Ken Davidoff of the New York Post writes, 'Combine [the Mets'] modest budget with their large ambitions ' they want to contend very soon ' and it puts the Mets in quite a pickle. The Mets still have neither the organizational depth to execute a significant trade without impacting the major-league team nor the dollars to compete with the big boys in free agency.'
As such, Davidoff lists OF Melky Cabrera, LHP Randy Choate, C A.J. Pierzynski, OF Shane Victorino, and INF Marco Scutaro as players who could fit the Mets needs.
Pierzynski, who will be 36 on Opening Day, hit .278 with 27 home runs and 77 RBI in 135 games for the White Sox in 2012. He just completed a two-year, $8 million contract he signed before the 2011 season.
Choate, 37, pitched in a league high 80 games for the Marlins and Dodgers in 2012 and pitched to a combined 3.03 ERA over 38 2/3 innings, holding left-handed hitters to a .158 average. He earned $1.5 million in 2012 as part of a two-year, $2.5 million contract he signed with the Marlins prior to the 2012 season.
As for Scutaro, the now 37-year old hit .306 with 32 doubles, four triples, seven home runs and 74 RBI in 683 plate appearances with the Red Sox and Giants in 2012. He hit .328 with with eight RBI during the postseason and just completed a $6 million option year as part of a two-year, $12.5 million deal he signed with Boston prior to the 2010 season.
In regards to Scutaro, Davidoff says if the Mets were to sign him, he 'would be a great fit here, allowing Daniel Murphy to be more of a role player.'
For Michael Baron's thoughts on these players, click here.
Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com
Pierzynski had a fantastic year with the White Sox ' he set a career-high with 27 home runs and matched a career-high with 77 RBI. He has been a durable and solid defensive catcher in his career and also earned a strong reputation working with the White Sox's pitching staff this past season. It would be hard to expect a similar offensive output from him next year, especially if he leaves US Cellular Field which is a haven for hitters. And, given he loves playing in Chicago, and there is reportedly mutual interest between him and the White Sox on a new deal, I find it hard to envision him signing with another team.In regards to Choate, he certainly fits the profile of an ideal LOOGY. He has a very deceptive delivery which has played a huge role in his .201 opposing average against left-handed hitters in his career. At the end of the year, Terry Collins expressed a desire to have a veteran left-handed pitcher in the bullpen next season ' Choate certainly fits the profile of what Collins is seeking.
As for Scutaro, I agree with Davidoff that it would allow Murphy to become more of a utility player and place him in a role which could be more conducive for consistent success. Scutaro is a right-handed bat (something the Mets really need) and someone who makes contact, gets on base, and has proven to be a catalyst for the top of the order in recent seasons. It remains to be seen if the Mets consider upgrading at second base (and committing a significant part of their available dollars to do so), as Murphy proved that, while there is still a lot of room to improve, he is a capable second baseman.
Now, as far as Victorino goes, I don't know if I could stomach the idea of him wearing a Mets uniform. Throughout the years of the Phillies succeeding at the expense of the Mets, Victorino has, by far, been the most annoying of the characters on that Phillies team. Not only was he good for them through their run, he always had that smirk on his face, and it came off as very arrogant. He always drove me nuts'
For my take on Cabrera, click here.
