In addition to random IM arguments about the Mets, I’m also on a mailing list about sports and other topics. Today’s conversation.

Chuck (Yankees): Again everyone perceives me as a Met hater, but honestly I want them to make the World Series and lose to the Yankees.

Here is my take on the Mets. I picked them to win the division before the season, but after taking a look at them through two and a half months I now view Philly as the team to beat because their lineup just wears you out and there pitching is just enough to get it done.

Their line-up wore people out because Howard, Burrel, Victorino, and Utley decided to have a May that blew the doors off everyone in the National League.

This is where it gets good… or bad… or batshit crazy.

As for the Mets if they can make a deal for a reliever and and maybe a veteran OF that can provide some leadership I think they can come back and win the Wild Card because I’m not sold on the Cards and Fish. The problem I also see for the Mets having is they need to make a deal now and they need to get younger, but there is not much down on the farm for them at the moment that they are willing to part with. Thus here are three deals I think the Mets can make that will make them infinitely better and will not cost that much to make:

* Add Darren Erstad from the Astros for a low level prospect. He can play first, OF and he can come in as a defensive replacement and run the bases well. And he could be a good locker room guy and another spokesperson.
* Add David Weathers from the Reds for a low level pitching prospect. He is used to closing, thus you know he can handle the seventh or eighth and he has succeeded in NY before. Hell I think the Mets have even had him before.
* Add Richie Sexson from the Mariners once he is released. Now I know what you are saying, Sexson is terrible, but you can platoon him with Delgado and get a legit pinch hitting threat off the bench if you need a three run HR. Adding Erstad two would allow you to start one of the three, bring the other in the PH then Erstad to play defense.

Another option might be Brian Giles, he is in the last year of his contract and the Pods would likely take a triple A OF for him.

For the record, these are actual people e-mailing actual thoughts. Someone out there thinks the Mets should trade for Darrin Erstad. I wouldn’t want the Mets to trade a pile of maple bats broken by rookie league players to the Astros for Erstad who has just barely approached terrible

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My response follows:

I think the Phillies kinda started to get over-rated on their huge winning streak. There was absolutely no way that Utley was going to continue to play at that level all season. They finally came back to earth (five game losing streak) and, surprise, their starting pitching still kinda sucks.

The Mets are 3 back in the loss column and have a HUGE week coming up the week before the break. 4 against the Yankees, 4 against the Cards, 4 against the Phils, 3 against the Giants, and 3 against the Rockies before the break. Before panic sets in let’s all just remember that the team is still 4-2 against the Phillies.

And unless the Mets are adding a Scot Shields level of reliever, I don’t want them to make any roster moves. There is no reason for them to send more farm system guys out for another old 1B rental. Again 2 back in the loss column and fifth in the NL in runs scored while playing with corner outfield plans D and E. If I’m picking problems, it’s been the bullpen and the odd appearances of Bizzaro Ollie.

And for the record, I wouldn’t want the team to trade a pile of baseball bats broken by rookie league players for Erstad, Sexson, or Weathers.

Let’s grab the rest of this series and get amped for next week.