20/20 Hindsight: Mets Offseason Joe Beimel

Given the fact that Mets appear to be absolutely handcuffed by the nearly $20 million still owed to Oliver Perez, perhaps now is as good a time as any to rejoice over some of the dodged bullets from this past offseason.  Assuming Jason Bay continues to hit it appears as though talk of him being a poor signing will remain quiet.  Bay has handled himself very well in the media and by all accounts is a positive force in the clubhouse, two things that go a long way towards endearing oneself to New York fans.

Aside from Bay, the Mets were consistently linked to Benjie Molina, who wanted a 3 year deal worth roughtly $20 million dollars.  Given that Big Benjie is only batting .262 with 2 home runs and 11 RBI for S.F. while Rod Barajas (signed for 1 year with a $1 million base salary and another $1 million in easily attainable incentives) is currently leading  the Mets in HR's, there is no question the stance the front office took has paid off.  As quick as we are to look at guys like Perez and loathe Minaya for making that deal is as quick as we should be ready to praise him for passing on Molina, who seemed reticent to the fact that NY would overpay (perhaps he talked to Ollie).  Omar also managed to show restraint and not offer extra years to guys like John Lackey (4.84 ERA), Joel Pineiro (4.95 ERA), and Jason Marquis (20.52 ERA, shoulder surgery to remove bone chips in his right elbow landed him on the DL), even though such incentive would likely have been enough to get a deal done.

That's not to say the Mets didn't go out and waste some money in Eddy Curry type fashion. TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE CLICK HERE: http://www.metszilla.com/?p=696