I don’t know who I’m sick of hearing about more LeBron James or Cliff Lee? In Lee’s defense, it’s not his fault as he is no where near a self promoting Ring Leader of a media circus, that LBJ is. As much as Cliff Lee would be an injection of adrenaline to both the Mets pitching staff and it’s fan base, I feel the price for Lee will be too expensive for the Mets. Not monetarily but player wise.

I am enjoying watching the Mets this season unlike any Mets team that’s been assembled since 2006. I love watching a home grown infield and the fact that Angel Pagan a one time farm hand that returned home, and is playing All-Star caliber baseball. On the pitching side, how nice is it to see Mike Pelfrey grow up before our eyes, his lasted slump not withstanding? Jon Niese also pitching better than his scouting reports said he would.  Even Bobby Parnell coming back from a trip to Buffalo looks more grown up on the mound as well. It makes rooting for this team much more fun than when the roster is constructed of mainly mercenaries. That’s why I hope Cliff Lee goes to the Twins or Rays.

I’m sure some of you think that’s very short sighted of me to feel like that way and you may be right, maybe Josh Thole, Wilmer Flores and Jenry Mejia (the three players it would take to land Lee) never flourish in the big leagues and I know some say don’t fall in love with prospects but I guess I’m smitten by the Mets farmhands. I see Ike Davis and Jon Niese making a strong case for Rookie of Year and Ruben Tejada and his supersonic range at 2^nd base (not even his natural position) and then Josh Thole comes up and shows a productive bat (his at bats against the Second Coming of Christ a/k/a Stephen Strasburg have raised Thole stock even higher) and his handling of R.A. Dickey and his magical knuckle ball has him pushing Rod Barajas for playing time.  Then there is the financial situation of the team.

This is the great mystery that surrounds this franchise. Are the Mets broke, solvent or just keeping their heads above water? No one knows. I don’t think the Skill Sets are a bunch of brokesters but they’re not exactly livin’ large either. So even if you trade your fine farm fresh products for Cliff Lee, what’s the odds you’re going to sign him long term? Not very good if you ask me.

That’s why Ted Lilly makes the most sense to try to acquire. I’m sure the Cubs would take F-Mart and a minor league pitcher of lesser renown for Lilly.

Lilly is a perfect Citi Field pitcher as he is an extreme fly ball pitcher. His velocity has been down early in the season but like Johan Santana he is coming off injury and little by little getting some speed back on his fastball that in the second half of the season should benefit him by making his change up more effective. A rotation of Santana, Big Pelf, Lilly, Neise and Dickey looks very solid to me.

Sure Cliff Lee would be a huge score but I don’t want to pay the high price in kids. Get Lilly and a reliever either Chad Qualls or Matt Lindstrom and take your shot.

 

Toronto’s request of the Mets for star pitcher Roy Halladay was for top outfield prospect Fernando Martinez, young pitchers Bobby Parnell and Jon Niese and shortstop prospect Ruben Tejada, sources tell SI.com.

 

The Mets responded with a resounding no.

 

 I don’t know what is more stunning that J.P. Ricciardi would take a player plagued by so many injuries he has a handicap plate on his two wheeler, a dime a dozen reliever, a LHP who could be a back end starter maybe, and a teenager for one of the premier starting pitchers in all of baseball or that the Omar Minaya TURNED THIS DEAL DOWN!!!! Well Omar turning down the deal is not stunning in fact (that’s scary) but Ricciardi even offering that to the Mets? Does he hate being with the Blue Jays that much? Is there a secret pact with Minaya to hire Ricciardi as Tony B’s seat filler at $iti Field next year?

 

Ricciardi didn’t even ask for the best prospects the Mets own in Brad Holt, Wilmer Flores, or Jenrry Mejja. 

 

Then after the reports of Minaya turning down this offer Omar holds a news conference during last night’s game that he and J-Man are safe and sound in their jobs.

 

I will now douse myself in gasoline and light my sorry ass on fire.

 

Just a couple of items before I head out for the day to enjoy the 65 degree day today in NYC, so with Roy Orbison’ Black and White Night coming through my headphones let’s look at some Mets scuttlebutt:

Looks all the angst over Johan Santana’ elbow was wasted energy by the media and fan base as Santana threw another BP session today and looked sharp and looks to be on track for opening day in Cincinnati:

“I feel pretty good,” Santana said. “I don’t see any reasons why I would not be ready for it. We have been working out, getting everything in the right way, right track, and I don’t think there will be any problems.”

David Lennon watch the session closely:

Of his 36 pitches, Santana threw 22 strikes. He got six swings and misses, with five of them coming on change-up. Even when his change-up was high in the strike zone — a dangerous spot — the group of Mackowiak, Nick Evans, Rene Rivera and Cory Sullivan couldn’t touch it.

Jose Reyes is riding the pine in today’s WB (S) C game between the D.R and the Flyin Dutchmen. Have I told you how much I hate the WBC?

Bye-bye Dirty Duaner? Could be since the Mets came save some coin by dropping him by April 1. Add in the fact he has not been the same Dirty Duaner since his infamous Rice and Beans run car crash in South Beach as he still can’t hit 90 on the JUGGS , it could be the end of the line for Sanchez as a Met

The more you look at the fight for the 5^th spot in the Mets rotation the more I won’t be surprised if Petey signs with the Mets after the WBC

Wilmer Flores parents have submitted a permission slip to Jerry Manuel so Flores will play shortstop today against the Nationals (1PM Ch. 11) Flores was spotted in the clubhouse this morning with his Menudo lunch box and baseball shoes that light up when he runs (ahhhhhhhhh how cute)

not a good song a GREAT song by Roy Orbison watch the video here.