Hot Stove - Lineup

As threatened, here is my Hot Stove report for the lineup. While there will be changes, we should not see the wholesale changes that will impact the pitching staff.

The two obvious places for change are 2nd Base and Left Field. Starting with 2nd Base, 'Stache, you did yeomans work there this year, but the slump at the end of the year could not have happened at a worse time. While his coming back in a backup role is possible, I am not comfortable with him being the everyday 2nd baseman next season. Call me fatalistic, but I kept waiting for him to slump, and he did so, and it hurt the team. So what are the options? Anderson Hernandez? No thanks, he can't hit. Chris Woodward? Um, no. There are a few free agents out there:
Ray Durham - possible. Decent though not great glove. 35 years old. Hit 293 with 26 HR, 93 RBI, 360 OBP and 538 SLG. Struck out 61 times in 498 AB. Made 11 Errors.

Scott Spezio - aw, I'm just messing with you.

Julio Lugo - interesting. Omar has long coveted him. 30 years old. 278 ba, 12 hr, 22 doubles, 341 OBP. The doubles were down from 41 in 2004 and 36 in 2005, so he has some extra-base power, which would be nice to have in the 6, 7 or 8 slot. Maybe even in the #2 slot from time to time, though he did have 76 k's last year. Lugo was quoted earlier in the year as saying NY is intriguing, and he would be willing to play 2nd base here. Made 2 errors in 29 games at 2nd. Will be pricey.

Rich Aurilia - subject to a mutual option with the Reds, he has been mentioned in some reports linking him to the Mets. Also 35. Hit 300 in 122 games, 23 HR, 70 RBI, 349 OBP and 518 SLG. 51 k's in 440 at-bats. Drew 34 walks. Made no errors in 10 games at 2nd. Played 78 games at SS and 3rd, with 5 errors.

To me, Lugo is the best option. I like the bat, and the glove should be OK. He is not going to be cheap, but with other money coming off the books, he can be afforded.

Now, we turn our attention to Left Field, formerly patrolled by Uncle Cliffy. Cliff underwent the achilles surgery yesterday, and will be in a boot for 2 months, followed by 2 months of rehab. It is possible that he could be invited to spring training, and try to make the team from there. He would come quite cheap, and probably wind up in a platoon situation. Now, I love Cliff, I know he is a good clubhouse guy, but frankly, if he is anything more than that, I will not be happy. I would prefer a full-time replacement, or a different platoon. The age and injuries are just too much at this point.

So who can replace him. Endy Chavez? Frankly, he is best suited as a 4th outfielder. Lastings Milledge? I think he needs a tad more seasoning, and in any event, if the right deal for a starting pitcher comes up, he could go.

Free Agents are not that many. Moises Alou brings a nice bat, but is 40. He could be brought in to mentor Milledge it was reported, or even Carlos Gomez (as a late season call-up). Cliff Lee is another option, but he is reported to be going to Houston. That leaves either a trade, or the big name - Alfonso Soriano.

Now Soriano could fill either the left field or 2nd base spots. I would prefer left, as he did a good job there last year, and was never really a great 2nd baseman. We all know about the 46/41/41 (HR/doubles/steals) season. The downside is he stikes out a lot. However, him in the #6 slot behind Wright would be unbelievable. The fear is that a long term deal would lead him to be complacent. Frankly, with the other guys in the locker room, I don't see that happening. He also shares a past with Willie. Now, had you asked me a year ago, I wouldhave said no, but now, I'm saying this is a guy I would like targeted.

Some concerns exist about Carlos Delgado, as he could request a trade after being moved in a the middle of a long term deal. More than likely, he just wants his option picked up. Do it Omar. Remove the distraction.

The bench will see some changes. Chris Woodward could go, coming off labrum surgery. Castro is a FA. Anderson Hernandez could be the infielder on the bench. A 5th outfielder will be needed, and Castro may need to be replaced as well. Omar has his work cut out for him here. I expect him to do as well as he has done the last couple of years.

Feel free to share your thoughts. I'll be taking a break from the Mets for a little while. Time to focus on the Jets and Islanders (big test for them tonight against the 9-0 Sabres), so there will be more posts focused on them in the coming weeks. Once the Hot Stove really starts up, I'll be sure to post some Mets stuff.