Beginnings and Endings

It's that time of the year again; time to fix the broken parts. Addition by subtraction, addition by addition, multiplication, and winning the division. Should the Mets get a closer first and then a starter, or do it the baseball way, starting with starting and ending with ending?


I like the idea of signing Kerry Wood to a two year contract, and then getting Derek Lowe for three years. I'm okay with Oliver Perez and Pedro Martinez leaving, and with all the other free agents going away as well. Trading the whole bullpen except Joe Smith and Brian Stokes works for me. Making sure Billy Wagner never wears a Met uniform again, I'm all for it.

Trade Luis Castillo or release him. Please sign Orlando Hudson for whatever it takes. Keep the catchers and try to trade for a "catcher of the future." Keep Ryan Church if he wants to be here. Play Daniel Murphy every day.

With the advantage of a full year with Jerry Manuel, this team would have a good chance to make the playoffs:

Johan Santana
John Maine
Derek Lowe
Mike Pelfrey
Jon Niese

Wood CL
Smith
Stokes
Anonymous Lefty #1
Anonymous Lefty #2
Anonymous Righty #1
Eddie Kunz or Bobby Parnell

1 Jose Reyes SS
2 Daniel Murphy LF
3 David Wright 3B
4 Carlos Beltran CF
5 Carlos Delgado 1B
6 Orlando Hudson 2B
7 Ryan Church RF
8 Brian Schneider/Ramon Castro/Catcher of the Day C

bench: Argenis Reyes IF
Nick Evans UT
Endy Chavez OF
Fernando Tatis Spiritual Leader and Utility player
Catcher of the day (keep 3 catchers to let Castro PH and stay fresher longer)

Assuming they can get some decent relievers on the cheap, this team should be good enough to win, as long as they can get over the psychological scars of the past couple of years.

And my one crazy idea: give Brad Holt a shot at closing if they can't sign or acquire a proven guy. If the Mets have a Joba in the woods, it's Holt. Closing doesn't require as much minor league seasoning as starting does, and if anyone can make the leap from A ball, it's this gem.

Let's go Mets!

© Judy Kamilhor 2008

My Worlds Collide, But in a Good Way

While we're waiting to find out how each MLB team will redesign itself for the 2009 season, there is news from across the Pacific that reminds me of an old dream. A Japanese schoolgirl has been drafted by a Japanese professional team.

Maybe some day my dream will come true, and a woman will play in the major leagues in North America. Until then, good luck to Eri Yoshida on her journey to make history.


© Judy Kamilhor 2008