It's Time To Play General Manager! New York Mets' Winter Checklist, 1-5

Much like the need for a definitive locker room voice, there is a similar need to have the last line of pitching defense established.  Twenty-nine blown saves is just not going to get it done, and Billy Wagner's Mets career is over.

The Move:  Acquire Brian Fuentes, or sign Francisco Rodriquez.  This really depends on how you'd like to spend your money.  Do you want to lock up a guy for the next five years, knowing he's already lost four miles an hour on his fastball since he's been in the league?  Or do you want a guy who might not be as lights-out, but is a very solid option who will cost you less?

Either way, if you get one of these two guys, your closer situation is solved.  Both can do the job.  If you want your "statement move" of the off-season to come as a bullpen move, then you go with KRod.  Personally, I'd look to acquire Fuentes, and use my money over several other positions. 

Priority Number Three:  Acquire a left fielder with pop.  Since I've saved some money on the closer spot, I can splurge on signing a player who will provide a power bat at the left field spot.  This player needs to be a right-handed bat, without question.  There a few options, Phillies left fielder Pat Burrell being one of them.  But as G.M., I'm using this as my "Statement Move"  of the winter.

The Move:  Seriously pursue Manny Ramirez.  You can talk all you want about what he did to get out of Boston.  You can talk all you want about how he's on his best behavior now because he's playing for a contract.  He put the Dodgers on his back and took them to the playoffs, and the Mets are home once again in October.  It's that simple. 

This guy is one of the best hitters of his generation, and if it takes four years and $80 million to sign him, so be it.  The Mets have enough money coming off the books to make this move, and address all their other needs easily.  As G.M., I know the past three years have created a very impatient fan base, and have screamed for that one truly clutch bat. 

I understand that in 2009, the Mets HAVE to make the postseason, and anything less can't even be a thought.  Manny Ramirez has two or three good years left in him, and by signing Varitek, I've got a player who will keep him in line.  I also think he'd have an outstanding relationship with Jerry Manuel.

Priority Number Four:  Find "Crossover Relievers" to replace departed bullpen pieces.  As G.M., Aaron Heilman, Pedro Feliciano, Louis Ayala, Carlos Muniz, Matt Wise, Duaner Sanchez, Scott Schoeneweis and Ricardo Rincon will either be let go, or traded at all costs. 

Assuming I can find suckers to take Heilman and Schoeneweis, I'm looking at Brian Stokes, and Joe Smith as my returning relievers. 

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