NASHVILLE -As baseball’s winter meetings got under way yesterday, the Mets made third base their top priority.
Their goal is simple and direct.
“We’re hopeful of coming back a better team,” Jeff Wilpon, the team’s chief operating officer, said.
Come next week, you can be sure the Mets will be better because they do have their pitching in order and there are just too many teams out there dangling talented players because of financial problems.
Right now the Mets have to fill the third base void that was created when they did not offer arbitration to Edgardo Alfonzo. With Tom Glavine throwing so many ground balls, the Mets need to have a strong fielder at that position.
All kinds of position players are available and the Mets have holes that need to be filled at third, short (Rey Ordenez figures to be jettisoned as soon as possible) and in the outfield.
The Reds have Ken Griffey Jr. out there, despite denials. The Royals have Carlos Beltran available. The Red Sox may push Nomar Garciaparra out of town. The Red Sox are looking to deal third baseman Shea Hillenbrand and they could find a match there with the Mets, who are also looking at Joe Randa from the Royals and free agent Bill Mueller, among others.
And once the Mets start talking trade with one player, anything could happen.
Garciaparra sure would solve the Mets shortstop woes for the next two years that he is under contract, but such a deal would likely cost super-short prospect Jose Reyes. Trading Reyes would be a difficult matter, and it is highly unlikely the Mets would consider such a move.
These Mets, though, are being built to win now, so you really can’t discount anything. GM Steve Phillips was due to deliver a media briefing later in the evening.
The Mets also should get on board the Cliff Floyd train and try to sign the free agent.
The Mets did come to an agreement with sub Joe McEwing on a $600,000, one-year deal to help fill out their roster.
The club also announced that Gary Carter will return as a minor-league roving catching instructor.