MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Moves For The Next New York Mets GM to Win Back The Fans
After missing the playoffs for four straight years, there has been a lot of discontent within the Mets community. Fans are no longer showing up to games. There was one game this season where they Mets had less than 9,000 people walk through the turnstiles. In September, the Mets attendance numbers would barely break 20,000.
It's clear that the new GM has to make some moves that will restore faith in the fan base. These are some of the options that would make Mets fans happy.
Hire Bobby Valentine
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The picture to the left epitomizes Bobby Valentine. He is a manager that is there to teach the players, coach them and have fun. This is very similar to what Rex Ryan does with the New York Jets. Rex was able to turn the Jets around from a similar situation with his attitude, and it would not be surprising to see Bobby Valentine do the same with the Mets.
Since the Mets fan base seems to overlap with the Jets fan base, a charismatic manager would be welcomed with open arms. Valentine was worshiped in Japan, and he would have a strong following in his second stint with New York.
The Mets do have some competition for Valentine's services from the Marlins and Mariners.
Release Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo
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It is obvious that the Mets fan base has negative feelings towards these two players. By cutting them, fans would finally see that management is able to realize when they made mistakes. Also, this would remove reminders of a painful past from the organization.
Make a Run at Yu Darvish
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While it is uncertain if Darvish will be posted, the Mets should be after him if he is. The WIlpons are smart enough businessmen to realize that Darvish would bring in tons of cash and attention from Japanese fans and media.
Darvish was absolutely dominant in Japan this year. Just take a look at his numbers. He went 12-8 with 10 complete games, 222 strikeouts, 47 walks, a 1.78 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Compare his ERA to the league average of 3.94. All this, and Darvish is only 23 years old.
Compare Darvish's numbers to what Daisuke Matsuzaka did at age 23. Dice-K went 10-6 with 10 complete games, 127 strikeouts, 42 walks, a 2.90 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP.
Darvish has the potential to be a Cy Young winner in the U.S., and will bring a lot of excitement to the Mets fan base.
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Sign Carl Crawford
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Carl Crawford was one of the top players in the majors this season. He posted a 6.9 WAR, which was fourth-best in the American League. Crawford hit 19 home runs this season and had 90 RBI. He had a .307 batting average and stole 47 bases.
Crawford would slot in perfectly to the No. 2 or 3 spot in the lineup for the Mets. He has the potential to be a 20/20 player every year. Crawford is also outstanding defensively and would improve the Mets team defense.
Signing Crawford would allow the Mets to move Carlos Beltran for a starting pitcher. Angel Pagan could be moved into center field, and the Mets would have a very strong outfield.
Sign R.A. Dickey To an Extension
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Fans were overwhelmed by Dickey's success this season. The knuckleballer went 11-9 with a 2.84 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. His ERA was the seventh best in the National League.
Dickey even gained a cult following during the season. This led to an R.A. Dickey face contest.
The new GM should reward Dickey for his success by giving him a multi-year deal. This will hopefully show fans that management recognizes that they need to keep successful talent around.
Sign Brandon Webb
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Yes, Webb has not pitched in nearly two years. However, he was one of the most dominant pitchers in the majors from 2006-2008. Webb will only be 32 next season, and he is worth a risk.
If Webb can be signed for a one-year deal worth less than $2 million with incentives based on innings pitched, the risk is well worth it for the Mets. Webb could be a solid piece of the Mets rotation next season.
This move would show fans that management is not afraid to take risks. Also, $2 million spent on Webb would be better than spending money on bench players like Julio Franco or Alex Cora like the Mets have done in the past.
Allow Jenrry Mejia to Start In The Minors
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It's fairly obvious the Mets mishandled top prospect Jenrry Mejia this year. Starting him as a reliever may have stunted his growth as a starter. Many Mets fans realized this, and were happy when Mejia was sent back down to the minors.
Mejia was dominant in the minors. He went 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in nine starts across four levels. With at least another half season worth of seasoning in the minors, Mejia could be ready to be a starter in the majors.
Give Lucas Duda a Chance to Win a Roster Spot
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Lucas Duda came out of nowhere this season. In 115 games between AA and AAA, Duda hit 23 home runs, had 40 doubles and batted .304.
This was enough to merit him a September call-up. Duda struggled in his first few games in the majors, going into a 1-for-33 slump. However, in the next 16 games, Duda hit .314 with four home runs and 12 RBI.
Duda could win a starting outfield spot next season if he preforms well in spring training. He is a player to keep your eye on for next year.
Trade For Dan Uggla
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The Mets need a second baseman. Uggla would be able to provide lots of power from the position. The Marlins are looking to move Uggla because of his contract.
Uggla hit 33 home runs and had 105 RBI, while batting .287 this year. That power would slot in perfectly in the middle of the Mets lineup. Uggla could provide protection for Ike Davis and David Wright.
Despite being in the same division, the Mets and Marlins have been able to work out multiple trades in recent years, most notably the Carlos Delgado and Paul Lo Duca deals.
Trade For Colby Rasmus
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Nothing makes a fan base happier than bringing in a young potential superstar.
There have been a lot of rumors surrounding if the Cardinals are actually looking to move Colby Rasmus. These mostly come from the fact that Rasmus and manager Tony La Russa don't see eye to eye. If La Russa remains the Cardinals manager, it would not be surprising to see Rasmus moved this offseason.
The Mets do have the prospects available to acquire Rasmus, but it is a matter of if the new GM would be willing to give them up.
Rasmus is only 23 and he had a strong season this year. He hit 23 home runs and had 66 RBI. However, Rasmus had a bit of a strikeout problem. He stuck out 148 times in 464 at-bats. Surprisingly, Rasmus was able to bat .276 this year.
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