Better Bullpen? Check. What Do The New York Mets Do Now?

The Mets have bolstered their beleaguered bullpen with the acquisitions of Francisco Rodriguez and JJ Putz, the question confronting the Queens faithful now is “where do we go from here?”

Having addressed the greatest deficiency in the Mets roster, general manager Omar Minaya must concentrate on team’s secondary concerns. This is what my priority list would look like at this juncture of the offseason:

1)  Fourth Starter. The top of the Mets rotation is pretty solid, anchored by Johan Santana, and supplemented by Mike Pelfrey and John Maine. While there is no reason to except anything less than sensational out of Johan, it is not so certain what the Mets will be getting out of “Big Pelf” and Maine, whether Pelfrey can repeat ’08 or Maine can match his ’06 stats coming off a shoulder injury.  

     Because of the uncertainty, although admittedly not that great, out of the No. 2 and No. 3 slots, the Mets need to target a No. 4 pitcher who can step up and be a top of the rotation starter if necessary. My choices would be: 1) the eccentric (and often untouchable) Oliver Perez or, 2) Derek Lowe. 

While it would be ideal to deal for both, I do not know how deep the Mets' pockets are, especially with Scott Boras representing both. If I were to choose between the two, I would go with Lowe. He is constantly sound and an innings eater.

Another interesting option:  

            John Smoltz: His years closing seem to have increased the life expectancy to his arm.  He is getting up there, but he has also been putting up big number for years, showing no signs of slowing down. A shoulder injury made have lessened his value, but perhaps also his cost.

            Jake Peavy: Okay, this may be a bit of wishful thinking, but if there is anyone that warrants moving the seemingly untouchable prospect, Fernando Martinez, Peavy is the one.

Wouldn’t  Waste My Time:

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