The Daily News reported this morning that Cecil Fielder, the father of Milwaukee slugger Prince Fielder, believes his son would consider signing with the Mets when he enters free agency in the offseason.
Um...thanks, but no thanks.
First of all, let's consider the source for this story. Fielder's father admits that his current relationship with his son is, "really mute," a.k.a. he most likely hasn't talked to his son and probably has no clue if he is even willing to come to New York.
Second, if the Mets plan to spend money this offseason, it better be on re-signing Jose Reyes (assuming he's still around).
Supporters of the Mets signing Fielder would argue that the Mets bleak offense could use a power hitter.
When all are healthy, the Mets have Carlos Beltran, David Wright, and Ike Davis. These are the guys the Mets have relied on to hit home runs.
Well, Wright and Davis have been on the DL, and Carlos Beltran hasn't exactly been crushing the ball on a consistent basis.
Don't even get me started on Jason Bay. He's the best example of how signing a "power hitter" can come back to bite you. Bringing in a big name guarantees nothing.
As Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal notes, the Mets have hit just ten home runs since May 22. That's the fewest in the majors during that stretch.
If this past series with the Rangers showed us anything, it's that home runs don't necessarily equate to wins. Mets pitchers allowed seven home runs to Texas in three games. During the three game series, the Rangers managed just one win.
This team has found ways to win, however, with their current small ball approach. They've managed to hold their own.
On the defensive side, the Mets already have a star first baseman in Davis. He's solid defensively and he's cheap.
The only player the Mets should be worried about signing is Reyes.
The Mets have emerged as the best base running team in the Major Leagues, and this running game has led to runs scored.
Reyes has led the pack while leading the National League in runs (61), hits (113), batting average (.341) and triples (14). He is also second in stolen bases (28).
If that's not enough to convince the Mets to spend the money to keep him, then the Mets probably don't deserve him.
Reyes can significantly increase his chances of being re-signed by the Mets if he can become a bankruptcy or criminal defense attorney between now and October.
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