New York Mets Mr Potato Head

Based on WFAN callers and baseball message board forums, Mets fans are extremely angry at GM Omar Minaya for not making any major trades or free agent signings in the 2009 offseason. (Although Jason Bay remains a possibility, since he has a deal on the table from the Mets.) Now, the Mets had a horrible, horrible 2009 season, mostly due to everyone being on the DL, but also due to poor management and front office issues. Citi Field was a bust in its first year, while New Yankee Stadium hosted its first World Championship. There is no comparison between the Yankees and Mets at this point.

Here’s a list of New York Mets moves this offseason:

They let their free agents walk: guys like Carlos Delgado, Gary Sheffield, JJ Putz, Fernando Tatis, etc. Since the Mets only have an outside shot to win the Wild Card next year, I agree with these non-moves. They certainly don’t please Mets season ticket holders, but…{shrug}…why pay big salaries for a 2010 club that may be lucky to finish .500?

They signed backup catchers (Chris Coste and Henry Blanco). This was met with the collective GROAN from Mets fans. I mean, who cares about these guys, right? That showed me that the Mets Hierarchy isMAILING IT IN for 2010, so Mets fans should just accept it and try to have fun with 2010, just like Marlins fans have fun with their seasons every year.

They signed Clint Everts. I have no idea who this pitcher is, but I do know he looks like a natural with that Mets cap and facial hair.

The Mets signed Ryota Igarashi from the Japanese Central League. He had great stats there. Of course, every Japanese pitcher has great stats there.

Omar’s Christmas gift for Mets fans was Kelvim Escobar. The oft-injured former Angels starter has now been relegated to the bullpen since his arm may fall off at any time. It’s low risk/high reward. But more than likely, he’ll be on the DL again.

MEANWHILE, the Yankees got brought back Andy Pettitte, traded for Curtis Granderson, signed Nick Johnson, and traded for Javier Vazquez (who would have been a perfect fit for the Mets, by the way).

And that’s the problem with Mets fans and Mets bashers: you just can’t help but compare the two NY teams. The real problem, however, has been the Mets Heirarchy, since it always tried to mimic the Yankees’ moves and high priced free agent signings.

Yet this seems to be one offseason where the Mets are staying pat. Not signing Vladimir Guerrero, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, John Lackey, and Jason Giambi this year are good things for the Mets. They need a year to regroup, see which minor leaguers can make the team, and maybe go strong in 2011 and try to get Joe Mauer as a free agent, or Josh Beckett.

Brian Cashman made moves that were unpredictable this offseason, and pulled off some complicated trades. I don’t think Omar Minaya is competant enough to do that. I don’t think the Mets really have a plan, but that’s okay- if they spent money on Lackey and Vlad and Troy Glaus it would have been laughable and a feeble attempt to make a showing in 2010.

Look, I understand if you’re a Mets fan, it’s frustrating that your team is not making a bunch of moves this winter, and that the hot stove is a cold stove, and unplugged. But you also have to understand- 1) you are going to watch the Mets on TV, no matter what happens; and 2) the Mets weren’t going to win anything in 2010 anyway.

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