What Would You Do?

So, this question keeps popping up, and although there's a chance it won't happen, we all know deep in our hearts it will, so let's stop delaying the inevitable.

Let's say the Mets are at the trade deadline, they're within two or three games of first (if not in it), and they're looking to pick up something for the stretch. Omar Minaya is a smart guy, and you know he won't be pulling another "Kazmir-for-Zambrano" doozy out of his hat, at least not this season. So, let's say he keeps the damage to one move. What would you be looking for? Lefty relief? A big bat? A first basemen with offensive potential? Another reliable starting pitcher? Perhaps a Molina? What do you do?

I've been struggling with this, because it's hard to pinpoint what to do with this club. It's a solid ballclub, but the way it is currently conceived will more than likely not beat out the Marlins, Braves or even the Phillies for a playoff spot. They need some shakeup. A power bat would probably be the nicest commodity to add, but where to squeeze one in? And then it hit me.

Trade for Chipper Jones!

...okay, no, not really. I'm not Steve Phillips.

Here's what I am thinking: Sean Casey.

The guy is a consistent hitter, has some pop, is a true team leader, plays hard all the time, already has a good reputation with the New York media, hits lefty, and just so happens to be a member of the Cincinnati Reds -- a team that's looking to fit four outfielders into three positions. Moving Casey could mean keeping Dunn, Kearns and Pena together. Meanwhile Casey's salary is a managable for the Mets $7,800,000 (especially when you take into consideration Omar has money left over from the offseason), and it wouldn't take much to get him from a team that's looking to dump salary for prospects. Instead of trading off prospects like Petit or Milledge for Lyle Overbay, the Mets could ship off something like Jae Seo and Royce Ring for Casey.

And, over the past three years these are his numbers against interdivision competition:

Atlanta: .279/.303/.459 with 2 HRs and 11 RBI in 61 at-bats
Florida: .362/.429/.594 with 4 HRs and 16 RBI in 69 at-bats
Washington: .377/.406/.574 with 2 HRs and 10 RBI in 61 at-bats
Philadelphia: .328/.373/.525 with 3 HRs and 12 RBI in 61 at-bats

Except against the Braves, these are some terrific numbers against teams the Mets are going to face the rest of the way. And besides, for what the Mets usually muster off the Braves, those numbers would be an improvement as well. And, at Shea Stadium, he's hitting .333/.360/.583 with two homers and six RBI in 24 at-bats. Nice numbers despite the small sample size.

I know I was a huge Mientkiewicz supporter over the offseason, and I still love the guy. But a .205 average out of a premium offensive position like firstbase just isn't going to get it done in the long run. The Mets need to look to somebody who can provide some offense, while not being too significant a drop defensively. While Casey lacks the range and hands of Douggie M, Casey can pick it with the best of 'em, so he'll still help out Wright and Reyes the rest of way.

Casey may not be the absolute be-all-end-all piece the Mets are looking for in order to reach the playoffs, but he certainly wouldn't hurt matters.

And besides, I think we all remember what happened to the last team that used Mientkiewicz as a late-inning defensive replacement.