Mike Piazza Files for Free Agency

Now we need a catcher. Ramon Castro makes an excellent backup, but I don't know if I like the idea of him being the full time backstop. There's a quality free agent in Ramon Hernandez who will be available, and while he's coming off an injury filled 2005 season, he might be our best bet at replacing Piazza.

Piazza hasn't had a top notch season since 2002, and while he's still a better hitter then most catchers out there, his defense hasn't been great (I'm being nice, it's never been that great). It seems like every year, the rumor is to move him to first base, yet it never quite happens. Using Baseball Prospectus' Fielding Runs Above Average, Piazza actually had one of his best fielding seasons in years with only -7 FRAA. But when you mix it up with his offense, his WARP has only been from 2.5 to 3.0 the last three years. Hernandez had a 3.6 this year in only 99 games, and has had seasons of 5.7 and 5.1 in 2003 and 2004. So we're talking about a two win upgrade here.
It also looks like Willie Randolph escaped the axe. Yeah, he's only had one year, but this was a talented team that you would expect more from. if he doesn't show results in 2006, I think it might be time to look elsewhere.

World Series and Free Agent Thoughts

Things are winding down and the season is almost over. The White Sox are one win away from taking their first World Series since 1917. Some of the individual games have been great to watch, but there hasn't been much drama in many of the series. The Yankees/Angels went to five games, but other then that, the next closest series might have been the Astros/Cardinals which went to six games. If the White Sox win tonight, they'll have gone 11-1 in the playoffs. Not too shabby for a team most people thought would finish in the bottom half of their division.

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Mets last World Series win. To relive the glory days, I'm going to do a day by day diary of the team. One of the people who has helped me a ton with blogging has been Brian over at Tigerblog, and last year, he did a day by day diary of the 1984 Tigers. He followed it up with a look at the 1935 Tigers and the 1975 Reds at Reds Cutting Edge. So if you want to check out what it's going to be like, stop over at one of those two sites. In the meantime, I'll continue with my series on Tom Seaver and by the start of the season, I'm hoping to have the blog on a dedicated URL.

The awards will be announced next month. I expect Pedro Martinez to finish in the top five for the Cy Young, but outside of that, you won't see much activity for Mets players.

Priority number one is getting a good slugging first baseman in the offseason. Paul Konerko is expected to re-sign with the White Sox. Erubiel Durazo is available as well, and if healthy, could provide a much need punch to the lineup. Another option is bringing back Mike Piazza and once again trying to move him to first base. If not, Ramon Hernandez would be a nice fit for the team.
Outside of that, it's slim pickings unless we make a trade. There's a ton of relief pitching available, so hopefully we pick up a solid arm or two as well.

Playoffs

Alright, I took my little break and I'm done brooding on the Mets. So far, the two playoff series, while they're still early, are shaping up to be good ones. It's kind of hard not to root for the White Sox or the Astros. Both have their own stories, and if they square off, we'll see either a first every Astros World Series or the first World Series in 88 years for White Sox fans.

In the meantime, I'll be watching some great baseball. Eventually I'll get back to talking about the Mets, both past and present. Check back this weekend, and I'm sure I'll have something ready.

Mets Win Fifth Straight Series

Nothing like a nice little run to end the season. While we lost the final game of the season to the Rockies, we took two of three to finish the season with 83 wins, tied for third place. This was supposed to be a team that would be contending for the championship, so third place doesn't cut it.

What makes it even worse is, we were a game better then the Padres, and they're in.

So while I'm happy the Mets didn't lie down, I'm still a bit annoyed at the how the season goes. I'll be piping in my frustrations in the weeks ahead, but tomorrow I'll probably throw out some playoff predictions. I'm not even sure who I'll be rooting for this year. Maybe the White Sox.