That's right, they actually impressed me.
But that doesn't mean they all deserve to be back.
The Mets infield, though error-prone, should remain about the same in 2012. This means:
Ike Davis will remain at first base and the talk of him moving to the outfield will not become anything. If he is ready by April of 2012 they are set at first base.
David Wright should remain at third base. Though error-prone, he can still hit well and when Ike Davis returns, he could help reduce the high number of errors on Wright's part.
Justin Turner put together a solid season, but declined tremendously as the year went on. It seems clear to me that he is not the starting second baseman going forward. Therefore, Ruben Tejada should begin 2012 at second base, which seems bound to happen. Turner would be a solid presence on the Mets bench as a pinch hitter and backup should something happen to Reyes or Tejada.
Jose Reyes MUST be retained, it is essential to the Mets success! He can produce at this level every year if he stays healthy.
The Mets infield will be set for the future if this happens.
Which leads me to the outfield.
Jason Bay compiled an up-and-down season of sorts, going through stretches when he was ice cold, and a few stretches being red hot, but because of his current contract, he will be the Mets left OR centerfielder in 2012. Whichever he doesn't take will be filled by Lucas Duda, (who had a tremendous half season).
This allows Angel Pagan a spot on the bench.
That just leaves right field. The Mets have a number of options:
- Fernando Martinez
- Carlos Beltran (who has stated he would like to return and didn't want to leave in the first place)
- Jason Pridie
This leads me to the catchers.
Ronny Paulino provided good backup for the Mets last season and should be looking to be the backup catcher in 2012, especially when Dickey pitches. He should be looking at a multi-year (2-3) deal this offseason.
Josh Thole, meanwhile, had a terrible season both offensively and defensively. Look for competition between him and Mike Nickeas in spring training. Regardless, the Mets will not go after catchers in the offseason.
Which ultimately leads me to...
pitching.
The Mets pitchers mostly stunk last year, thanks in part to not having an actual ACE!
Here is what they should do.
Dillon Gee, who fell apart after July, (like the rest of the team), will nevertheless start 2012 as the #1 or #2 pitcher.
R.A. Dickey was exteremely consistant, despite his 5-11 record. He will start 2012 as the #3 guy.
Pedro Beato NEEDS to start in 2012!
Chris Capuano was on and off in 2011. It is not a given he will leave or stay in 2012, but I think he will be gone.
Jon Niese will start 2012 as the #4 guy.
That leaves a fifth spot. Jenry Mejia, if healthy, or an offseason pickup like Edwin Jackson could be a good idea.
Johan Santana MUST be traded by the 2012 all-star break. It is purely age and salary.
The bullpen, however, should be shaken up.
Bobby Parnell is NOT a closer. He should be a 7th/8th inning guy to set up for a REAL closer.
Tim Byrdak looks to remain the lefty specialist, but his age (37) may shy the Mets from re-signing him for 2012. If he is not re-signed, there are lefties available in free agency.
Jason Isringhausen was a solid man in the 'pen for most of the year. he should return in 2012 on a 1-year deal as a setup man.
The closer, however, is not currently in the organization.
But he was.
That's right folks, I'm talking about Francisco Rodriguez. He could easily return as a solid addition to the Mets decrepit bullpen.
http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=824526
If done right, the Mets can rebuild a bullpen that can be state of the art!
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