New York Mets

This past week, New York Mets beat writer, Brian Costa, of the Star Ledger was kind enough to allow me to submit to him questions regarding Mets Hot Stove rumors.

To obtain the questions I scoured the forums, as well as the chat room here at Mets Merized to try to come up with the best and most frequently asked questions regarding the team’s future.

I’m confident that this interview will give you, the fans, valuable insight on the team’s plans for the 2010 season. Enjoy!

The 2009 Major League Baseball season ended just about a month ago, and with the New York Yankees capturing their 27th championship, the offseason officially began.

It seems like forever ago, especially for Mets fans, as their favorite team's season was basically over before the leaves even began to change color, but indeed it has only been about a month.

So the hot stove season has basically just begun, and with that said, what the hell are the Mets waiting for?

I had this debate with my friend the other day—a knowledgeable and devoted Mets' fan—and his response was an unequivocal, "No!"

Fellow fans of the Metropolitans, do you agree?

Well, before you answer, please allow me to plead my case.

While I don't believe the Mets would be a juggernaut if the 2010 season started right this very moment, I do believe they would be in National League playoff contention if they stayed healthy, and I guess that's a big "if" at this point.

I heard this idea come up again a few days ago. I've kicked it around, and I'm going to make a case for it. I'm not sure that I believe in it 100 percetn, but, again, I'm just seeing where going in this direction takes us. This sort of plan gears more towards "building for the future."

Let me start off by apologizing. Work has been crazy, but I am back. I am not going to let the naysayers keep me from posting, so there. I am here, and I am ready to go. I decided that today would be as good a day as any to construct my offseason guide for what the Mets need to do. I am going to go step by step for what may be a cost-effective and solid way of getting this team back together. This team has money to spend, but we all know that the Wilpons have been swindled in the Bernie Madoff scheme a lot more then we are being lead to believe.

There were few stories that were better to watch this year than Carl Pavano’s re-emergence into baseball. After winning just nine games from 2005-08, Pavano came back with a vengeance this season, winning 14 games for a Twins team that made a remarkable run to the playoffs. As good of a story as this has been, there is worry that comes out of this. I am afraid that Omar Minaya might try and sign Pavano to the Mets.

Rumors across town are circulating about the status of Chien Ming Wang and whether or not he will be tendered a contract by the Yankees. Most people around baseball seem to think that the Yankees will not offer him a deal, but they may try to bring him back at a much cheaper price.

Recently, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to conduct an email-based interview with MLB.COM writer Jonathan Mayo.

Chad Tracy could make for a nice addition to the Mets. (PHOTO BY ICON SMI)

BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR