Reese Kaplan -- Thanks, But No Thanks

Have you ever gone to a high school or college or military reunion expecting everyone to be the same as they were in your memory, only to be surprised by how different they are now?  Sometimes those differences are positive – better shape, more confidence or successful career – but more often it is disappointing to see how they are not as they once were and probably won’t be again.  Why then should it be any different in the world of sports where an athlete tends to have a short professional life that often deteriorates rapidly with age.  Consequently it’s a little puzzling to hear all of the “let’s get the old gang back together again” sentiments floating around this hot stove season. 

Jay Bruce – Arguably the best offensive option of the reunion candidates, it’s interesting that GM Sandy Alderson could not find a taker for him at $13 million for a single season.  Granted, he was coming off a miserable first showing in New York, but he was near the top of the league in RBIs when he was dealt away for A-ball reliever Ryder Ryan, owner of a 4.07 ERA and a rather mediocre WHIP of 1.397.  When the off-season began people were envisioning something like 5 years/$100 million but now his market is once again cratering as people are not as willing to offer more than 3 years (while Bruce has dropped the demand from 5 to 4) and the dollars are probably going to be not much more than he earned in 2017.  It could work and wouldn’t break the bank (of a professional run organization), but he’s still a streaky hitter with at best adequate defense. 

Bartolo Colon – In a word, “No!”  Yes, he’s something of a folk hero in Mets lore for his physique, his fielding prowess, his smile and his first-ever home run.  However, he flamed out twice last year and at his age it’s likely he may have hit the end of the road.  A minor league deal with an invitation to spring training is the best I’d offer, but even then I’d rather see extra innings logged by guys like Rafael Montero who is out of options than given up to someone who can’t accept the reality of his ability slipping away.

R.A. Dickey – People have more rational fondness for Dickey than they do for Colon as he actually won a Cy Young award for the Mets after Omar Minaya (remember him?) salvaged him off the scrap heap when had reinvented himself as a full time knuckleballer.  Unlike Colon, the 40-something Dickey managed to perform like a 5^th starter last year and would be a good candidate for a minor league dela with an invitation to spring training.  Since he’s a knuckleballer whose success is not as dependent on velocity, I’d be more in favor of this move than one on Colon, but again shouldn’t they be looking to prepare for the future rather than trying to tread water one season at a time?

Lucas Duda – The big guy never took to the outfield but turned himself into a passable first baseman.  However, they already traded him away to make room for Dom Smith so there doesn’t seem to be any reason to bring him back no matter how low his price drops.  He can’t platoon as he is left handed and his health has been an issue for the past few years as well. 

Curtis Granderson – Another fan favorite more for his professionalism, smile and articulate thoughts on the game than for what he did on the field, he’s also in that R.A. Dickey category of year-to-year stagnation rather than looking for people who could help in the future.

Carlos Gomez – The once and almost future Met has had an up and down past few years during which he was paid rather handsomely.  Last year he was paid $11.5 million for 368 ABs during which he did club 17 HRs and drive in 51 while hitting .255 with 13 SBs.  He alarmingly struck out 127 times.  He’s been written off a few times already but at just 32 he probably has something in the tank.  The question is what he expects to get paid for subpar results (based upon his earlier career).  Still, he’s represent an offensive upgrade over Juan Lagares but moving the Gold Glover’s salary to bring on Gomez is going to represent a deficit, not a gain in the budget. 

Oliver Perez -- Before you start laughing (or retching) he's carved out a second career for himself as a LOOGY often misused against righties where he doesn't fare nearly as well.  Starting in 2013 he was able to harness his wildness somewhat.  Given that his fan appreciation rivals that of other pariahs like Doug Sisk and Mel Rojas, I can't see this reunion happening.

Jose Reyes – He’s a polarizing figure due to his happy-go-lucky attitude in the face of losing, his horrific start to last year and his deteriorating skills.  His supporters will point to his strong finish, his baserunning speed (since they have so little) and the fact that the club needs backup infielders with T.J. Rivera on the shelf and the injury history of Asdrubal Cabrera.  My gut says it’s time to move on and give Wilmer Flores a full time shot at 2B, but I think I’m prejudiced by the former Skipper who played him for three months of sub-Mendoza play while Flores rotted on the bench.  If used properly at this stage of his career as a substitute at several positions he wouldn’t be a bad pickup only if he’s willing to be priced like a bench player. 

Addison Reed – Here’s a guy I have no reservations whatsoever bringing back to the fold but given his great success during his Mets years (and despite his less than dazzling stay in Boston) he’s going to be priced over the $9.2 million expected to be paid to A.J. Ramos.  If we’re to believe that the Mets have just $10 million left to spend, let that pipe dream die. 

Neil Walker – After having taken $17.2 million for an abbreviated 2017 and an injury marred 2016, Walker did acquit himself well when he was able to stay on the field.  However, he’s going to want to be paid north of the entire remaining payroll budget.  Again, I’d rather see the much less expensive Wilmer Flores finally get a full time shot from day one. 

My feeling is that 2018 with its payroll constraints is not likely going to be a very competitive year.  Consequently they should do this coming season what should have been done last year – find out what the younger (and less expensive) players can do.  Then you know what you need for 2019 when theoretically you will be ready to contend with the big boys.  Trying to recapture the past is a wistful dream.  If you want to delve into the past, go get Daniel Murphy or Justin Turner or Michael Fulmer, not these expensive players in the twilight of their careers.

One dark horse reunion name never mentioned in the rumors who might be a good candidate is ironman Carlos Torres who had two terrific seasons in New York followed by one mediocre one after which he was let go.  He followed that up with one great season for the Brewers, then one mediocre one.  He would give you the innings of a Bryan Shaw at a $2.175 million price tag last year.  He's not as interesting as Matt Albers or Peter Moylan, but he should probably get a call to sound out what he's looking at in his age 35 season.