Mets Won't Pursue FA OF

A report from Andy Martino of the NY Daily News indicates that the Mets won't be looking to free agency to address their outfield needs this offseason:

Quote:

---

Operating on a budget that, according to sources, has not been finalized - but will be only marginally higher than this year’s approximately $90 million - GM Sandy Alderson is ready to build an outfield via the trade market. It has long been clear that nearly every Met will be a trade candidate.

---

Sounds like New York will be a potential player for Denard Span. Who intrigues you on their roster? Personally, I love me some Jon Niese.

I'm sure the Twins would love to have Niese, but I don't see that happening for Span straight up. Niese is their second best starter and I don't see why they would trade him for an outfielder. The Twins would have to sweeten the pot. I think the Twins place a lot of value in Span, as well they should. But I don't think other teams value Span enough to part with good pitching for him. It's for this reason that I think he'll be on the Twins 2013 opening day roster.

I don't see the match.

The Mets look to keep their budget at 90 million. They will look to trade older players for younger players under control. They can't trade prospects to get Span without increasing the budget.

Anyone would look at the Mets roster and target Niese. Niese is 25. He has a very reasonable contract through 2016! with options for 2017 and 2018. He is the kind of player the Mets need. The Mets realize he is their most valuable property. I suppose some team could blow them away with an offer of prospects to get him. Would you?

Daniel Murphy is 27. Flawed defensively at 2B. Still under team control. He is a more reasonable target that might fit the Twins needs. I would guess that the Mets would prefer Revere in a more parallel deal. Both are somewhat flawed players under team control.

To answer your question...there's really no one on their roster that interests me. We know all to well that Mets prospects are suspect. I'd love to have Johan back, although I admit that move probably doesn't make much sense for the Twins.

Span fills a specific criteria for teams. He is a very solid, yet unspectacular player.
Teams wanting a pure CF who is well above average but doesnt make highlight plays....teams wanting a pure leadoff hitter who doesnt steal bases like a 'leadoff hitter' & dont want to spend lots on money on that will be interested. Span also hits lefties very well but some teams may notice he's a much less quality hitter on the road
Mets wont deal Niese since they just signed him to a 5 yr deal. Doesnt mean they cant, but most teams dont ....esp with pitching.
Span should still bring something nice as FA CF's Bourne, Victorino & Upton may seem like better choices, but they will cost mucho money. Denard will be the far less expensive/less ceiling alternative for someone....hopefully Tampa for some of their extra pitching.