OK Mets: You've Got K-Rod, Now Stay Busy

It's official Mets' fans: Francisco Rodriguez is heading to Queens, A large upgrade from Billy Wagner, K-Rod brings his record setting 62 saves to Flushing next season. The price tag: 3 years, 37 million dollars. Rodriguez will have a physical tomorrow before the deal is 'officially' done. The Mets are happy from the financial standpoint too. K-Rod wanted 5 years, $75 million. Instead, Rodriguez gets Chad Codero-like money.

Rodriguez will be 27 by opening day, so he should be settling into his prime. My concerns: K-Rod has a violent motion that could wear down his shoulder and arm one day. You could make the case that his strikeouts have gone down the last few years. Technically, you'd be right, BUT: Francisco tossed 68 innings last year and logged 77 K's. Not bad. On the flip side is the fact that the Angels, who won so much because of him, NEVER made a play for him. Is this the Braves letting Tom Glavine go all over again? Hopefully not. You heard rumors of Johan Santana's durability or lack thereof last year. That worked out OK.

Here's the rub: The Mets STILL need a few more pieces for the bullpen. Outside of maybe Duaner Sanchez and Joe Smith-NO ONE from that bullpen is worth bringing back. Try to convince a Fuentes or Wood to be a setup guy. Good luck with that, but try. I want no part of Trevor 'Big Blown Save' Hoffman. Not only is Hoffman over 40, but his all time saves record is a little thin. When the chips have been on the table in a big spot, Hoffman always seems to come up with a lousy hand.

The team could use another good starter behind Santana, Pelfrey and Maine. How 'bout trying to work a deal for John Garland, a consistent double digit winner and innings eater. Derek Lowe is the prederable choice here over A.J. Burnett.

Let's face it-the BIGGEST HOLE: 2nd base. I don't care how much Luis Castillo has changed his attitude or feels like he'll be better next season. Eat the contract NOW. How can the team justify having this waste of space and a uniform in a new ball park? The Mets are planning on lessening payroll. They better make sure Castillo is part of the cost cutting.

Plus, WHO will play left? Old man Fernando Tatis or young Daniel Murphy? Will Ryan Church be back? What of catcher Brian Schneider? There are needs that need to be addressed. Congratulations, GM Omar Minaya. Good FIRST move. Including the 2006 NLCS, this team has flopped three seasons in a row. Get off your butt and stay busy.