State of the Mets for 2006

[Broncmet724]

Hate to say it, but this losing 10 of 11 has me giving up on the season. So, not its time to start prognosticating for next year.

I think Jose at leadoff is fine, if he can carry a .320-.330 OBP all season next year it will be nice. For the 2 hole I think we should put Beltran there. Take some of the pressure off from batting 3 or 4, which he doesnt seem to be that kind of hitter. Let him use those OBP skills and SB skills in the 2 hole. Use David in the 3 hole, as he seems to do whatever, including hitting to the opposite field to drive runs in versus trying to mash the ball out of the park all the time. Now the 4 hole needs a really nice bat (like Manny) which we seem to be missing, Floyd in the 5 hole is fine, Cameron/Diaz in the 6 hole isn't bad, Piazza/Castro/R. Hernandez/Molina/catcher in the 7 hole, and Matsui/A. Hernandez/Keppinger/2B in the 8 hole (unless for some crazy reason we end up with Soriano, which I hope doesn not happen).

On to the pitching staff, I think between all our in house starters we should be fine for next year. Martinez, Benson, Glavine, Seo, Zambrano, Trachsel, Heilman should be ok. I would like to see Burnett but I don't see that happening.

I pray after this season to never see Braden Looper close another game for us. We almost in my opinion have to end up with one of the 3 or 4 legit closers out there in Wagner, Ryan, and Urbina. Then with all the quality setup men for the bullpen available via FA, and we get a few our bullpen should be fine. I don't see how the Phillies can let Wagner get away, so I hope we get Ryan.

I think we should try to get Manny, but I wouldn't give them anything more than Cameron or Floyd if we assume the full contract. Then maybe trade a starter/prospects for a 1B.

Oh well, I can always dream can't I?

[Coppermine]

I don't think acquiring Manny is too far out there, but I don't know much about his contract with Boston... how many years does he have left with them?

It's also quite obvious that Manny wants to leave Boston and that Boston wants Manny to go. But I doubt the sox would be very willing to lose him in exchange for anything but a player of a similar caliber. They're on pace to make more waves in the playoffs this year, and that's because of Manny (and, of course, ortiz).

But, assuming Piazza leaves, they should be able to afford him.

[Amazinz]

I am positive that Manny will be here in the off-season.

Also, I'm with you on A.J. I'm not sure if they will pursue him but I think Burnett + Petersen = NASTY!