who read this site daily. Send your Fan Shot to [email protected]. Or ask us about becoming a regular contributor.
