Church, Pagan Are Back...Will They Produce?

While the Mets continue to sit on their hands regarding an outfielder they KNOW will produce (and I say that knowing I'd rather not having Manny Ramirez) they DID avoid arbitration with Ryan Church and Angel Pagan. Let's hope for the best.

After all, the Mets, from GM Omar Minaya thru the medical staff, totally botched Church's second concussion last May 20th. He was brought back too soon and both Church-and the club-suffered for it.

Meanwhile, Pagan tore his left labrum in L-A a few weeks before Church's concussion, and was never seen again. Pagan was about as visible as Ann Coulter at a Democratic fundraiser.

So, while Michael Young, Adam Dunn, and sadly even Manny are still out there, it appears, particularly with Pagan that the Mets are thinking 'budget' in the wrong spots. Chances are good that Church has finally had enough rest to be healthy. But Pagan, even whwn physically sound, is a reserve outfielder at best.

I know some comments here have said that I must be patient. That's true to a point. Last year, we all knew Johan Santana WOULD be traded by the Twins. So Omar had the chance to put a deal in place and talk contract. For position players, there are only so many teams. Let's hope that Church and Pagan are ready to go come opening day. Let's also pray that Omar and the Wilpons ubderstand that they cannot go another year without a postseason appearance.