By now I would suspect the Mets have prepared multiple back up plans as we wait out Mr. Bay. As I step back and examine our options one name in that ridiculous 2010 Free Agent class stands out (King Albert aside of course). If Carl Crawford were available this year would Omar still prefer Jason Bay? That was a rhetorical question…at least hopefully it was to Minaya.Â
So my next question to Omar would be this: can we afford to wait one year and roll the dice with Crawford? Can we survive one more year with a gaping hole in LF?Â
If we withdrew our offer on Bay and decided to swipe one or even two of the top 2nd tier pitchers off the FA market this year, we might have to look internally for a Left Fielder. Judging from last year I think we can rule out Daniel Murphy, but what about the young’n? I am actually surprised not to hear more about Fernando Martinez this off-season. Still only 20 years old, the kid got his dose of the big leagues last year. Maybe once he gets his game in to shape for the season we call him up? Until then..Angel Pagan?  Is Pagan really that much of a downgrade defensively than Bay? We know he can hit that’s for sure.Â
Back to Crawford though. He hit .305 last year with 96 runs and 60 SB’s, an absolute menace on the base paths. He is a career .295 hitter, 15 points higher than Bay. It’s hard to argue that he is not perfect for Citifield with it’s wide dimensions. With his speed, he not only should get a few inside the park homers, but he can cover much more ground out in the outfield. Now Crawford is no Gold Glover, but I’ve sure never heard a knock on his defense, and I cannot say the same for the Free Agents on the market now. Plus, pretty tough to snag a Gold Glove in the AL considering Torii Hunter and Ichiro have won every year since 2001. I can see Crawford batting in a few different spots in our lineup, but the most intriguing is 2nd after Reyes. With these 2 at the top of the lineup as place setters they would drive pitchers insane…think Luis Castillo and Juan Pierre on the 2003 World Champion Marlins.Â
So how likely is it that we could sign Crawford? The main hurdle might be his loyalty to the Rays. He has become the face of that organization and a fan favorite. He has already announced that he wants to stay in Tampa, but we all know money talks. I honestly think the Yanks signing of Curtis Granderson in the offseason might help the Mets case, as maybe they snagged the OF they were looking for already.  Although, the Yanks rarely don’t at least consider signing the best Free Agents each year. Same goes for the Sox. With an OF of Cameron, Ellsbury and Hermida/Drew/Bay?? maybe they will back off as well. With no major signing this offseason, you can bet Omar will have the cash to spend in 2010 and be able to compete in the marketplace.Â
This year I don’t think it would be the worst thing to see what the kid Martinez can really do. If he really looks promising, we might not even decide we need an OF and then we can go hard after Josh Beckett who some can argue we might need more anyway.Â
Just wanted to let Met fans know it is not the end of the world if Bay signs elsewhere. Yes, he is a good power hitter and we could sure use a guy like that in our lineup, but there are definitely other options that may even be more attractive. Crawford is in his prime at 28. Maybe he can be our future instead of just our 2009 “splash”.
13 comments
GravediggerHebner
12/24/2009-1:59pm at 1:59 pm (UTC -4)
Definitely not the end of the world if Bay goes elsewhere as far as I’m concerned.
Until seeing it actually happen it’s hard to know for sure but Crawford sure seems like the perfect player for this team in this stadium. I’d want to learn more about the Rays finances and potential in-house replacements before I start dreaming too hard about Crawford coming here though.
As far as someone to wish and hope for, excellent choice.
CaseStreet
12/24/2009-2:22pm at 2:22 pm (UTC -4)
couldn’t we sign Bay or Holliday this year, and go after Crawford next year?
GravediggerHebner
12/24/2009-4:48pm at 4:48 pm (UTC -4)
If that happens, where’s the money to invest in starting pitching going to come from?
I don’t think one big FA corner OF this year AND one next year is in the budget, unless Pelfrey, Maine AND Perez all hit the big time in the next 10 months eliminating the need for established pitching from outside, and/or unless the team buys out Jose Reyes after 2010.
CaseStreet
12/24/2009-5:41pm at 5:41 pm (UTC -4)
I wouldn’t expect Crawford to get more than a figgins type contract.
GravediggerHebner
12/24/2009-9:07pm at 9:07 pm (UTC -4)
Figgins got $9 mil. Crawford’s making $10 mil this year so you’re assuming a pay cut, and I don’t know why we would assume he’d get a cut on the open market at age 29 given his skillset.
We know Bay’s not coming for less than $16.25, which is the offer out now, and Holliday is certainly not coming for less than that, I’d bet almost anything on that.
If we believe TRS’ longstanding theory that the Mets have $28-32 mil to spend, after Bay and Crawford there’s just not a lot left, nothing’s coming off the books and people are getting raises. Unless I’m overlooking something, I don’t see it happening except as I said above if pitchers blossom or Reyes is bought out.
CaseStreet
12/24/2009-2:25pm at 2:25 pm (UTC -4)
“Is Pagan really that much of a downgrade defensively than Bay?”
Umm, Pagan is leaps and bounds better than Bay defensively.
halfmanhalfamazin
12/24/2009-3:04pm at 3:04 pm (UTC -4)
Is Bay really that bad in the OF
CaseStreet
12/24/2009-4:01pm at 4:01 pm (UTC -4)
Are you saying bay is a better defender than pagan?
halfmanhalfamazin
12/24/2009-5:45pm at 5:45 pm (UTC -4)
I havent watched Bay in the field enough so I cant make that call for sure but I know Pagan is mediocre at best. Bay has to be somewhat competent in the field or he would be a DH somewhere. Just saying theres a reason Pagan hasnt been a starter
CaseStreet
12/24/2009-7:19pm at 7:19 pm (UTC -4)
Pagan plays good defense in all three outfield positions, bay can’t even play lf well. Being a starter has nothing to do with how well you play defense. Church plays great defense but isn’t a starter. Carlos gomez plays exceptional defense but if he doesn’t learn how to get on base, he’ll be out of a job soon.
CaseStreet
12/24/2009-2:30pm at 2:30 pm (UTC -4)
Crawford batting 2nd where he’s had most at bats would be ideal. Hopefully, the Rays are out of it early, and Omar can swing a trade.
gategem
12/24/2009-2:43pm at 2:43 pm (UTC -4)
From the Washington Post:
“George Michael, a high-rated and hyperanimated Washington sportscaster whose use of game highlights on his syndicated sports program became the model for successful broadcasters such as ESPN, died Thursday morning at Sibley Memorial Hospital, according to a statement issued by his former employer, WRC (Channel 4).â€
Michael was also a radio DJ and many, many years ago I used to listen to him on WABC.
RIP George.
gategem
12/24/2009-7:52pm at 7:52 pm (UTC -4)
Merry Christmas to all those that make this blog possible (and impossible at times).