To Be Wanted

For years, baseball players have wanted to play in New York. "I'd love to go to New York," they say. "There is my best chance to play for a championship team. I respect the history and the class of the Yankee organization and would like to finish my career there."

And now the tables have turned. The Mets, with their acquisition of Roberto Alomar, have made Queens a desirable borough for the first time in a long time. Alomar talks about wanting to finish his career with the Mets, talks about bringing in his good friend Juan Gonzalez to protect Mike Piazza in the lineup. Juan Gone himself talks about playing for the Mets: he all but guarantees a Championship for a team with Alomar, Mike Piazza, and himself in the lineup. And if he really wants to play for the Mets, he can, because Justice is on his way out and Gonzalez looks like he might adjust his price to make himself affordable.

The Cedeno signing that was announced today was unfortunate, but Cedeno is three years younger than Benny Agbayani, and may be hitting his prime. So who's out the door? If the Mets have any sense, they'll throw Timo away (maybe get a draft pick for him) and trade Payton for whatever. Cedeno goes to left field, sign Gonzalez to play right field, and give Shinjo a starting job in center. Suddenly the lineup looks something like:
Cedeno LF
Alfonzo 3B
Alomar 2B
Piazza C
Gonzalez RF
Shinjo CF
Zeile 1B
Ordonez SS

A weak bottom of the lineup, to be sure, but with the production massed at the top, the Mets can overcome it.

The Mets have built themselves into a contender. All they need to do now is put themselves over the top. All they need to do is sign Juan Gonzalez.

December 13, 2001 - 09:10 AM