Free Agent Endgame

In the next week or two, Carlos Beltran will likely decide where he's going to play for the majority of his remaining career. Once he does, all the remaining big name free agents will likely follow suit. So what does this mean for the Mets?

Here are the possibilities from best to worst --

If the Mets sign Beltran:

The Mets likely will abandon their pursuit of Carlos Delgado (unless Fred Wilpon really opens up his pocketbook, which is possible) and the Yankees will bid heavily. The Mets will then likely sign one of Doug Mientkiewicz, Travis Lee, Tino Martinez, or John Olerud to play first.

If the Mets further sign Delgado, a young man in Manhattan will be crying (for joy) like a little baby from now until spring training.

If the Mets lose Beltran to the Yankees:

Expect the Mets to win the Delgado bidding war and make a strong run at Magglio Ordonez for the outfield with an outside chance at Sammy Sosa or Manny Ramirez ending up in orange and blue.

It's certainly possible that the Red Sox would take Manny off the market once Beltran signs, since they most likely want to trade Manny so they can get Beltran. However, if Delgado signs with the Mets BEFORE Beltran signs, Manny to the Mets may suddenly make a spike in likelihood. Under this scenario, the Mets would decide to take Manny and let the Sox and Yankees bloody themselves over Beltran instead. Wouldn't that be entertaining?

Again, this is a pretty remote possibilty since Delgado seems to be waiting for the Yankees to get involved, something they won't do unless they don't get Beltran.

If the Mets lose Beltran to the Astros:

This would be a nightmare. While on one hand I'd be happy to see Steinbrenner not get his prize for once, the Mets would also likely end up in a bidding war with the Yankees for Delgado, a war they may not win. This would then lead to...

If the Mets lose Beltran AND Delgado:

The biggest nightmare of all. Under this scenario, Ordonez would certainly be a likely target but here Omar will definitely look into Sosa and/or Ramirez (if he's still on the market) with Sosa in Flushing likely becoming Plan A.

Bottom line here, we better hope the Mets at least one Carlos in the next two weeks. Otherwise there may be a gloomy start to the New Year in Flushing.