So...this guy can't fit into our plans?

Yesterday, Juan Pierre agreed to a minor-league deal with the Phillies. The Mets have been "monitoring" the LH-hitting OF market-translated, this means looking for someone who will work for minimum wage. So, Sandy, what happened here? Pierre hit .279 last year, with 27 SB. The year before, he led the AL with 68 SB. Pierre has the speed (even though he's 34) to be a solid defensive OF, though his arm is incredibly weak. And he'll work cheaply (see above MINOR-LEAGUE deal). And the Mets just pass on him. If this charade of playing Duda in RF is to actually come to fruition, the Mets will need a 7th-inning defensive replacement (if you ask me, they'll need a first-inning defensive replacement). And Pierre would be the LH bat they want, and have speed to boot. Alas, he's a Phillie. I keep telling myself, "I love the Mets, I love the Mets..."

This week, John Franco was selected for the Mets HOF. I never liked Franco, and I still don't. His longevity awards aside, ask yourself if he was a top-notch closer with the Mets. I answer a resounding "No". Why they traded hard-throwing Randy Meyers for this guy is beyond me. And let's not forget that Franco refused to speak to Rick Reed, a former replacement player. Lest ye judge too harshly, John. You'll get yours someday. Enough said.

I'm feeling rather negative about the team these days. I've never been like this. Usually, I'm counting the days, like many are (we see it on FB and other blogs daily). At this point, I see a season of difficulty. Now, there are things to eagerly anticipate. I'm interested to see if/how Santana returns. I think Bay will have a good year. I think Davis will have a good year. And I'm glad that the pen is now staffed with guys who won't take any sh*t.  But I worry about DW, and the message that will be sent if he's dealt mid-year. I'm not looking forward to talk about selling the team and lawsuits. But I'm loyal. I have my 15-game plan, and it will be baseball, so it has to be good.

And one more silver lining.......Uncle Bud says there will likely be another wild card THIS year! Can you get there with 65 wins?