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I'm Not Dead

With a little bit of luck we could know within a few days who Carlos Beltran will be playing for in 2005 and beyond. I'm feeling good about the Mets' chances, though I don't necessarily believe all of the reports indicating that the Yankees aren't even going to bid.

News that Beltran had already agreed to sign with the Mets was leaked to NYFS, but has thus far been refuted by everyone. Any chance it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy? I guess we'll know soon enough.

There is also some talk of the Mets going after Carlos Delgado even if they also sign Beltran. That would leave the Mets with a silly-good lineup from the top down, along the lines of:

SS Jose Reyes
3B David Wright
CF Carlos Beltran
1B Carlos Delgado
C  Mike Piazza
LF Cliff Floyd
RF Mike Cameron
2B Kaz Matsui

It's a tough call as for who should bat eighth. I would consider batting Matsui 2nd, Wright 7th, and Cameron 8th.

Vance Wilson was traded to the Tigers, leaving Jason Phillips as the likely backup. If the Mets are smart they will leave it at that, since there is no significant reason to carry three backstops on the big league roster. Ramon Castro, who was signed to a minor league deal a few weeks ago, could battle for a backup spot, but will probably start the year at AAA Norfolk.

Keep your fingers crossed for Beltran (unless, of course, you don't want the Mets to sign him in the first place). I'll be back shortly with a look at the last time the Mets signed the best available free agent hitter.