"There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as
space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area we call The Left Field Conundrum."

Sorry to totally rip off the opening of "The Twilight Zone," but it's true; the Mets left field is a gaping black hole, almost like a corner that we use to send players that have performed badly to. I can see it now......."Ollie, you suck! Go play left field!"

Since the departure of Cliff Floyd after the 2006 campaign, left field has been a huge question mark on the Mets lineup. We signed 40-year-old Moises Alou in the 2006 off-season; he ultimately got hurt standing in the outfield while playing for AA Binghamton and it ended his career. Since then, we've seen Damion Easley, Endy Chavez, Daniel Murphy, Fernando Tatis, Nick Evans, and maybe even Mr. Met play the left field position.

This off-season, if I had to sign ONE position player, I would make it an everyday outfielder. The 2010 free agent class is filled with left fielders. I've heard Matt Holliday's name come up, but given his performance in the NLDS, that was probably taken off the table very quickly. Holliday, Johnny Damon, Jason Bay and Manny Ramirez were all classified as Type-A free agents, however, Manny still has a $20 million option with the Dodgers.....and Scott Boras has taken enough money from the Mets.

I've heard that we should sign a first baseman and move Daniel Murphy back to left. Umm....Murph was actually one of the BETTER defensive first basemen in the National League. Nick Evans might work too, but I really don't see him as an every day player. As much as I like Angel Pagan and his bat and his speed, I also don't see him as the every day starter.

I wish I could be a fly on the wall on Omar Minaya's office as he tries to solve ALL of the Mets' problems. While a power hitter at first base would be nice, I want this Left Field Conundrum solved once and for all.