Three Reasons I Don't Want A-Rod

John Harper of the New York Daily News wrote a column today explaining reasons why the Mets should make a run at Alex Rodriguez. Let me give my reasons why I do not think they should purue him.

1. We already have an All-Star at Third. David Wright is a proved star in the league and is THE face of the franchise. Harper suggests a move to second or first for Wright, but I disagree. For my only piece of evidence, I need only go back to 2004 when the Mets signed Kaz Matsui from Japan and tried to move Reyes to second.

2. He is Unproven in October. So what if he gets you there. He has produced nothing in October. Why fork out $30 million a year for a guy that sucked so bad that Joe Torre batted him eighth one year in the division series?

3. Pitching? I cite the Cleveland Indians from the late 90's for this one. My buddy Bodine, huge Tribe fan, will back me on this one. They were scoring a ton of runs per game, but their pitchers always gave up a ton more. Why not take the money for A-Rod and throw it at some damn pitchers. Look at Boston this year, they had a solid lineup from top to bottom. Had it not been for Beckett, they would have been nowhere.

No matter who the Mets acquire for offensive support they have a solid lineup that has the potential to score some runs. I hope that Freddie, Jeff and Omar keep their heads straight and don't try to stick it to the folks in the Bronx.

Looking to '2008

We can only go up from here. After the monumental collapse the club now has some motivation to redeem themselves. But what changes need to be made to this club? Obviously pitching HAS to be addressed, but what else needs to be done to ensure that there will not be a repeat from 2007?

Catchers: Personally I feel that Paul LoDuca can get the job done. He takes a beating game after game and still has the passion to try to play everyday. But, with the relationship between he and Willie Randolph, don't look to see Paulie back in orange and blue. Can Ramon Castro be successful playing everyday? He works well with the staff and can be productive at the plate. I guess we'll see.

Infield: With Wright and Reyes the core is set. Delgado really needs to get his act together and have a comeback season in '08. Second base is always an issue with this club. I sure wish Kaz Matsui could have played for us like he does in Colorado now. Don't look for Valentin to be back. I really like Easley and he (if healthy) can provide a spark off the bench. Luis Castillo needs to be re-signed. He was, by far, the spark at the top of the lineup once Reyes went into his slump.

Outfield: No matter what rumors you hear, Beltran will be the starting centerfielder and Alou will be back in left. Right is the question. With Milledge, Chavez and Green (if they bring him back), you have three experienced and capable players. I do like Chavez coming off of the bench. Green is going to have to take a substantial pay cut if he's coming back. Don't be surprised if Milledge is included in a lot of trade rumors.

Bullpen: Complete overhaul is necessary. Heilman, Smith and Feliciano will be the anchors. A healthy Duaner Sanchez should help. Don't expect to see Mota back.

Starters: I don't look for Glavine to be back. El Duque is the wild card. The dude's body is falling apart. There needs to be SOME form of consistency. Maine and Perez were off and on all year. I really can't wait to see a healthy Pedro Martinez on Opening Day. Don't get excited about any Johann Santana rumors.

Coaching: Please get rid of Ricky Henderson.

Now remember that I am not an expert. Just a Met Fanatic that wants a ring in 2008.