Don’t be too harsh on the Mets for not going after Dan Uggla despite their need for a second baseman.
UGGLA: Did right thing in passing.
Surely, the Mets could have matched the Braves in the talent sent to Florida, but it is apparent they are looking ahead to after the 2011 season when the books are cleared to dive into the free-agent market. By that time their interest figures to be pitching, not throwing over $50 million at a defensive liability at second base, regardless of his power potential.
The Braves made the deal figuring on Uggla being a one-year rental for $7.8 million, a luxury the Mets could not afford.
Sandy Alderson is already on record saying the Mets wouldn’t be big players in the free-agent market because of the $36.5 million earmarked for Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo and Carlos Beltran, plus $21 million due Johan Santana, who might not be available following surgery.
The Mets need a starter, bullpen help after losing Hisanori Takahashi and likely Pedro Feliciano, a second baseman and back-up catcher. Even if the Mets were to rent Uggla, the money would be better spent on those areas.
Omar Minaya hamstrung the Mets with bloated contracts. The last thing they need is another one in Uggla, either in the long or short term.
