The Mets Should Pursue Dan Haren

Let's suppose that you fall under the category of a Mets fan that is less than ecstatic about the prospect of Roy Oswalt sporting the orange and blue. Perhaps you're wary about the price tag (who isn't?) or the health issues. Maybe it concerns you what Houston would likely ask for in return.

Let's take this one step further and also suppose that you're not elated about the idea of Cliff Lee sandwiched between Johan and Mike in the rotation. Perhaps you feel that the Mets would have to give up far too much for a player that would most certainly be a rental.

That's all fair.

But, if all of that is the case (and certainly even if it's far from how you feel) you may be intrigued by the idea of one other less talked about ace that will be on the market this summer: Dan Haren.

First and foremost, Haren is signed through the 2012 season with a club option for 2013. Security? Check.

Haren leads the NL in strikeouts. He has 7 wins (and this has been a sub par year). Prior to this season, Haren had 3 consective seasons (07-09) where he pitched to the tune of no less than 14 wins and no higher than a 3.33 ERA. Even prior to that, in 2005 and 2006, he won 14 games each year with no higher than a 4.12 ERA while pitching in the American League. Couple that with 3 consecutive All-Star selections.

And he's only 29 years old.

This will be far from cheap. But let's be realistic. Any of these three guys would cost the Mets blue chip prospects. So, if trading for a 29 year old stud who is locked in for a few years would be considered "mortgaging the future" then what exactly would renting Lee at the cost of Mejia and F-Mart be considered? Steve Phillips-esque?

Point is, if it costs Martinez and Mejia, you pull the trigger.

The Arizona firesale is coming. Haren is waiting.


-Tom Greenhalgh (6/15/10)