The Global New York Mets Blog: My Mets 2011-2012 Offseason Wishlist

Sunday, October 16, 2011

My Mets 2011-2012 Offseason Wishlist

After another disappointing season for the New York Mets, it is time to continue the rebuilding process in an effort to get better. In order to do so, I believe that the Mets must make these moves during the offseason.

Priority #1: Re-sign Jose Reyes

Coming off a season in which he had the best year of his career (.337 average, .384 on base %, .493 slugging) including the first batting title ever for the Mets, this task will prove difficult but the injury risk will likely scare some teams away from signing him to what has been deemed "Carl Crawford money". I personally believe that there are really only three teams that will truly be in the Reyes hunt. Those teams will be the Mets, Milwaukee, and to a lesser extent the Angels. I think an offer of 5 years 85 million (averages to about 17 per year) is the max contract that should be offered to him. Anything over that I am willing to part ways.

Priority #2: Improve starting rotation

Our starting rotation should be improved with the return of Johan Santana, who outside of wins and strikeouts had a better year statistically than CC Sabathia in 2010, but I personally believe it is time to cut bait with Mike Pelfrey. He is simply too inconsistent from year to year. Many thought that coming off a much improved 2010 season Pelfrey had turned a corner. It turned out not to be the case. Pelfrey's 2011 season was marred by inconsistency. A 7-13 record a 4.74 ERA a batting average against of .286 and a WHIP of 1.47. To fix this problem I wouldn't mind seeing Chris Capuano coming back but if that is not the case I personally wouldn't mind seeing, Paul Malhom, Edwin Jackson or Scott Kazmir come in to be the back of the rotation pitcher. Also keep an eye on Adam Wainwright. He has a $10 million vesting option for next season which may not be picked up. If he becomes available he should immediately jump to the top of the pitching list.

Priority #3 Improve bullpen

While most of our pitchers did pitch well our bullpen needs to be completely revamped. With the closer spot open and Bobby Parnell proven to be ineffective I think that our short list of relievers should include Matt Capps. He is only 28 years old (Jonathan Broxton is the only other closer available under 30). Last year Capps was ineffective but in his split time between Washington and Minnesota in 2010 he went 5-3 with a 2.47 ERA, a .265 average against, and a 1.26 WHIP.

I think those moves would certainly would improve the team and with the surplus of young pitching that we have I see us at least in contention next year. Look for Matt Harvey or Jeurys Familia to come up at some point during the year next season if they continue on the path that they are on. If the Mets do lose out on Reyes, look for Ruben Tejada to fill the leadoff role nicely.