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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 28, 2007
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We're stuck with Carlos Delgado for this year and hopefully he can provide some offense this year, the last year of his contract.
What will the Mets do at 1B next year?
- There are few 1B prospects in the minor leagues (Michel Abreu? Mike Carp?)
- Mark Teixeira will be a free agent next year, but he will be highly sought after, not to mention that his agent is Scott Boras, plus the Yankees will be after him as well.
- The free agent market is thin for next year, with the exception of Teixeira. Here is the list of First Basemen from mlbtraderumors.com listed with age.
First basemen
Ben Broussard (32)
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (37)
Carlos Delgado (37) - $16MM mutual option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with a $5MM buyout
Scott Hatteberg (39)
Eric Hinske (31)
Doug Mientkiewicz (35)
Kevin Millar (37)
Richie Sexson (34)
Mark Teixeira (29)
How about trading for Xavier Nady and moving him permanently to 1B. The Mets can go after Teixeira, but if they don't get him, Nady will be a nice backup plan. The only problem is that the Pirates may ask for Ryan Church in return.
Any thoughts?
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 27, 2006
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The only one on that list that sticks out is Teixeria...and the one with a reasonable age...
Mike Carp is still playing Binghamton and probably will not be ready next year as they will move into AAA...
No way you trade Church for Nady......
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 1, 2007
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Nick Evans is an additional 1B prospect to consider. Also maybe even a guy like Dan Murphy could be converted to 1B. There are quite a few talented prospects in AA at my old stomping grounds in Binghamton. Went up to visit a couple of times and got to see a couple games. Both Evans and Murphy looked like very capable players and to boot although he isn't getting on base as much as would be liked I really like F-Mart.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 27, 2006
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I really think it depends on our outfield next year as well, Ryan Church can also be converted to 1B. If FMart is ready to come up from the minors, and if Angel Pagan plays well, but the outfield is short of power if you have pagan, beltran, and martinez out there. So it really depends on what the Mets are willing to do.
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Reputation:56
Level:Pro
Since:Oct 30, 2007
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If we can't sign Teixeira, I think it will have to be a converted outfielder either from within or free agency. Adam Dunn would be my first choice, as he will be a free agent next year.......... Although not a likely solution to the problem, Marlon Anderson did a great job at first the other day.
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Reputation:77
Level:Pro
Since:Dec 15, 2007
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If we're thinking about Pirates, what about Adam LaRoche? I know his numbers so far this year aren't good, but he raked when he played for the Braves (and it mattered). A change of scene might be all he needs.
He's expensive for the Pirates, and we might be able to get him cheap (you know, buy low...)
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 14, 2007
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Michel Abreu is 29 years old, if CBSsportsline info is to be believed, so that hardly warrants him being called a prospect. Mike Carp is at least two years away. None of the FA 1bmen you mentioned is worthy at all. Best to trade for an OFer and move Moises Alou or Ryan Church to 1B next year. Church is just too valuable right now to be moved. Sean Casey is too old, Tony Clark is too erratic, Jason Giambi is pass any semblence of usefulness, Scott Hatteberg and Doug Mientkiewicz are too old, Eric Hinske and Richie Sexson will get too much on the open market (kinda like Beltre and few years ago from the Mariners after leaving the Dodgers). Kevin Millar maybe but only as a platton player because of his age. Mets traded away Xavier Nady before and he will be just another streaky player in a streaky lineup (Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, et al). Best hope is to trade for Jason Bay of the Pirates and move Alou to first. Not too many options for the Mets at this point.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 30, 2007
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It's pretty likely that Alou will be retired next year. Plus, he's never played 1st anyway, so I don't really think that's a possibility. But your point is well taken that after after Tiexiera, there's really no good option. I like Hinske, but as you say, he will be expensive. Not as expensive as Tiexiera, but expensive.
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Feb 14, 2008
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there don't appear to be any truly good options after Mark Teixeira in the FA pool next year, so the Mets might have to get creative. personally, i think acquiring Adam Dunn and moving him to first is the best option, if tex is out of reach. Hank Blalock will be a FA, and he could certainly play 1B, so that's not a terrible option. i also think Daryle Ward could be a serviceable 1B on the cheap, as someone you forgot to mention (or maybe just didn't think enough of to mention). i think he has the skills to be an everyday player, but he hasn't really gotten the chance. kind of risky to go into the season with him as the primary 1B, not knowing exactly what you'll get, but the investment would be small anyway.
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