The Hot Stove still hasn't quite heated up yet, but it appears that Omar Minaya is ready to preheat the oven.  In the past few days, the Mets have come to terms with veterans Alex Cora and Chris Coste. First of all, let me just say that contract values aside, I'm happy to have both guys aboard.  Both players are solid bats off the bench, capable of filling roles that every team needs.  Cora is supposedly a strong clubhouse influence, and I will always have respect for the 33 year old rookie.  Even if he was, and always will be a Phillie.

That being said, I can't help but take issue with the Cora signing, especially at the reported $2 Million contract value.  Think about it.  You're investing $2 million in a guy who you hope and pray doesn't have to start games in 2010.  That's a lot of money to pay for a veteran bat off the bench.  Especially if you're serious about making a run at Matt Holliday. This contract won't handcuff the Mets, but in a competitive economy every dollar counts.

For what it's worth, Fan Graphs valued Alex Cora's 2009 production at -$100,000.  I don't really buy into that analysis, especially considering the fact that he was forced into the lineup and battled injuries all year.  But $2 Million?  This is such a typical Mets signing.  It's potentially not that big of deal, but if it costs the Mets a shot at Holliday it could cause Omar to lose his job.

As far as Chris Coste, we don't really have to worry about money because he was only offered a minor league contract.  I'm sure plenty of Mets fans will be irked by Coste's recent comments, but I really have no problem with that.  That's just him speaking the truth, as he has been known to do.  He struggled with the bat last year, and most catchers don't play late into their 30's, but you might as well add competition to a position that wears thin on the depth chart.  If it becomes obvious that Coste is done, he won't even be on the opening day roster.

While chatting with the bartender last night, I asked who he wants to see brought in this offseason -- his response was Garrett Atkins.  Garrett Atkins should be a player that Phillies fans are at least vaguely familiar with because of our recent playoff battles with the Rockies.  Then again, Garrett Atkins hasn't only hit a collective .231 in the '07 NLDS & '09 NLDS combined.  Also, Garrett Atkins sucked last season.  I don't like to generalize a season with such a short, crude word, but in Atkins' case it holds true.  Atkins hit .226 with only 9 homers and 48 RBIs.  His OPS+ was 66 -- the league average is 100.  Yeah, Garrett had a rough go of it and was eventually replaced by Ian Stewart full time down the stretch into the playoffs.  So for those keeping track at home, this is the second day in a row that we're talking about potentially bringing in a guy with a poor or nonexistent 2009 campaign.  The main positive for Atkins is his price tag which has to be low, low, low at this point, but what else does he bring to the table?

In 2005, Atkins came on the scene and put together a solid season, finishing fourth in the rookie of the year voting.  2006 was Atkins' official breakout season (.329 with 29/120) and he appeared to be on of the better hitting third basemen around.  Since then, Atkins' production has consistently slide downward little by little ('07 was great, but '08 was more average) until he fell off completely in 2009.  Atkins hit 60 points and about 10 homers less than most projections had for him.  Hence the "buy low" tag he currently has.

Defensively, he's just okay.  I can't speak from any in depth studying or knowledge of his abilities, but statistically his defensive numbers (range factor & ultimate zone rating) are merely average.  He can play both corner infield spots and as an emergency second basement.

I can imagine you're not exactly on the Atkins train right now and that's understandable but let's finish up looking at exactly why he's a great option:

1. Buy low.  His price tag should be sufficiently low enough to make betting on his return worthwhile.
2. Role play.  I can't imagine he'll want to be a platooner or back-up guy, but if the Phillies can bring in a DeRosa or Polanco as well, the team can hedge its bets that one will come through.
3. Versatility. If he's brought in with a DeRosa, the combination of the two prepares you for a lot of inevitable injuries around the field.
4. Lineup.  He's right handed and this team always needs right handed bats (in the lineup and off the bench.
5. Experience. The playoff and the World Series kind.
6. Age. Still only 30.

I've talked about starting and relief pitching options this season in past posts but today we're talking about one name I missed.  Justin "The Duke" Duchscherer.  Bleacher Report talks about "The Duke" and his potential fit in Philly and I'm on board with the thought.

Duchscherer's profile is strange one, but that makes him a viable candidate.  From '03 to '07, he was a capable reliever in Oakland with some WHIPs around one.  Then in '08, Duchscherer worked as a starting pitcher putting together a great season over 22 starts.  10-8 record, 2.54 ERA, .995 WHIP.

As you probably noticed, there's nothing strange about that.  The complexity comes from the fact that he didn't throw a major league pitch in 2009.  Duchscherer has struggled with hip and elbow issues off and on throughout his career and had surgery for both injuries in early '09.  Then despite returning to health, he didn't return to the mound.  A battle with anxiety and depression sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

So yes, I'm on board with the signing of an injury-prone depressed guy who hasn't pitched in a year.  That is part of the reason he's a good option, he'll be cheap and with that, low risk.  Other points in favor of "The Duke's" are the fact that he's righty and he'd be coming from the AL to the NL, always good.

Where Ruben stands in this matter, I can't say, but should he target Justin I think the team will benefit from it greatly.

Word on the street is that Roy Halladay has officially told the Blue Jays that he won't be resigning with the team after the season.  What affect does this have on the likelihood of him getting traded this offseason?  Some, but not a ton.  The Blue Jays had to know that they weren't going to resign him, so this just solidifies their previous beliefs.  The Jays new GM is granting a negotiating window for an extension to all interested teams, which should increase his value.  The required package from the Phillies will most likely including J.A. Happ and Dominic Brown/Michael Taylor at the least.  Is that too much to give up?  I don't think so, not for Doc Halladay who's one of the premier pitchers in the game and definitely the best available.

However, there's always the chance that we're outbid and/or the asking price is astronomical (cough, J.P. Ricciardi, cough).  So, if not Roy, then who?  Option one is Edwin Jackson from Detroit.  Jackson had a great season this year and showed a lot of the promise that the Rays never saw from their former sixth round draft pick.  He would definitely be cheaper, but then again he's not nearly as good as the Doc.

Another guy, albeit a long shot, is Roy Oswalt.  He seems to be a fringe trade market guy every year and this could be the year he gets moved.  He would command a package similar to Halladay's and has an extra year on his deal after this one.  Roy is a certified ace and has been toiling away in Houston for a few years.  He has a full no-trade, but pitching for a title contender like Philly would have to peak his interest.

Finally, a darkhorse of my own, Gil Meche.  Gil was a marginal pitcher in Seattle until he hit free agency and he got an indefensible $48 million from the Royals.  Then something funny happened, and he was actually a pretty good pitcher for them.  Meche never set the league on fire, but he was consistent and productive.  With a move to the NL, Meche could be a solid, yet unspectactular number three guy in the rotation.

Fitted Phillies hats with the 2009 World Series patch are on clearance racks everywhere right now and understandably so, we're fresh off the series loss.  People aren't flocking to the stores for Phillies World Series merchandise.  Why not?

I can understand why you wouldn't want a t-shirt or hoody or matching coffee mugs (?), but the fitted hats are a completely logical purchase.  The hat contains only a small patch on the side, otherwise they're exactly the same as the normal game model that sells for upwards of $35.  Now?  $10.  Ten bucks for a game quality New Era Phillies hat.  Count me in.

More importantly, why would you be ashamed to wear that hat?  Sure, we lost, but it was a second World Series appearance in as many years and we went toe to toe with Yankees.  For 60% off I'll settle for that patch on my hat any day of the week.

The Mets finished 23 games out of first place, and yet, there is a lot to get excited about.  I'm not going to go all Jimmy Rollins and declare the Mets the team to beat, but I'm optimistic.  Here are five reasons why:

1.  Jeff Francoeur- A rare bright spot from last year, the acquistion of of Francoeur might go down as the best trade Omar ever made.  In 75 games with the Mets, he hit .311 with 10 HRs.  You could make a strong case that he was the best hitter on the team last year.  But above all, he brought a certain swagger that this clubhouse depserately lacks.  His stats are especially impressive considering that he tore a ligament in his thumb in August, and played through it.  Francoeur is exciting to watch, and the type of guy you really want to root for.  And he's just 25.

The question is whether he can build off of last season.  He cut down on his strikeouts (92), but he tied a career low in walks (23).  He has a ton of raw power, and with better protection next season Francoeur could be an all-star.  And let's not forget his cannon of an arm.

2.  Health- I feel like I am severely beating a dead horse here.  Obviously, getting the stars healthy will be a huge boost to not only the team, but the fans as well.  Above all, I really miss watching Jose Reyes play.  I think last year proved that as Reyes goes, so do the Mets.  The same can be said about Carlos Beltran, and its no coincidence that the Mets really went downhill as soon as Beltran went down.

3.  Omar is on the Hot Seat- I still remain a loyal Omar supporter, and there aren't many.  Say what you want about him, but look at all of the talent he has brought to NY.  The job of the GM is to make the team competitive.  And when healthy, they have been.  It's hard to blame him for late season collapses.

But him being on the hot seat is an absolute great thing.  Even if he doesn't have the money to spend, he is fully capable of swinging a major trade.  I can almost guarentee that a big time talent will land with the Mets this offseason.  Just watch.

4.  The Farm System- The Mets typically overrate their prospects, but there is a lot to get excited about.  Omar did a good thing by holding onto prospects at the deadline.  I'm no prospects guru, but I think this system is extremely underrated.  Ike Davis should definitely contribute in 2010, and he's the guy I'm most excited about. Jenrry Mejia could use another year of development, but his fastball sits mid 90s and he's only 20 years old.  Josh Thole isn't a mega-prospect, but he can flat out rake, and he might be the Mets everyday catcher by seasons end.  Brad Holt struggled once he reached AA last year, but he's right up there with Mejia, and he should make his MLB debut in 2010.  And let's not forget about Fernando Martinez.  He clearly wasn't ready last year, but the sky is the limit.  17 year old Wilmer Flores started in the futures game last year and looked impressive.  People love to rag on the Mets prospects, but this group is as strong as we've had in a while.

5.  David Wright- One of the most discouraging parts of 2009 was watching Wright struggle.  I hate to make excuses for him, but there had to be something wrong with his health.  Of course, its very possible that his struggles were all mental. But I fully expect him to work his ass off all season, and come back to being the elite player we all know he is.  And getting his supporting cast back will go a long way.  Not only will he have adequate protection, but it will take some of the pressure off him.

I feel like I just woke up from a bad nightmare.  Last season was by far the most difficult experience I've had as baseball fan.  So difficult, that I quit on my team (and my blog for that matter).

Watching the Mets literally limp their way to a 70-92 record was hard enough.  But watching the Yankees and Phillies compete for the World Series was cruel and unusual punishment.  I think I'd rather be water boarded.  A small consolation is that we won't have to hear "two-time defending champions" next year.  Unfortunately, Yankee fan arrogance will be as strong as ever.

But it's not like we can just pretend that 2009 didn't happen.  The Mets clearly have issues and many of them are not injury related.  I still have faith in Omar, but his seat has never been hotter.  It's put up or shut up time, and the way he approaches this offseason will make or break his tenure with the Mets.  There is a ton of talent available and it might come down to how much the Wilpons are willing to spend.

At the same time, I just want my team back.  It was no fun watching everyday lineups that included Alex Cora, Fernando Tatis, Anderson Hernandez, etc.  Serviceable role players, but not everyday starters. So getting the core healthy is exciting in and of itself.  I wouldn't be so bitter about 2009 if we actually had our guys and simply got outplayed (like in 2007 and 2008).   I feel like I was robbed of baseball.  Seriously, the 2008 collapse was more fun to watch.  At least we had a chance.

But enough with the negative.  Free agency starts on Friday, and we can begin the process of moving on.  I think I'm still suffering from post-traumatic stress, but the excitement of the hot stove is upon us.  I don't think the Mets need to go on a Yankee style spending spree, but landing a player like Matt Holliday would be a huge boost.  And based on the rumors I've been hearing, the trade market should be as ripe as ever this winter.  Whatever happens, I'm excited.  We have nowhere to go but up.

With baseball articles thin to come by these days, here's another feather you can stick in your cap Philly.  According to a list recently put out by Forbes Magazine, Philly ranked the 5th MOST Toxic City in the United States, only to be out-toxified by Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago & Houston.

Here's How they came up with their data:

"We counted the number of facilities that reported releasing toxins into the environment, the total pounds of certain toxic chemicals released into the air, water and earth, the days per year that air pollution was above healthy levels, and the total number of Superfund sites--contaminated areas that the federal government has designated for cleanup efforts--in each metro area's principal city."

So breath deep, Philly and savor the free & fresh filthy air.  Then tip back a crisp & clean toxic beverage to celebrate your achievement...on me.

Oh where does New York City rank you ask?  9th cleanest.

Today at 2 p.m. the National League Rookie of the Year award will be announced.  It appears to be a four man race at this point: Chris Coghlan, Tommy Hanson, Andrew McCutchen, J.A. Happ.  Actually depending on who you ask, it's only a three-horse race excluding our man J.A. and the fine campaign he's had (cough, ESPN, cough).

The fact that J.A. pitched some last year for a World Series championship team, but didn't qualify for a year of service time.  I think this previous exposure is the best and worst thing for his Rookie of the Year campaign.  On the good side, it was great face time and most award races are decided by who gets the most media hype during the season.  However, on the bad side, he doesn't feel like a rookie to most of the voters.  This is similar to the fact that he's not as exciting an option, because he lacks that new car smell.  In the end, I think that's what's going to cost him the award.  Happ finished 12-4 with 166 IP, 2.93 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 119 SO, .244 AVG.  Not to mention the fact that he started for a team that won it's division and ended up being the best team in the N.L.  Bottom line, I think we're all going to be disappointed at 2 p.m. when one of the other three wins the award...

You know if there's one certainty in this world, it is that Philadelphia fans are ignorant idiots who make playing in this lovely city absolutely unbearable.  They're ruthless.  Cold-hearted.  Unforgiving.  They throw batteries and unmercifully boo everyone from star players to Santa Claus.  No one is safe from their wrath.

Which is exactly why Scott Eyre is another case of a guy who hates it so much here that he will only return to pitch again if it's for the Phillies.  Wait, what?

Don't take my sarcasm here the wrong way, I'm not saying that we're a bunch of church-going saints who mow each other's lawns and are upstanding citizens.  However, Eyre is another example of what is right with Philly sports.  How bad of a place could this possibly be if guys want to remain here?  Eyre's a lefty relief pitcher, guys like that can get a job anywhere around the country until they're 40.  He may only have one more year left in the tank so staying close to home can't be that much of an issue, it's only one year.  If the team determines that he's healthy and capable to go, a deal similar to the one he just finished should keep him with the team.  And if he wants to be here, I'd be glad to have him back.