I have to admit, when A-Rod, or actually Scott Boras, announced that he was opting out of his contract with the Yankees, I never imagined the Mets would be a potential suitor for his services. It just seemed to be an impossible fit. Sure paying $300-$400 million to Rodriguez over the next dozen years is enough to scare away any club, regardless of its financial resources. But it wasn't the money that discouraged me.
Finding a spot for him is the biggest obstacle. It's not like the Mets just have anybody playing third base and shortstop. It's David Wright and Jose Reyes, the two young stars this team is supposed to be building around as the Mets move into Citi Field in 2009 and beyond. Reyes isn't going anywhere -- not to another team, and not back to second base, the ill-fated experiment that nearly crippled his career back in 2004.
But moving Wright, despite his team-first attitude, is a terrible idea. Wright is still only 24, played his entire life at third base and should be the next captain of the Mets. True, he doesn't have a great arm at third, but Wright's surprising agility and quick hands help him get to a lot of balls. Wright is not the problem with the Mets, and not why they couldn't hold a seven-game lead with 17 to play in September, so uprooting him should not be part of the solution.
Who knows what effect the position switch would have on his offensive numbers? If he's constantly thinking about his footwork at first base, or the botched play the inning before, it's going to bother him at the plate. Wright, a hard worker and perfectionist, cares too much for that not to happen.
That said, in my mind, the Mets will definitely make a push for A-Rod. I don't agree with it, despite Rodriguez's immense talent and star power, but the Mets probably believe Boras' recent claims that his client energized the YES network all by himself. Kind of what Jerry Seinfeld did for NBC after the Must-See TV days of Family Ties, Cheers and Hill Street Blues disappeared.
If the Mets must have A-Rod, the smart move would be to put Wright in leftfield, but that seems out of the question now that Moises Alou's $7.5-million option has been picked up. I don't like the idea of switching Wright to second base at all. It's a whole different vantage point from over there and even good shortstops can take a while to adjust to life on the other side of the bag. I see that as disastrous, especially for a team that should have World Series aspirations every season. Obviously, the Mets are not heading into a rebuilding year.
The only remaining option is to trade Carlos Delgado, and it looks like the Mets are prepared to do that. Not only did he have a down year offensively, but Delgado shriveled in the spotlight when the Mets were looking for leaders down the stretch. And hiding in the back rooms of the clubhouse to leave guys like David Wright and his friend, Carlos Beltran, to take all of the media heat was cowardly. I'm sorry, but stepping up to the microphones and TV cameras is part of the job in New York and Delgado was a no-show far too often. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he wants out after his disdain for the media.
Finding a taker for Delgado could be difficult, however, and it won't happen unless the Mets a) swallow a large chunk of that contact or b) are willing to accept very little in return. Delgado did hit 24 home runs this season, but his .258 batting average was the lowest of his career since he began playing full-time in 1996. It's going to have to be an AL team, too, so Delgado can DH.
That's quite a task for GM Omar Minaya and COO Jeff Wilpon. Figuring out a way to come up with the cash for A-Rod and trade Delgado as well. One can't be done without the other, and even then, I'm not sure if the Mets will be a better team for it. The Yankees never made it to the World Series with A-Rod and didn't even survive the first round in his last three years. It wasn't all A-Rod's fault, that's for sure. But seems like an odd coincidence nonetheless.
Comments (43)
You bring up some interesting points here David.
I think moving D. Wright to first wouldn't be as traumatic as you make it out to be, and while a learning curve is expected, Wright's youth and athleticism will help him adapt faster than you think.
I believe Delgado will be shopped this winter to an AL club looking for a DH regardless. All of your observations of him were right on and I believe the Mets are willing to make that move with one year left on that fat contract.
Pursuing A-Rod is a good idea for the Mets. The price tag will be high, no doubt, but I believe that A-Rod does pay for himself at the gate, by the added revenue he will generate at SNY, merchandising, et al. One thing to remember is that fans are forgiving. The will come to watch him play, they will buy jerseys with his name and number on it, and they will cheer him everytime he hits a home run or key hit. And all it takes to make it all worth it is ONE championship. One championship for a 45 year old club with only two championships under its belt, and a history "What if's" and "Oh, so closes" is far different than one more championship for a club that has already won 26 and has a storied history rich in tradition.
Just my two cents worth. Keep up the great BLOG.
Of course the Mets should go after A-Rod. Forget about pitching this offseason, there aren't any big-time FA pitchers who will improve the rotation/bullpen, anyway. So you just have to take a chance on Colon/Garcia/Benson in the rotation and maybe a guy like Dotel or Riske in the bullpen. Neither would preclude the Mets from adding A-Rod. And remember - if they don't bring back Castillo, Green, Glavine and Lo Duca (the sensible thing to do), they can sign A-Rod and still have enough money available next offseason to pursue Santana, Sabathia, or Peavey. Remember - the contracts of Delgado, Pedro, and El Duque are up after next year.
Wright can absolutely play 2nd. Why ? Because Jeff Kent has played 2nd. That's enough for me. And Luis Castillo's range at 2B is horribly overrated. Wright seemingly has been wiling to take one for the team and move to accomodate A-Rod, and people don't want to take advantage of that...why ? He's offering the Mets a chance to make one of the biggest offensive upgrades in the history of baseball (Castillo-to-A-Rod) - take it ! Enough of this BS "position chances hurt team unity and the offensive production of that player". Anyone who thinks Reyes hit .255 in 2004 because he was playing 2B and not SS simply doesn't know baseball.
The switch did not nearly "cripple his career", that moronic running style Jim Duquette's people tried to teach Reyes nearly crippled his career.
A-Rod makes a ton of sense for the Mets. He instantly gives them the top lineup in the NL, he's still in his prime, your 3B is willing to switch positions, and you do not need to ignore pitching to add him.
For the Met fans who don't want him, what pitcher are you in love with in free agency who the Mets should pursue instead of A-Rod. Carlos Silva ? Kyle Lohse ? Give me a break.
I'm sorry - why is RF not an option for a good 3b? Milledge can and should be packaged with Maine for a better pitcher.
And I think that you can't dismiss "offhand" a Reyes-Santana trade coupled with an AROD signing. HIGHLY unlikely, but IS a scenario whereby the Mets would trade Reyes I believe.
Milledge will probably be packaged in a deal for a pitcher this winter. The question is, did he do enough this year to repair the image held by many outside the organization? We all know that Andy Bean in Oakland loves the guy, so is there something there? Can he be part of a package that can be presented to the Marlins for Willis?
I agree that the pitching options available in free agency this year are less than desireable, so a trade is the way to go... but it takes two to tango. Finding a fit and a willing partner will be Omar's toughest job.
The Twins are not dealing Santana. They're having a new stadium built FOR them, they can't cut payroll when they're not footing a significant part of the bill. They will make a run at it in 2008 with Santana and Liriano (if he's healthy), and offer the highest contract they can to Santana when it's time to negotiate.
Maine is fine - he's not the problem. He won 15 games despite a 2nd half struggle which can be attributed to not having thrown that many innings ever before. The Mets absolutely should keep both him and Milledge. If Willie would commit to Milledge as his RF, it would pay huge dividends for the Mets. With all the manufactured controversy surrounding Milledge since he's been here, you tend to forget that he's only 22. Chase Utley, who posted a lower OPS than Milledge in their respective rookie seasons, played his rookie season at 25 years of age.
Unless you're getting a legit top-line pitcher and wouldn't have to give up much else, you cannot deal Milledge. To give some perspective - the Mets would be nuts to deal Milledge for Joe Blanton.
Milledge for Willis would be another horrendous trade. What has Willis ever done other than fool hitters for a couple of seasons with his jerky motion ? Teams are catching up to him now, and you'll seeing the results. Poor control and mediocre stuff. Couldn't even get the win in that final game at Shea despite being spotted a 7 run lead.
No to Willis-for-Milledge.
Lot's of talented young players (and veterans for that matter) have changed positions throughout their careers. If you have the opportunity to add one of the best offensive players of this generation, you do it. As far as on-field implications, tt's a no-brainer. The question becomes, will ownership pay A-Rod and still be willing to build the team around him. Yes, there is a lot of money coming off the books in the next 2-3 years, but those players will all have top be replaced or re-signed. If the Wilpon's are willing to spend the revenues that SNY and Citifield will bring in, I say go for it.
If Milledge goes to Oakland it had damn sure better be for Haren.
Don't want him: a) I am thoroughly sick of living with the endless Rodriguez soap opera - and I don't even pay attention to the Yankees. If he came to the Mets it would be nearly unbearable. b)I detest the "win now at all costs/money is no object/lets buy a championship" mentality. The biggest Mets accomplishment in the past 18 years is growing a left side of the infield that we can proudly anticipate enjoying for a long time to come. Leave it alone. The team failed last year because Delgado and LoDuca showed their age, the outfield was decimated by injuries, and the relief pitching wore down. Rodriguez solves none of those problems, and will likely create new ones. (Not to mention the fact that with the Mets luck he would transition to the NL about as well as Alomar.)We don't need a big time free agent (and the resulting loss of a first round draft pick). We don't need to trade half our young talent for a single pitcher. How about just giving Milledge, Gomez, Martinez, Pelfrey, Humber etal a chance to develop into what Reyes and Wright already are. I don't care if we win any given year, I care about having a consistently competetive and entertaining team filed with people whom you genuinely wish to see succeed.
If the METS can AFFORD A-Rod, then why not??? Moving Wright to 1B would be great and David would and could do it. David would be an ALL-STAR 1B and A-ROD would be an ALL-STAR 3B. And Good Bye oft injured or slumping Delgado. Adding 150 RBIs to a team is NEVER bad. I say GET A-ROD.
You know, Mike, you hit the nail on the head with your astute observations and reasons for the Mets' collapse. But if you believe that nonsense that you "don't care if we win any given year" and "care about having a consistently competitive and entertaining team" with players "whom you genuinely wish to see succeed", then you need to move to Pittsburgh or here in San Diego. I can tell you that it sucks. The management philosophy here is just that, and it is terrible.
The Mets are in a truly genuine position because they are the National League team representing New York City. The are also struggling to get out of the shadow of a true giant that is the NY Yankees. They will ALWAYS be the "redheaded stepchild" in that market. That is part of the dynamics involved with fielding a team in New York, and there is no getting around it. Being entertaining and competitive doesn't pay the bills. You have to make bold moves to win market share. You have to do your best to field a "Championship"caliber team. You have to build a sports network and stadium just to keep pace.
Omar knows this, and the Wilpons have come to realize this. While you might not agree, there is a huge market out there that does.
Yes, yes, keep A-Rot in New York where Yankees fans will torture him to death. We will make absolutely certain this dishonorable, greedy, self-centered, lying, cheating egotist is miserable. Mets will be his 4th team in the last 10 years. Do you really think you can make him happy? You'll have A-Rot but you won't have a World Series win. That's guaranteed.
I don't believe Mets fans need A-rot to come to their ballpark. Mets fans love their team in the best of times and worst of times. To say that A-Rot will make your team more popular or improve your TV standings or bring more fans to the ballpark is insulting to Mets fans. Boras is such a bull$hitting spin doctor, it's sickening.
Actually, what I think would be torture is for A-Rod to win a WS Championship with ANY team... but it would REALLY hurt if that team were the Mets.
And to all the Boras Bashers..... what's got you so upset? The man does his job. He's better prepared than every GM, he represents his clients like no other agent, and he wins. Kinda reminds me of how the rest of us used to feel about King George Steinbrenner, the Heir (Hank) and the Spare (Hal).
Adding the Game's greatest Me guy would be a major mistake for the Mets. Arod will never win a championship. (Come on in NY he was surrounded with a 200 million payroll and allstars and he still couldn't win a championship. He is a loser, yse he will put up numbers, that's it. He can collect MVP trophies forever and never win the big one. The Mets are fine with Reyes and Wright and should spend their money on pitching. David Wright doesn't need to move for AROD, just as Jeter didn't need to move. If AROD wants in move to 1st, he wouldn't have to make any throws and he could continue to juice and get bigger. Bad idea to bring AROD across town, Phillips had it right when he passed on the prima donna last time, Wilpon's should pass on him this time. And certainly Boras needs to use the MEts for leverage as he won't be able to use the Yanks pocketbook to inflate the numbers. Hopefully the Mets can see through this ploy
A-Rod back in Ny? Not worth it. Heres why: The media will have a field day with him if the Mets reach the playoffs and he fails. The price is right, but he's going to avoid it. Trust me
NO!
forget moving wright to first. move him to second base. he would be a monster at second. he would produce enormous numbers from a weak position, a better jeff kent.
I love how Yankees fans now attribute the reason they couldn't win a WS was b/c A-Rod was on their team when clearly about a week ago any Yankee fan would have admitted that the Yankees would have missed the post season without A-Rod's tremendous season.
No A-Rod please. What a head case. I've been a diehard Mets fan for decades and the thought of him in a Mets uniform makes me sick. We don't need him and his self-centered mentality 350 mil minimum bid to get a conversation with the great Boras. No thanks, no thank you; I don't care how good A-Rod is with the bat. Good character is everything, and A-Rod is way too lacking there.
Candyman, you are mistaken, respectfully. Yankees fans do not attribute the reason we didn't make the WS to A-Rot (it's a team thing). What we are saying is that he did not succeed in bringing us to the WS -- which isn't be a problem until he demands a $350 million, 10 year contract. If you demand a king's ransom, you'd better be prepared to say you have single-handedly carried the team to the World Series. Otherwise, $27 million a year for 3 more years is sufficient.
i know this is stupid to say and really means nothing when compared to winning a world series but a move for wright to any position but prob second and of would possibly end him starting an all-star game for a while which i think also means a lot to him...but then again if arod goes to a different nl team to play 3rd wright can also wave goodbye to starting at 3rd for a long time.
Pay-God (aka A-Rot) is bragging about his big numbers this year as though being on the best offensive team with the most home runs and greatest number of hits in the entire MLB didn't help him. How many extra at-bats did Pay-God get to enable him to hit some extra home runs? How many home runs were game winners? (sure, there were a few, but it's safe to assume his replacement would have come up with some game-winning runs as well since the Yankees recruit some of the best players).
How many times were Jeter, Damon, Abreu (and sometimes Cano) on base waiting for Pay-God to drive in their runs. His replacement might have gotten more clutch hits even though his numbers wouldn't be as numerous as Pay-God.
As a Yankees fan, this is my first visit here. I'm curious about the Met fan reaction to Pay-God and I would never post otherwise. But I just want Met fans to know this is not about disliking the Mets (because I don't)-- it's totally about hating this egocentric one-man side show (he's not a team player). I'm hoping no team picks him up unless he takes a pay cut. He's turning baseball into a circus. His actions during the WS are inexcusable (and he's responsible for the actions of his agent and he made that timely decision, not Boras -- no excuses for Pay-God).
If Arod will sign for a "reasonable" amount, great - he can take pressure off everyone else to be the main man. If he needs more salary per yr than the combined amounts of some starting teams, all US Senators combined, then go back to TX. Moving David to 2b would be idiotic. Any injury suffered trying to turn two would a disaster and a lightning rod for criticism. Let Arod play OF or 1b. Also -no more give aways of our young talent. kazmir, bannister, bell, lindstrom, owen - enough already.
As much as i say i dont want Arod on the Mets because i cant stomach giving a guy 300 million dollars to play ball. I have to admit i do want him here. The guy is an offensive GOD. He will pay for himself no doubt about it. I think David playin 1st would improve his career. I am ready to let Delgado go even though i think he still has 2 to 3 good offensive years left. Back in the AL. Perfect fit for him is the Angels. I still think pitching wins championships but on the current market the FA are weak. No one is going to trade you an ace either. I would not be dissapointed if AROD IS NOT ON THE Mets at all but i would be excited to see if he is. A change has to be made on this team in a couple of areas. First base, Milledge either is your RF or trade him and no more than one more year with LoDuca. As for the pen Sanchez will finally be back and i believe he will be healthy. Dump Mota. I think Schoenweis will be better as well as Feliciano's melt down in the end of the season. As far as Heilman either make him your no. 5 starter or package him in with Gotay for a young and upcoming starter. Ohh I forgot about EL Duque.... Bullpen.. NO dout..
This would be one of the worst mistakes in Mets history. For the past 20 years I have heard Mets fans comlaining that we didn't have any homegrown players, that we needed cornerstones, etc. etc. Now we have them and everyone can't wait to change their positions and take away their pride. How about we build around our cornerstones instead of spending 1/4 of our payroll to build on top of them.
This team needs pitching, not another bat. Arod is a cancer who would kill this team and would kill my love for them. Please, please don't sign him Mr. Minya.
(p.s. we don't want Posada either).
Trade Delgado to the Yankees for Darrell Rasner and 1-2 "B" or "C" level prospects. Yankees can afford his contract and his lefty power bat would have a resurgence with the RF porch in Yankee Stadium. He can play 1st along with Andy Phillips.
Move Wright to 1st and get Arod.
Arod is an ahole but the infield would be set for the next 6 years+
Then you can go after your starter -- bearing in mind that santana will be hard to shake lose with what the Mets have to trade. So that leaves the Mets trying to trade for a starter or picking up one via free agency.
Sign Castillo and Lo Duca back and you have a great tram on paper for 2007 (even without nabbing a stud starter).
I agree with you completely, Ken. One would have thought Mets' management would have learned their lesson from the disastrous Reyes switch to 2B a couple years ago. Another point, despite his singular talent, A-Rod is exactly the kind of player the Mets do not need at this stage of their development. There is no reason to think they will not be a playoff team next year with all their talent and resources. Therefore, what they need to be looking for are players who will perform down the stretch and in the playoffs. This is what Boston has done so well in getting (and holding on)to Schilling, Beckett, Manny, etc. And, of course, everyone knows A-Rod record in the post season.
Let's go Rangers!
Let's go Rangers!
Couple things, Mets are being used to raise the bidding by Boras, maybe he hands them someone down the road. But they are not in the mix, and Arod would never leave the Bronx and stay in NYC. He could not eat with his family in peace.
Second, I do not want any known Yanks. Would not bid on Posada/Riveria etc. They are the bad guys, don't want them in my clubhouse.
Third, Guido, how old are you? Your comments about NYC baseball are a bit naive, were you a fan in the 80's? It was our town, Big Stein's tantrums were laughed at. Donny the Dodger was the lone attraction. The road back to NY baseball supremacy is not paved with Arods. It's a team game. The contract required to bring him to Shea/Citi would be subtraction by addition.
Last, the Twins would be insane to hold Santana. The team is largely intact and looks like a third place squad in that division. A Draft pick for the best pitcher in baseball? Seriously, that is insane. It's also not how they've contended in the past. That said, the Mets do not have the pieces to enter that fray. Just hope he does not sign a deal with the acquirer. Then Omar can go to town.
Rest easy, Hank and Hal will bring the flames back to the Bronx, without the trophies.
How about a bad contract swap with the Rangers. They need a 1B and could get rid of Vicente Padillas contract in this swap with little money being exchanged in the deal. This could open 1B for wright and get us a pitcher who could rebound a bolster the mets staff.
Delgado has to go. I don't care if the Mets have to pay his whole salary to get him out of NY. Remember, He turns his back on the Flag when "God Bless America" is sung at the park. He also failed to show any leadership at all this year. He was hiding from the media and avoiding any questions.
I say put A-Rod at 1st base, and Package Delgadud with Milledge, Heilman, Collazo, and A. Hernandez to the Twins for Santana. But, Santana needs to sign an extention 1st. Milledge could replace Hunter in centerfield, Delgadud to DH, Heilman gets to be a starter, A. Hernandez replaces Castillo at second, and Collazo is a young left handed reliever that will help the Twins.
We have a lot of fantacy baseball writers today. As a long time mets fan since the days of Matlock, Seaver, Koosman, and Torre, I rather have my Mets be cellar dwellers then sign A-ROD. yes he is a good player, without a doubt. But what has he done for his teams? Since he left Seattle, he made Texas into a perannial last place team because they couldn`t afford signing or trading for a few good pitchers. With the Yankees he divided the team in such a way that they never had a chance to go far in the post season. Secondly why move Wright? He is improving each year. Yes Delgado disappeared this past season, I personally associate his poor season for not building wrist and elbow strength after off season surgery in the 2006/2007 offseason. I really do believe that Delgado has at least 2 more good years in him. Mets need to concentrate on Pitching and pitching alone. they do not need more offense. So lets leave A-Rod as just that a Fantacy. Let him ruin so other team.
What I don't understand is why Alou has to remain in left field.? Why can't you move him to right field, move Wright to left field and bring in A-Rod to play 3rd? It seems the most sensible move as well as the least disruptive to me and is really not a big deal. For Alou, is playing left field any more prestigious than right field? Is he anymore of a defensive liability right field than left?
For Alou the question has to be what is more important to him: winning a World Series or playing a specific outfield position.
This isn't just anybody we;re taking about, this is Alex Rodriguez, the best player of his generation and one of the top 5 in the history of the game. You're bringing in a guy who is going to hit 50 HRs and drive in 140+ RBIs. He is the premire hitter in the game. A-Rod determines the balance of power in the NL Aast for the next 5-10 years. You could have a core of Wright Reyes Bekltran and A-Rod to build around for the next 5 - 10 years.
Everyone is making such a big deal of moving positions, but it's really solved pretty easily.
To me, signing A-Rod is a no brainer. You do what you have to do to make it work, on the field and off.
I don't care what else happens - get Arod - move Wright - keep Glavine, whatever... I want Carlos Delgado gone. He irked me beyond reason this past season. He stinks! His career is obviously over, at least in the NL. Let him go DH and be the 'K King' somewhere else.
The sooner we get rid of this unpatriotic jerk, the better.
Delgado has never turned his back on the flag as a Met. He has stood for the National Anthem and God Bless America. Please stop posting untrue rumors as fact.
Many feel that part of patriotism is standing up for what you believe in. Delgado believes the bombing of Vieques is wrong, and feels the same about the war in Iraq. He is allowed to speak his mind. That's called freedom of specch.
As for leadership, perhpas he felt that since he was having a poor season that others would not listen to him. I get the feeling a lot of Mets fans would say "who is he to talk, he isn't hitting worth a damn". I saw this in regards to Reyes.
Last year, everyone loved Delgado.
A-Rod's bat would be nice in the lineup, but Wright and Reyes should not be moved out of their current positions. I heard some talk of Kazmir coming back. Anything in that? He would be a good addition!
As a latino Mets fan I am tired of Omar's passion for our latino brothers. Forget Contreras. Sign Arod, trade Delgado. Send Milledge, Pelfrey, and Heilman to Minny for Johan. Sign Micheal Barrett and forget LoDuca. Leave Green alone, and find a stop gap in right field. We should have gotten Loretta last year to play 2nd...don't re-sign any of our 2nd basemen from last year. Try and trade Schoenweiss, and Mota. Pray that Duaner is ready to go this year. And if Omar needs any help have him email me...this front office is killing me with all of these old guys.
Pray for Kazmir!
At first, I was all for bringing A-Rod to Flushing but after thinking about it for a few days I've changed my mind. David Wright just won his 1st Gold Glove (which probably won't be his last) and has improved his defense significantly over the past few seasons. Leave him alone. As a former baseball player I can tell you that changing positions CAN mess with your head on the offensive side. For instance, Wright gets moved to 1st base, makes a critical error that costs them the game. He might dwell on that one play for days and it could ultimatly effect his concentration at the plate. He is by far the best all around player on the team and that must stay in tact. If Wright struggles, the Mets will as well. Not to mention A-Rod has been said to be a cancer in the clubhouse and team chemistry is just as important as performance on the field. Omar should focus on one thing-pitching. You can never have enough pitching. Enough with the 40 year old's already. Glavine's been great as a Met but he is not the answer. Besides, his heart is with Atlanta. It might be tough to trade for Johan Santana but they should at least make the Twins an offer. I'm all for holding onto young talent but I'm also for winning NOW so here is what I propose - offer the Twins A.Hernandez (he is an offensive liability), Collazo, Heilman and Milledge for Santana. That would give us arguably the best pitcher in the game and would give the Twins some talented young players in return. Milledge has potential but I'm not sure he can handle playing in NY. Maybe he'd be better off laying low in Minnesota.
I'd like to add to my last post. The Mets offense is not the problem. If you remember, they could not hold a lead down the stretch. So signing A-Rod will not help. What's the difference if they score 6 or 7 runs per game if they allow 8 or 9? It's overkill. I'd rather see them spend the money elsewhere. They desperately need bullpen help and a #1 starter. Addressing those issues along with possibly upgrading RF should be their priorities. I'd like to see them go after Aaron Rowand or Andruw Jones to play RF. Imagine an outfield that consisted of Alou, Beltran and Rowand/Jones? Sounds good to me. That, along with Johan Santana (or the next best available pitcher) and 1 or 2 more arms for the 'pen and I'd consider that a pretty damned successful offseason. To all you "fans" that want to move Wright so badly to make room for A-Rod - be careful what you wish for. What if Wright moves to 1st and gets hurt over there. You same "fans" will be blaming Omar for it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it and the Met's infield certainly ain't broke. Castillo should be resigned to play 2nd and Delgado had ONE BAD YEAR people. Give him a break. Since when is a player not allowed to have an off-year? He'll come back around. I'm telling you right now - A solid pitcher who could step up to be the ace, upgrade the offensive output at RF and 1 or 2 arms for the 'pen is all we need to get back to October. Let A-Rod and his $350 million contract go elsewhere. We don't need him.