What does Putz make next year? $8 million?

A steal for an elite closer but it's a ton for a set-up man. We could trade him for some very solid prospects then us the money saved to sign a new set-up man.

Awesome banner. I REALLY prefer it the new one on this site. Matt's a smart guy with solid judgment...He should be using your banner in no time.

But can Church be sent down without being cut? Murphy can play everyday in the minors then come back up when the Mets need him.

Also, Sheffield + Murphy = A Lot of Angry Flyball Pitchers

I love the Murphy at 2nd idea...I'm just wondering if this is a pipe dream. I think he wants to be a second basemen, where his production would be exceptional for his position. I just haven't heard, read, or seen anything that leads me to believe he can play that position.

That being said, if Murphy did develop into a decent second baseman, that 75% of the Mets infield is filled with homegrown talent for years to come...so, my self-delusional dreaming continues...

Under the same rationale, if Sheffield has an amazing season (i.e. .300 avg and 35 hr's, all while the apocalypse approaches upon us), should we send down Murphy? Murphy is a young guy with options who should be playing every day as well.

Sending down Evans is no big deal. If Sheffield doesn't pan out, he'll be back shortly. Plus, by going down a level, Evans will get to play every day.

I would be more concerned if we cut Reed. Reed is a former top prospect who just had a phenomenal spring (though we all know Spring Training means nothing). I'd be very cautious about cutting a hot player with high potential. Let's hold onto him until he shows that his hot spring was nothing more than an apparition.

Also, does anyone know when Pagan will come back or whether he has options? That may throw a wrench in things.

I love this list. However, I really dislike #3. There is a temptation to treat every Mets game like it is the end of the season. One day the Mets win and are World-Series bound and the next day the lose and are worse then their 1962 counterparts. I wish we could show more stability and perspective after each game. One loss doesn't ruin the season, and one win doesn't make us the '27 Yankees.

Great post. Seriously, there is so much reason to be optimistic about the 2009 Mets. Even our Metsblog pessimists are predicting that the Mets will be in the playoff hunt. This is a SOLID team. I'm so excited for this season to get started. I don't know how I'm going to work tomorrow. Opening is just so much fun. One of the things I love about being a Mets fan: no matter what happened the year before, the Mets give me a reason to be excited on Opening Day next year....two-thirds of franchises can't make that claim.

I take comfort in knowing that no matter what happens to our pitching staff, Pedro, and later Sheets, will be available as free agents. It is a pretty decent insurance policy against injury or poor performance.

That's an excellent point. After today's outing, I wouldn't be optimistic about letting Ollie pitching in the cold. Then again, it can get awfully cold in October.