Dear Brian

Dear Brian Cashman,

I would like to tell you about a dear friend of ours, Oliver Perez. He has been nothing but phenomenal for our team ever since he joined us in 2006. After throwing a complete game shut out in game 7 of the 2006 World Series, Oliver told us, "I did it for the fans and for the organization that has graced me with this wonderful opportunity." He has always been a truly humble, team player.

Oliver has done all sorts of charity work within the Queens community and has been an absolute delight within the clubhouse. Recently it was reported that certain teammates of his wanted Oliver off the team - but you shouldn't believe it. To the contrary, it was simply a practical joke from a couple of knuckleheads who have long been jealous of Oliver's ability to charm and please the entire clubhouse.

Brian, the reason I tell you all of this is because Oliver has stated that he wants to win a world series for both New York teams. I know he can do it, and since your organization and ours have long been great friends, I humbly offer you Oliver Perez. All we ask in return is that you pay his contract and give us Javier Vazquez (just so it looks like we aren't giving him away for free.) We would be most gracious if you granted Oliver his wish.

Sincerely,
Omar

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I'LL TELL YOU WHO'S NOT THE ANSWER

If the Mets are going to make a serious run in the National League East this year they need to find another front line starter. It's really as simple as that. Whoever was in charge this past offseason, whether it be Omar or the Wilpons (who knows the true dynamics of the Mets front office) whiffed big time. It's entirely possible that the Wilpon's were fed up with getting little to nothing back for their investments and told Omar, "We're cutting you off." As we all know, since the beginning, Omar has been all about the big splash (i.e. Pedro and Carlos.) Either way, the Mets missed on Lackey, Marquis, and a bevy of other potential front line starters.

Rumors have spread regarding certain pitchers the Mets may be after - which I will address shortly. First, here is the guy who is not the answer: Dontrelle Willis. Though he would likely be a great clubhouse influence, you can argue, "so is Jeff Francouer." For as much as Frenchy has been a positive clubhouse influence, don't you think the Mets would rather have an above .220 hitter? The point is, though Dontrelle is known as a likeable guy, it doesn't mean he would be productive, or the missing piece to a championship puzzle. Why would the Mets want to pick up a guy who was a flash in the pan years ago? He simply isn't very good anymore and the Mets can do a whole lot better.

Now, who exactly can they do better with? Simple. Cliff Lee. He is arguably as good of a top of the rotation lefty as you can get. He thrived in the postseason for Philadelphia. He is the real deal. The golden question with Lee is this: do the Mets have enough to offer, and if they do, is it worth mortgaging the future (guys like F-Mart and Mejia) for a run at it this year? What I will say, is that the Mets must be sure to avoid a repeat of the Kris Benson/Victor Zambrano debacle in which they mortgaged the future in order to chase a 7 game wild card deficit with two months to go. In simpler terms, the Mets need to be sure that they have a realistic chance to win this year. If not, wait until the offseason and join the bidding madness.


-Tom Greenhalgh (6/1/10)