Reflecting on the trade(less) deadline
4 p.m. came and went yesterday, and the Mets roster remained unaltered. No Manny, no Jason Bay, no Raul Ibanez, no bullpen help. There is potential for a waiver-based deal before August 31st, but in all likelihood, the current roster is what the Mets are looking at for the remaining two months of the season.
There's no sugar coating this. Omar Minaya failed. The price might have been great, but short of Fernando Martinez, there really shouldn't have been any untouchable elements in the Mets system. This team isn't getting any younger, with Pedro, Carlos Delgado and a number of other older veterans who won't be on this team in a year or two. They have the THIRD oldest average player age in MLB. It's always risky to mortgage the future, but there's no telling what other years will bring. The Mets are in contention in a close division, and they should strike while the iron is hot.
Making due with their current roster may be difficult. Despite the level of their recent play, the vulnerability of their bullpen may be the most troubling problem heading towards the home stretch. The second that Billy Wagner (who has been far from perfect this year himself) went out for a game, the bullpen fell apart in the ninth inning against the Phillies.
The starting pitching is scary as well. Pedro Martinez is making his first start in three weeks, and there's no telling how he's going to hold up. John Maine is having rotator cuff trouble. Ollie Perez is had a great July, but there's no way of knowing his consitency.
The outfield situation is a patchwork, to be kind. Fernando Tatis and Endy Chavez are not everyday starting Major League outfielders, and Ryan Church is an unknown variable, dealing with post-concussion symptoms.
This team is in a world of hurt.
So where is the help coming from? The team will likely look towards some of their more advanced prospects to contribute, much in the same way that Nick Evans and Argenis Reyes have been used over the past month. Potentially look for Chris Aguila or Jesus Feliciano, OF's from AAA New Orleans, or closer Eddie Kunz or Fernando Martinez (the gem of the Mets system) from AA Binghamton.
This team may need another miracle.
-- Tim Fiorvanti
Comments (1)
Let's be honest, besides Manny the best player available two days ago is still available today and he plays our much needed corner outfield postion. That's right folks, his name is Barry Bonds and I don't care how hated he is, or how much collusion between the owners is ongoing. He would be a good addition for the Mets. Everyone is saying how their chemistry is good right now, but that's only because they have been winning. I have been watching just like everyone else and I think our temporary magic is over. The hell with public opinion, what the hell have we got to lose by signing this guy for the league minimum for the rest of the year. Not only is he a better hitter than Ibanez, Bay or Nady, but you can bet he has something to prove. Omar and the Mets front office please wake up from your stupor and make the call. Whatever boos he hears initially at shea will turn to cheers when the balls start flying over the wall.