Much has been said about the quiet winter that the Mets have had so far, even though there are still two months before the official start of full squad Spring Training.
Last year by this time, the Mets had already completed a 12-player, three-team trade and had secured Francisco Rodriguez.
While the exact reasons are unknown at this point, the Mets have not been able to make the breakthrough signing.
Even though there is still plenty of time for that to occur, the fact that nothing is really even being discussed publicly is a bit concerning to many fans.
The team's economic status is in question, along with players not wanting to come to Queens for any variety of reasons such as playing in a big market, three consecutive disappointing seasons, Citi Field dimensions...anything is possible.
According to Mike Francesca of WFAN radio, Jason Bay has agreed to a 4 year contract valued at about $66 million, pending a physical.
With the possible exception of a starting pitcher like Joel Piniero, it is now possible that the Mets have made all the moves that they plan to make this year.
There has been much talk about Luis Castillo being involved in a 3-team trade, but nothing has been finalized yet, but its still a possibility to happen before Spring Training.
A contract offer was made to Bengie Molina at the conclusion of the Winter Meetings but has neither accepted or formally declined the offer, so the negotiations could go on for another month.
As it stands right now, the Mets starting rotation will be Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Oliver Perez and possibly Jonathan Niese as the fifth starter.
With Opening Day is approaching shortly, the lineup will likely be the following:
1) Jose Reyes - Shortstop (Leg surgery successful?)
2) Luis Castillo - Second Base (If he is not traded this winter)
3) David Wright- Third Base (Nagging leg injuries and concussion things of the past?)
4) Carlos Beltran - Center Field (Balky knees)
5) Jason Bay- Left Field (good for 3-5 in batting order)
6) Daniel Murphy - First Base (provided Carlos Delgado cannot be ready)
7) Jeff Francoeur- Right Field (can also hit in 5 or 6 slot)
8) Chris Coste - Catcher (Bengie Molina another possibility)
9) Johan Santana - Pitcher
There is a lot of room for change in this lineup, for a variety of reasons, but with so many players whose present health status have unanswered questions, I thought that this lineup would be a reasonable place to start.
The coming weeks will be very telling for the Mets and the players who will be starting their Spring Training in Port St Lucie, Florida this March.
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