By Daniel Budick (Contributor)
The Mets have gone into this offseason with the determination to open up their pockets (just a little bit) and put a presentable team on the field in 2014.
Thus far, the Mets have been able to add help to an outfield that was flat out pathetic in 2013. Both Chris Young and Curtis Granderson not only add offensive help, but each of them is a solid defender as well. They also helped solidify the rotation by signing veteran Bartolo Colon to a 2 year $20 million deal. Despite being 40 years old, Colon is coming off of a season in which he was an All-Star and had a 2.65 ERA.
The big chip, Curtis Granderson was a must sign for the Mets. Over the last four seasons, the Mets have taken the easy road during free agency. Spending low money on low risk high reward type guy. Granderson shows some promise to a possible direction for the organization.
It’s very encouraging to see the Mets moving forward by spending some money to improve the roster. It cannot stop here! Mets GM Sandy Alderson needs to continue to improve this team. Shortstop is a huge need; the Mets can’t go into the season with Ruben Tejada as the regular.
Over the last two seasons not only has Tejada regressed at the plate but his defense has declined. He makes too many mental mistakes to be the anchor of the infield. I have a serious problem with the comments Sandy Alderson made prior to day one of the MLB Winter Meetings.
Said Alderson, “Depending on how things materialize, we may live with certain weaknesses. For example, we could come out of meetings with Tejada as our regular shortstop.”
That statement has me shaking my head and wondering if the Mets even have an offseason plan at all! The Mets have given Ruben numerous opportunities to prove he can be an everyday shortstop, and up until this point he hasn’t proved a thing.
This is where Sandy Alderson has to get creative. I understand the Mets don’t want to spend the money that free agent shortstop Stephen Drew is asking for. With that said, that doesn’t mean Alderson and the Mets sit back and do nothing! For shortstop help the trade market is a must for New York.
Two guys come to mind immediately that the Mets could possibly go after. One being Asdrubal Cabrera of the Cleveland Indians, the other being Zach Cozart from the Cincinnati Reds. Both guys would be significant upgrades at the position.
Shortstop is huge need for this team; it’s a glaring hole that must be filled. With questions about the first base situation, the issue of shortstop is a priority. I am hoping Alderson has a trick or two up his sleeve with still a lot of time to go in the offseason.
Third Floor Crew 