The age of information makes it easy for fans and media alike to crack jokes across Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking mediums. The Mets penchant for backup catchers, inactivity at the winter meetings, and Yankees acquisition of Curtis Granderson has led to “can you top this” comedy. As I sifted through it all to find valuable information Ed Price “tweeted” this interesting blurb:

RedSox have told people if they don’t get Jason Bay they will not spend on Matt Holliday. And word is #Mariners pushing on Bay

This weekend I gave you my theory on why the Mets have a great shot at Matt Holliday. The Cardinals are having trouble finding room in their budget, the Yankees are seemingly out (even with the acquisition of Curtis Granderson), and the Red Sox are focused on resigning Jason Bay. If the above news is correct, and Bay’s destination doesn’t give the Sox reason to overpay for Matt Holliday, the Mets may be in this alone. Scott Boras does need a big fish and who is left?

The only other team to watch would be the Anaheim Angels. Remember, they swooped in and stole Vladimir Guerrero back in 2003. If Bay goes to Seattle there will be tremendous pressure to match their division rivals.

I can’t blame some of the writers and fans for assuming the Mets have no money, but let’s not take inactivity in Indianapolis to mean the Mets won’t make a big move. Remember, Mark Teixeira signed on Christmas Eve last year and not in Las Vegas. Players like Roger Clemens, Carlos Beltran, and Alex Rodriguez were acquired after January 1^st. I also believe opening day is in April, not January, so a move doesn’t have to be made right away.

This does put pressure on Jeff Wilpon and company. Imagine the Mets standing on the sidelines while St. Louis resigns Holliday for the discount rate of 4 years and $60 million? What if the Yankees steal him? Or the Angels pull Vladimir Guerrero part two? I don’t think fans will be talking about next winters free agent class or how Holliday’s contract didn’t meet the value equation. They will want to know who their fifth hitter will be. Probably someone like Juan Rivera or Corey Hart.

Before we trash the Mets let’s see if they are actually behaving incompetently or executing their plan. They don’t receive the benefit of the doubt, but I don’t think they are as down and out as many think. Matt Holliday is right there for the taking and not doing so would be downright criminal.

Tags: Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Matt Holliday, New York Mets, New York Yankees, St Louis Cardinals