What Would Steven Drew Cost the Mets? (in dollars and players)

So, rumor has it that the Mets are still quietly in the hunt for the services of Stephen Drew. Of course, it is still December, and the wonderful world of a social media has also given us information and rumors about Mets management publicly putting their faith in Ruben Tejada again, and proclaiming him to still be a legit and viable starting shortstop who has learned his lesson. Well, since we still have plenty of time, and the Mets haven't signed another low cost option to a minor league deal yet, let's talk more about what Drew would bring, and take, from the Mets.

     The crazy market has brought out the big bucks this offseason. Everyone is getting overpaid. And Drew is no exception. He is said to come with good defense, and double digit homers. From 2007-2010, Stephen posted homerun totals of: 12,21,12 and 15. Then, after a couple of shortened seasons (playing less then 90 games for 2 straight seasons), Drew comes out in 2013 with 13 homeruns, 29 doubles, and 8 triples. However, while also still having about 100 less at bats in 2013 then he averaged from 2077-2010, Drew managed to accumulate the most strikeouts (124) in a season for his career. All this for a man who is ready to cash in on a multi-year deal averaging over $10 million annually.

Not for nothing, but technically, Ruben Tejada, in 2012, managed 26 doubles, an equal OBP of .333, and Tejada managed to strikeout almost half as often as Drew. (tejada struck out about 6-7 at bats, while Drew struck out about every 3-4 at bats. So, basically, we are talking about a guy projected to make about 10x more money, and would hope to produce more homers, hit homers, and have enough speed to manage a handful of triples. Then comes the Mets and their Almighty budget.

It's this budget that, in a sense, would not only cost them at least $10 mil annually, but will also come at the expense of Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy, who would most likely both have to be traded away for prospects to make money work. Now, don't get me wrong. If you told me the Mets can get a shortstop who will hit 10+ homers, play solid defense, and hit over .250, I would say absolutely (especially since the Mets play in the New York market, and should have the.....oh yeah, budget) Sports, like life, can sometimes be about projections. So, I get it. If possible, get the higher power production, defense and speed (8 triples is pretty darn good. But then, if you want to continue to use projections, then someone please project what Wilmer Flores will do playing second base. Because, in the budget, Murphy, and his 13 homers, 38 doubles, 78 rbi's and career .290 BA are gone. You then also immediately lose a guy who.....(beating a dead horse stat of the night)..... hit 32 homeruns in this league (Davis), and replace him with a guy who has never hit more then 15 in an actual MLB season.

     I guess what I am trying to say is this. 2 is not always better then 1. But in this case, maybe it is. I would rather take my chances with Murphy and Davis remaining on the 25 man roster. Although, when I think about it. Based on projections, every one of these guys is projected to be replaced within 3 years anyway, with players already in the Mets minor league system.........Whatever, Happy New Year in a couple days everybody......spring training is almost here.