What do the Mets need?

That's the question in Queens these days. Answering it, unfortunately, is far from easy.

 

After witnessing the latest Scott "Jorge Julio" Schoeneweis implosion, it occurred to me that maybe what the Mets need most is another arm in the bullpen.

 

Apart from Billy Wagner, the Mets lack the sort of shutdown guy they had in Duaner Sanchez, Aaron Heilman, and Guillermo Mota last season.

 

They could use one.

 

But that's not all—the Mets have real holes in their offense too. As it stands, Carlos Delgado can't hit a thing, Carlos Beltran isn't playing up to par, and Moises Alou doesn't know if he's coming back next week or next Christmas.

Even David Wright, who's at least getting base hits, hasn't had a home run since June 8th.

And then there's the starting pitching. The Mets lack a true ace—and it shows. El Duque and Tom Glavine are old, and the rehabbing Pedro Martinez is still a question mark.

 

Sure John Maine, Oliver Perez, and Jorge Sosa are exceeding expectations; but you've got to wonder how long they'll keep it up.

 

All of which begs the question: What do the Mets REALLY need?

In my opinion, it's not another starter—not given Rick Peterson's teaching ability and the way Pedro is talking. The bullpen is starting to shape up too, thanks in part to Mota's improved performance.

That leaves the offense.

Delgado isn't slumping—he's just old...and he's hurting the team. Alou won't be back anytime soon, and Shawn Green doesn't produce the power the Mets need from a corner outfielder.

My two cents: Omar Minaya needs to go out and get an Adam Dunn, or a Jermaine Dye....even if it means giving up Lastings Milledge.

Milledge isn't in the Mets' long-term outfield plans—not with Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez progressing as they have been. Granted, acquiring a power bat wouldn't solve all the Mets' problems...but it sure would help.

Here's hoping Omar can get it done.