Random thoughts on the off season chatter

First off, Congratulations to David Wright for being named to the Sporting News All-Star team. He was the only Met selected and deserves high praise for his season this year. David lead the team in Average [.325], slugging % [.546], OBP [.416], hits [196], walks [94], and TB [330]. He had a stolen base % that Reyes should strive for [34-39] and he played in 160 games. If more people on the Mets played like David, the Mets would be in the series now, not the Rockies.

He's also a finalist in the MLB players choice awards for the Outstanding Player of the Year. He's going against Matt Holliday and Prince Fielder for this honor. Players Choice Awards annually recognize the top pitcher, player, rookie and comeback player in each league, while the Player of the Year and Man of the Year awards bestow top honors without regard to league. I think David is well deserving of this consideration.

Glavine is also up for an award. The Marvin Miller award. The Marvin Miller Man of the Year award honors the player whose on-field and off-the-field performance most inspires others to higher levels of achievement. Now I would argue the point of his "On Field" performance, but it's probably more about his past reputation than his 2007 year on the mound.

There seems to be a lot of discussion about trading Jose Reyes for Santana. I'd do it on one condition. And it wouldn't have anything to do with Jose's failure this year. That condition being that Santana signs a 5 year extension before the trade, and it's a one for one deal. Reyes is only signed for 4 more years, and there is no guarantee he'll resign. If Santana signs for 5 more years, that means he'll be in NY until 2013. Jose' could be gone in 2012. And I don't want to hear about trading a 24 year old everyday player for a 29 year old every 5th day player. Santana can and will win 20+ games in NY for many years. Will Reyes win 20 games a year for the Mets? I don't think so. He's only one piece of the puzzle, and he can't have the effect of a Stud Ace on the mound. The Mets need someone they can count on to stop the bleeding, and to right the ship when things are going bad. The Mets need a Beckett type pitcher. Look at what he's done this post-season and during the season. The RedSox know that when he takes the mound, they'll win the game even with only a few runs. And like Beckett, Santana throws hard [95+ mph] and then can throw a 75 mph pitch. I know Jose' has cost the Mets at least 10 games this year. His lack of focus at the plate, in the field, and on the bases was disturbing to say the least. I think we can all see how valuable Valentin was to Reyes. He kept Jose' focused and under control. And when he got hurt, Reyes started his slide. Castillo didn't keep Reyes focused, and Rickey wasn't any help either. Shortstops are easier to find than game changing ACE pitchers. Heck, even Gotay could cover the SS position until someone like Hanley Rameriz becomes available.

Just remember, with great risk comes great rewards. The Reyes for Santana trade has more rewards than risks.