Gamble

One of each, please. Thanks!

Omar Minaya is going to have a few pricey free agents to choose from this offseason, and the Mets will probably make a run at at least one of them.

As I've chronicled many times, I'm a big fan of Manny Ramirez, and so is Minaya. The latest numbers have Manny asking for a five-year deal, worth $85 million. That seems a little steep to me, but maybe the Mets can snag the "New York" guy (born in Dominican Republic, grew up in NYC) on the cheap.

It looks like Mark Teixeira won't be an option, as they're hinting at bringing back Carlos Delgado. But there's always the chance they trade Delgado and move for Tex. He shined with the bat and the glove all season, and made a run to the World Series with the Angels before it was cut short by the Red Sox. Doubt it will happen though.

Francisco Rodriguez will be very, very expensive. Can't see the Mets shelling out that kind of cash for a one-inning pitcher. I think they'll get Brian Fuentes to close, or promote from within.

CC Sabathia presents an interesting issue: Can the Mets afford two "aces" on the same staff? I don't think so, but Minaya needs to make a big, bold move this offseason as the Mets head into Citi Field. Sure, he landed the biggest fish in the barrel with Johan Santana last off-season, but Santana & CC together? I'm salivating.

Orlando Hudson would be welcomed with open arms. Luis Castillo will be shopped to every team for every price. Won't be surprised when (not if) Minaya dumps him elsewhere, eats most of the contract, and watches him prosper into an injury-free, slap hitter extrodinare. Hudson needs to shake the injury bug, but when he's good to go, he's a great player. I'd like to see that Reyes-Hudson-Delgado (Teixeira?) double play.

Will Omar land one of these guys? Maybe two? We'll have to wait and find out, but don't be shocked to see a landmark move by the GM.