Whether you believe the Mets are going to stay away from big name free agents or that there is a split in the hierarchy over what direction the team should take there is one guarantee that is abundantly clear: The Mets are going to disappoint their fans again this offseason.

A team that just came off a 92 loss season should be entering the Chicago GM meetings with a plan and purpose. Thus far it seems they are preparing us for another winter of creative marketing and spin. Personally, I am tired of this team and have already lost patience just a few days into the hot stove.

First, anyone in the organization who believes they should spurn big money free agents should be fired. The team has a serious need for a power hitter and number two starter. Both are available on the free agent market and, although I wouldn’t hand them a blank check, they should be in on John Lackey, Matt Holliday, and Jason Bay to the very end. To even hear silliness about how Mike Cameron might be a better fit is just laughable. By the way reports came out that Cameron doesn’t want to play the corner which is something I brought up in a column last month.

The Yankees can afford to be choosy with the free agent market. They are coming off a championship and have a farm system producing young pitching talent. Even if they do worse case scenario (sign Matsui, Damon, Pettitte) they will be in great shape in 2010. Worst case scenario for the Mets very well could mean fourth place. Now, a healthy team with Beltran, Wright, and Reyes may not lose 90 games, but don’t expect more than 81-85 wins unless there is a serious upgrade in the power department and starting rotation. Not exactly a way to satisfy your diminishing loyal base and entice future fans to come on board. Maybe we should all get use to seeing more of those fair weather Yankees caps.

Maybe this is part of the Mets marketing plan- under promise and over deliver. For those that would be satisfied with second tier shopping remember this: The Mets got to Game 7 of the NLCS by bringing in Beltran, Delgado, and Wagner to fill major needs. None of those guys were second tier players when available. This team has performed this tired act before (see 2001) and failed. It seems that they refuse to learn from history and are more comfortable repeating their mistakes.

Hey Jeff, Omar, and company do yourself a favor and leave the marketing slogans at home. You have repeatedly been warned and chastised by this site as well as many other mainstream and independent news outlets. If you don’t come through and improve this team be ready for the next phase of punishment: irrelevance.

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Chicago CM Meetings, Jason Bay, Jeff Wilpon, John Lackey, Matt Holliday, Mike Cameron, New York Mets, Omar Minaya