Mets Hot Stove: Omar, Enough Already

The morning after -- the sweet smell of success combines with a disturbingly stale odor that just... won't... go... away.

NorthJersey.com: Can we talk about something besides Manny?
As I revel in an amazing week for the Mets, Bob Klapisch brings me back down to earth with these sobering words:

Minaya and Sox president Larry Lucchino have agreed to speak face-to-face next week during the winter meetings in Dallas, at which point they'll wrestle with the only remaining obstacle: Who'll pay what percentage of Ramirez's salary? [my emphasis]

Klapisch is talking about a trade that would send Cliff Floyd, Aaron Heilman and Lastings Milledge to the Sox. I still find it hard to believe that the Red Sox want Cliff Floyd, but who knows? The way things are going for Omar lately, I guess nothing would really surprise me.

I've been on record so much against a Milledge for Manny that I'll try to spare regular readers a complete rehash. If you add this contract and this fat body to the mix it's scary to think where this team might be 2 years down the road with a ton of high-priced aging talent with contracts that no one else will want.

Everyone is talking about Omar's creativity. I have a request. Show some creativity here -- resist the urge to add another overpaid mid-30s superstar to the mix and blend in some young up and coming talent instead. The team will be healthier for it now and won't be in salary hell 2 or 3 years down the road. It's not creative to keep making the same types of moves over and over. If you can't get Manny out of your heart, at least wait the Red Sox out on this. It's apparent that no one else really wants him. It's been such a good couple of weeks -- don't ruin it. It is possible to go too far.

Mets.com: What's Next?
Marty Noble takes a look ahead and figures the Mets are finished pursuing the really high profile players. (If only this could be true, I'll take nothing else from Santa.) The Mets will now concentrate on the complimentary parts to fill out their roster.

He cites one source that the Mets might stay away from Ramon Hernandez and Bengie Molina and look for a cheaper option to team with Castro. His thought that the Mets might give Kaz Matsui one more chance at second won't make a lot of fans happy.