It’s doubtful Omar Minaya is reading this blog, but it sure is coincidental that just one day after posting my free agent wishlist, there’s been news that the Mets are interested in Mark Mulder. Nice to see the Mets being aggressive on this front … Mulder — if healthy — is a guy who could really solidify the front end of the rotation, especially with Pedro Martinez uttering retirement and the possible losses of El Duque and Tom Glavine.

That’s the good news. The potentially bad news is that Sammy Sosa is considering a comeback.

Before we jump to any conclusions, no team — not even the Mets — has officially expressed interest. However, Omar has been a fan of Slammin’ Sammy since he discovered him as a skinny 16-year-old in the Dominican Republic. Let’s cross our fingers now, before Sosa goes looking to Minaya for a spring training invite “for old times’ sake”.

Meantime, another player on my wishlist, Adam Kennedy, is supposedly interested in the Mets — at least, according to the NY Post. The Post also claims that Staten Island native Rich Aurilia is interested. Hmm … the Mets are now a contender, they have New York dollars … who WOULDN’T be interested in the Mets right now?

Just the same, Kennedy might be a nice fit. The only issues are whether the Mets will have to cough up a too-long multiyear contract and if he can overcome the Mets’ overhyped second baseman jinx that plagued Kaz Matsui, Roberto Alomar, Carlos Baerga, Jeff Kent, and Juan Samuel before him. If indeed he does end up in Shea, and can hit at least .270, his hard-nosed approach could make him a fan favorite — reminding us older folk of, say, Ray Knight. However, if he gets a huge contract and then bats .250, we’ll be calling for his head.

By the way, also mentioned in that chock-full-of-info Post article was that Aaron Heilman still wants to start, and let the Mets’ brass know of his feelings. Let’s hope the Mets don’t stonewall him nor repeat the empty promise of last year. For goodness sake, he’s proven for two years now that he’s a legitimate Major League pitcher who can get big-league hitters out. Even if he’s better than Duaner Sanchez or Joel Zumaya or any other setup man in MLB, that still wouldn’t make him more valuable than a solid, 7-inning, #3 starter — which he might be. Sure he might not be that good, but there’s enough evidence to prove that he might. And before anyone starts with the “he’s a two-pitch pitcher” and “he can’t go through a lineup more than once”, let me remind you that he does have a third pitch, a slider — not that he needs it — and what is there to lose by letting him go through a lineup more than once? Give the kid an opportunity to do what he wants to do, already — he’s earned the right. When a man with his kind of skills has this much determination to do something, how does it make sense to deny him?

I’ve got a bad feeling that Omar and co. don’t like the idea of Mr. Heilman having the audacity to demand his destiny and, in essence, take control of his position in Omar’s plans. As much as I like Minaya, I sincerely hope he doesn’t remain stubborn regarding Aaron’s position and ship him off for spite. Rather, I hope Omar sees this as a sign of a confident, determined, somewhat cocky young man with a fire to prove himself — because these are exactly the characteristics that make a potential ace. With the Mets’ rotation looking worse by the day, it would be nice to see Heilman given the opportunity to straighten a question mark into an exclamation point.

Speaking of question marks, the agent for Orlando Hernandez — Greg Genske — says that El Duque’s preference is to stay in New York. Let’s hope that he and the Mets can get a deal done toot sweet (toute de suite) — before El Duque considers returning to another NY team in dire need of starting pitching.

Yesterday I posted my list of preferred free-agent re-signs. Today I am posting my wish lists for signing non-Met free agents.

Because the Mets are more or less set at a number of positions, I’m breaking down the free agents into categories where the Mets need to fill a hole.

First, the pitching staff …

Starting Pitchers

1. Mark Mulder
I know, he’s injured and he won’t be ready until maybe June or July. I don’t care. He’s still only 29, and with a healthy arm and Rick Peterson watching, he should be able to recapture the magic that made him an up-and-coming lefthander. And he can learn to become a better pitcher with (hopefully) Tom Glavine around. In my mind it makes more sense to give him an inexpensive, incentive-laden contract than to give Barry Zito an overpriced, guaranteed, long-term deal.

2. Kerry Wood
Forget the injury history — if he’s healthy, he is the ace the Mets want — a Game One playoff starter. The Cubs pinned their hopes on him and were heartbroken, but if he isn’t healthy for the Mets, it won’t break the team. The upside is worth the gamble.

3. Gil Meche
He’s only worth it for a two-year, reasonable deal. If there’s a bidding war, drop out. Otherwise, he could be a nice pickup, as AL-to-NL seems to help pitchers immensely.

4. Ted Lilly
He’d be higher on the list, but the market will likely render him a ridiculous long-term, overpriced contract. But, if by chance he doesn’t command more than a 2-year deal, he would also benefit by a move to the NL.

5. Jeff Suppan
Two reasons. One — to keep him from pitching against us in the playoffs. Two — to replace the 150-200 ordinary innings Trax used to give us.

6. Barry Zito
Yes, in an ideal world I’d list him first. But I don’t think he’s worth a 5-year, $75M+ contract.

7. Tony Armas, Jr.
He’s only 28, and was on track to be a solid #2 or #3 before suffering injuries. He’s always been a tough kid and could be the sleeper of this free agent class.

8. Jason Schmidt
Another guy who would be higher on this list, but at 33, and being a power pitcher who might have thrown too many pitches, he won’t be worth the bidding-war dollars. If we had some inside info, like maybe knowing he was on the Roger Clemens HGH … er, I mean exercise … program, then he might be worth the risk.

9. Bruce Chen
Yeah, yeah, we’ve been down this road before. But he showed flashes of brilliance in Baltimore, and he should come cheap. I’d take a flyer on him over Jose Lima any day of the week.

No thanks – Daisuke Matsuzaka (not worth the posting fee), Mike Mussina (clubhouse cancer), Vicente Padilla (unmotivated — the Javier Lopez of pitchers), Adam Eaton (always overrated, and now injured), Randy Wolf (see Eaton)

Bullpen

Yes, the best bullpen in the NL needs help — lots of it. Of course, this wish list is centered on the dream that Aaron Heilman returns to the rotation.

1. Octavio Dotel
The Yankees were kind enough to pay for his rehab, and we can reap the rewards. If he’s healthy, and on the Mets, there would be no excuse not to give Heilman a shot as a starter.

2. J.C. Romero
The tough situational lefty the Mets have been missing since Dennis Cook was sent packing. His numbers have not been great, but the NL has never seen him, something that will be a great benefit if he makes the move to the senior circuit.

3. Troy Percival
Give him an incentive-laden flyer, cross your fingers, and you may have one of the top setup men in the NL.

4. Eddie Guardado
Another tough lefty, “Everyday Eddie” seemed to rejuventate his career as an NL reliever in Cincinnati. At worst he should be a reliable situational lefty (a la Jesse Orosco), at best he could do some setup work.

5. David Riske
Here is a 30-year-old righthander who does not allow baserunners in the AL. Imagine how effective he could be in the NL. And he might come cheap. Another potential sleeper.

6. Joe Borowski
Something of a nostalgic wish here … it’s time for the The Bayonne Bullet to come home. He’s also a tough SOB who throws strikes, like David Weathers used to. Might be a nice 7th- or 8th-inning guy.

7. Latroy Hawkins
He’s on the downside, but might have one more year as a solid 7th-inning guy.

8. Dustin Hermanson
He always had dirty stuff, and someone finally was bright enough to put him in the bullpen. Unfortunately, his arm couldn’t handle it and missed nearly all of 2006. He’s worth a flyer.

9. Scott Williamson
He’s been hurt, and he’s been awful. But he’s only 30, and might be worth a non-guaranteed, spring training invite flyer.

Second Base

1. Mark DeRosa
After a breakout season in Texas, he’ll likely get more than he’s worth. But in addition to his bat, I like his all-around play and hard-nosed approach to the game. We need more guys like Paul LoDuca on the team.

2. Mark Loretta
Like DeRosa, I like his bat and his all-around play. Assuming we keep Jose Valentin, he would be a good platoon player.

3. Alfonso Soriano
He’d be number one if his contract isn’t expected to be unrealistically exorbitant. Forget the crap that he’s a poor defender — he’s not THAT bad and Willie Randolph and Sandy Alomar would push him to concentrate and play at a high level in the field (he has the skills to be more than capable). With the Mets pitching staff looking perhaps weaker, they need all the offense they can get.

4. Adam Kennedy
He’s an NL-type player in the AL — he can hit-and-run, lay down a bunt, hit behind the runner, steal a base, and plays stellar defense. For a “contact” hitter, though, he strikes out too often — about 80 times a year. But nobody’s perfect, right? My biggest concern would be how he will adjust to NL pitching. Some guys like to see the fastballs, while others have a difficult time (Roberto Alomar, anyone?). If the Mets are serious about defense for second base, he is the no-brainer choice.

5. Julio Lugo
He’s the guy the Mets will likely get — assuming they don’t make a Soriano splash — but I’m not so high on this New York City native. For what he will cost, he doesn’t walk enough, he doesn’t score enough for a fast guy, and I feel like he might have an attitude problem. But then, I also thought in April 2006 that Endy Chavez and Jose Valentin were a wastes of roster spots.

6. Frank Catalanotto
He hasn’t played 2B in four years but he doesn’t hit enough to remain in the outfield. If he can be an adequate defender, I’d love to bring this all-around ballplayer and Smithtown native home to provide a spark. Yeah, it’s a reach, but he’s always been a personal favorite.

7. Craig Counsell
The poor man’s David Eckstein, Counsell is a scrappy guy who could flourish in the Mets’ strong lineup, though at this point he’d have to be a platoon guy.

Left Field

1. Carlos Lee
The best RBI man available, his presence would make the Mets lineup truly scary. A few years ago we signed a guy with a similar hitting style — Cliff Floyd. Hopefully Lee will have a healthier time. However, I don’t know that Omar Minaya will shell out the dough … it may depend on the Soriano / Zito sweepstakes. Interesting data: he struck out only 65 times in over 600 at-bats, while stroking 37 home runs … pretty impressive.

2. Moises Alou
I like bringing in Alou only if he’s brought in to platoon with Shawn Green, Cliff Floyd, or Jose Valentin. If he wants to be the everyday starter, I’d let him go elsewhere. He’d be a nice fit on this club. Like Lee, he rarely strikes out, and will take a walk.

3. Ryan Klesko
Laugh all you want, Klesko looked healthy at the end of September and this man can rake. The Mets can use a guy with his patience in their lineup.

4. Craig Wilson
People forgot about him after leaving Pittsburgh, but like Klesko, he can rake. Another option for a LF platoon with Floyd, plus he can play other positions, including catcher. The main drawback is his strikeout rate, which the Mets need to reduce.

5. David Dellucci
If Floyd leaves, Dellucci would be a nice platoon partner for Lastings Milledge. He’s a solid, all-around ballplayer, a good team player, and has postseason experience. Like Wilson, his negative is strikeouts.

Here is my personal list of current Mets free agents I hope the Mets will re-sign.

1. Chad Bradford
The guy was incredible when coming into messes with runners on base. Since he throws underhanded, he can probably keep up the production for a few more years. I can’t picture a sixth inning without him.

2. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez
A clutch performer in the postseason, which unfortunately we didn’t get to see in 2006. I don’t care if he goes 12-12 again, I want him in the playoff rotation.

3. Tom Glavine
Three reasons I want him back. First, I don’t want to see him in a Brave uniform. Second, he was clutch in the playoffs. Third, he’s a good influence on the young kids (Pelfrey, Humber, Maine, Perez, etc.) — it’s like having a second pitching coach around. Oh, and watching him win his 300th might be cool, too.

4. Jose Valentin
He played well, and though he fell apart at the end of the year, he’s worth keeping around in the role he was supposed to have — as an all-around utility guy and pinch-hitter. He could be a productive platoon second-sacker, if the Mets get a good RH hitter to match up with him.

5. Guillermo Mota
True, he might have been so great in September because of steroids. But if he can perform like he did without the enhancements, I’d love to have him — fresh — for the second half of 2007.

6. Roberto Hernandez
If for no other reason so the Mets don’t have to trade Lastings Milledge for him at the deadline next year. Also, he’s still throwing smoke, and the Mets will need all the pitchers they can find next year.

7. Darren Oliver
He did a great job in the long relief role, and he’ll be needed again (see #6, we need arms).

8. Cliff Floyd
This choice is completely unfounded, and based only on my wish to see him do well in a Mets uniform. In reality, it probably makes more sense to let him go be a DH in the other league.

9. Edgardo Alfonzo
Another nostalgic choice. If he has anything left, let’s give him a flyer — much like the gamble on Valentin in the winter of late 2005 — and maybe he and The Stache will prove to be a productive, if aging, platoon combo. Fonzie can’t expect to start anywhere, anymore, but could take to the reserve role, be a strong, clutch RH bat off the bench, occasionally starting vs. lefties, and provide more veteran leadership in the clubhouse.

10. Chris Woodward
You may disagree, but hey, he’s last on my list. He’s only 30, and he played all of 2006 injured, unbeknownst to anyone. Before last season, he looked like he’d be a very productive and versatile guy off the bench. Not too many people can legitimately play all four infield, and all three outfield positions.

Now, my PLEASE GO AWAY list:

Jose Lima
Steve Trachsel
Ricky Ledee

Agree, disagree? Please feel free to comment.

Though there might be a better chance of seeing Sammy Sosa patrolling left field at Shea next year, the fact that Barry Bonds is a free agent is intriguing enough to be covered at this Mets-only blog.

The San Francisco Giants, eager to begin a new chapter in their history, have all but cut ties with the somber slugger. With many old fogeys (Moises Alou, Ray Durham, Jason Schmidt, etc.) going out to the free agent pasture, combined with the steal of manager Bruce Bochy from the Padres (how the heck did that happen?), marks a definitive new beginning for the franchise, which most likely will not include Barry Bonds. Assuming that’s the case, where will Bonds wind up?

His agent Jeff Borris has a rather optimistic stance, believing that all 30 teams will be clamoring for his malcontent client’s services. Fat chance. The more realistic question is, will ANYONE sign Barry Bonds?

Borris claims that there have already been calls. From where? Japan maybe? Maybe the Long Beach Armada want to give Jose Canseco some protection in the lineup. Perhaps Hulk Hogan has gotten the WWF back together. Or maybe Mike Tyson is looking for a three-round exhibition — now THAT I would pay to see.

Let’s pretend that Bonds will not be blackballed by MLB, from Bud Selig down, in the same way Sammy Sosa was last winter. Let’s also pretend that Bonds’ 60-year-old knees, overall poor health, notorious reputation as a clubhouse cancer, high cost, and steroid allegations are not enough to scare a team away. Oh, we’ll also pretend that teams won’t be frightened by the potential PR nightmare and fan backlash that will occur upon his signing. In that fantasy world, what team might put in a bid?

First off, remove all National League teams from the list, as Bonds can no longer play the field. He is strictly a DH, and therefore we’ve already cut down Borris’ “30 teams” down to 14. Considering Bonds’ minimum salary demand to be in the $14M range, and his emphatic insistence that he will not take an incentive-laden deal, we can now eliminate Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Oakland, Cleveland, and Kansas City. Too bad, the A’s would have liked his all-walk, no-run style. Out of the nine teams left, who needs a DH? Go ahead and eliminate the Red Sox (who have David Ortiz) and the Yankees (they’re looking to get rid of lesser-cancer Gary Sheffield). Again, too bad, as it might have been fun to watch those two teams throw millions around in eBay style.

We’re now down to seven teams, most of which could use another bat. The World Series losers, the Tigers, certainly showed they needed a bat. Maybe a return to former manager Jim Leyland would lighten Barry’s mood? Possible, but would Leyland, GM Dave Dombrowski and owner Mike Illitch — really want to mess with the good thing they have worked so hard to build? Not to mention have Bonds around messing with the young and impressionable heads in that clubhouse? Doubtful. The Baltimore Orioles might be a possibility — especially considering owner Peter Angelos’ ill-advised signings from the past — but do they really want to open up another can of B-12 … er, worms? If they sign Bonds, they may as well bring back Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa, and stop shopping Miguel Tejada.

The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers have spent some stupid dollars on sluggers in the past few years, so maybe one of those teams are looking to be foolish again. Somehow I don’t think so. The Toronto Blue Jays could be a frontrunner, considering last year’s big splashes and their desperation to get over the hump and race directly with the Yankees. Though, instead of a Tyson-Bonds pay-per-view, we might see a Gibbons-Bonds smackdown in the dugout runway.

That leaves the White Sox and Angels. Somehow, I don’t see the Chicago fans embracing Barry Bonds. The Angels might be a good fit. They have needed a legit DH for two years now, their owner is crazy enough to make a huge splash, and they’ve already alienated their Anaheim faithful by claiming to be from Los Angeles, so no further harm can be done there. And hey, Barry’s home is the Left Coast, so it’ll be an easy drive from his home to his clubhouse easy chair. If Bonds isn’t blackballed, Anaheim might well be Barry’s final destination.

This is one blogging baseball fan who hopes for blackballing. Barry Bonds’ tainted performance and assaults on naturally achieved records have already placed a sour stain on baseball. Before he moves past and conquers another well-deserving icon of the sport, let’s hope he instead just goes away.

In March 2006, the second base position for the New York Mets was more or less an open tryout, with Kaz Matsui, Bret Boone, Jeff Keppinger, and Anderson Hernandez the main competitors. After Boone’s retirement, injuries to Matsui and Hernandez, and an undisclosed remark or action by Keppinger that put him in Willie Randolph’s doghouse, one unlikely candidate emerged from the dust — Jose Valentin.

We loathed the Stache throughout April and through the first part of May, wondering if Randolph were either blind or insane for continuing to put Valentin in games. Eventually, however, Jose Valentin began to produce, and by the end of July had won over our hearts and established himself as one of the hardest-hitting second basemen in the National League — even if Randolph was unwilling to “officially” name him the Mets’ starting second sacker.

However, is Valentin the answer at second base for 2007? That’s a tough question, for several reasons.

First of all, Valentin is no spring chicken — he just turned 37. Second, his production after July left a bit to be desired — perhaps an indication of his advanced age catching up with him. Valentin’s gradual downfall from August first on culminated in an excellent rendition of the invisible man come playoff time, when his most valuable contribution was forcing middle infielders to strain their necks as they chased his mile-high pop ups. Even if you ignore his performance down the stretch, you can’t dismiss his anemic production as a righthanded hitter — a .219 average with two home runs in 96 at-bats.

Overall, his end-of-season numbers look pretty impressive on paper — the only NL second basemen with similar or better production were youngsters Chase Utley, Dan Uggla, and Brandon Phillips. So, he’s in line for a raise — and / or a multiyear contract. But is he worth it?

Personally, I think Valentin has at least one more year left as a platoon player, and maybe another year as a solid guy off the bench — sort of what John Valentin did for the Mets in his final year. But I don’t see Valentin as an everyday starter in 2007, and therefore he might not be worth the kind of dollars he’s seeking.

Assuming Valentin does not test the free-agent waters, he’s a shoo-in to be the starting second baseman against righthanders come Opening Day 2007. But who will play against the lefties?

Forget Anderson Hernandez — he’s never going to hit enough to validate a place in the Mets lineup. Yes, his defense is remarkable — Gold Glove quality — but the Mets are built to score lots of runs and rely on the bullpen. After benefitting from the 18-HR, 62-RBI production of Jose Valentin at second base in the near-AL lineup, it’s hard to imagine the Mets doing with less in 2007. As much as Willie Randolph and Omar Minaya talk about the importance of defense, the bottom line is bats — if there’s a way to get some offense out of second base, the Mets will do it. That said, the other in-house candidates would be Chris Woodward, Ruben Gotay, and Chase Lambin. Woodward had a terrible season, finalized by post-season surgery. He’s also eligible for free-agency, so who even knows if he’ll return. Gotay is an enigma the Mets received from the Royals in return for Keppinger, who has shown some punch but not enough to be considered a serious contender. Lambin is a guy who once showed promise, but at 27 is a fringe prospect whose ceiling looks to be Woodward’s replacement as a utilityman. Therefore, it looks like any platoon partner for Jose Valentin will most likely come from outside the organization.

There are a number of intriguing possibilities from the potential pool of free agents, with three in particular sticking out — Alfonso Soriano, Adam Kennedy and Julio Lugo. All were the subject of myriad rumors involving the Mets over the last 12 months, so you’d have to think there’s some interest. Chances are, though, that if any of these players are signed, Valentin will be allowed to walk — unless he’s OK with returning as the top guy off the bench (which was supposed to be his role in 2006).

If Omar Minaya chooses to follow in the pattern of his first two offseasons and make a big splash free-agent signing, then you can count on Soriano in Flushing — unless Barry Zito is the target. Assuming Minaya passes on Soriano, Lugo and Kennedy both would seem to be appropriate pickups. Either would fit in just fine as a #2 or #8 hitter in the Mets’ lineup, and provide above-average defense. However, Omar seems to like the sleepers, and therefore he may consider one of several veterans — Mark Loretta, Mark DeRosa, and Tony Graffanino leading the way. Further, don’t discount what the Mets learned from Valentin’s performance, and don’t be surprised if Omar takes a flyer on someone you don’t think of as a second sacker, such as Tony Batista, Rich Aurilia, Jeff Cirillo, Aaron Boone, or Pedro Feliz.

Batista has ties to Minaya going back to a 2004 gamble that Omar took on him in Montreal, when Batista rewarded him with a 32-HR, 110-RBI season. Though a natural third baseman, he has played over 300 Major League games in the middle infield — so the position is not completely foreign to him. Boone and Aurilia have similar experience, and though it would be surprising to see another Boone take a shot at 2B, it isn’t completely out of the question to see him or St. John’s alum Aurilia competing for the keystone in March. The longshot is Feliz, who is more of a corner infielder and never played a game at second base, but has some experience at shortstop. Consider it wishful thinking for the Mets to overpay for Feliz to play out of position — there’s a better chance of seeing Soriano in the Mets blue and orange. But hey, it’s the offseason, and we can dream, can’t we?

Speaking of dreaming, isn’t there a chance the Mets will trade a few arms — say, Aaron Heilman and Mike Pelfrey — to Texas for Michael Young? Or perhaps a package including an arm and Lastings Milledge to the Orioles for Miguel Tejada? OK, maybe not.

Getting back to reality … who will be the Mets’ second baseman in 2007? I’ll go on a limb and bet that Minaya makes the splash with Soriano. If he doesn’t, my second bet is on one of the Marks — DeRosa or Loretta — or a local guy like Aurilia or Frank Catalanotto in a platoon with Valentin and as sometime leftfielder. Failing all those guesses, I see Minaya pouncing on a veteran who has a strong season of winter ball in Liga de Beisbol del Caribe — with my heartstrings pulling for longshot Edgardo Alfonzo.

It’s a long way to spring training, and this is one aspect of the Mets roster that is sure to be an interesting and evolving story throughout the winter.

It is true the Mets need pitching … but then, who outside of Houston doesn’t? But is their situation so desperate that they need to bid on the right to negotiate with Japanese phenom Daisuke Matsuzaka ?

After witnessing the ups and downs of Japanese imports such as Hideo Nomo and Hideki Irabu, I’d be a little hesitant to go over the top with a bid. Now, add these two factors — 1. Matsuzaka has hired Scott Boras as his agent, and 2. word on the street is that the winning bid could be close to $20 million.

Think about that — 20 million dollars just to have the right to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka, then, on top, your negotiation will be with Scott Boras. And all this expense and aggravation for a guy who, at 26 years old, has already logged eight professional years yet never won more than 17 games — in Japan.

Seems like a hefty price to pay for a guy who has not quite dominated Japanese hitters. Some consider the Japanese league to be on AAA level, or maybe somewhat higher. As far as pitchers go, you might say that Japan is a notch below the National League. That said, you’d have to assume that any pitcher making the transition to MLB will lose a good chunk of effectiveness. So a guy like Matsuzaka, whose numbers and age compare to, say, Brandon Webb, will pitch more like Aaron Harang once he gets to the USA.

Think that’s not fair? Let’s not forget that Kaz Matsui was one of the top hitters in Japan, and hit .336 with 36 home runs one year. Let’s also consider that one of the top hitters that Matsuzaka has faced in the last two years is Benny Agbayani.

Now, Aaron Harang is a good young talent, but would anyone pay $20M just to negotiate with him? Probably not. But, let’s give Daisuke Matsuzaka the benefit of the doubt, and let’s say he’ll do as well as Webb, or Dontrelle Willis. Would you pay twenty million dollars for the right to negotiate with Scott Boras for Dontrelle Willis’ services? Even for Willis, or Webb, or any other proven mid-20s flamethrower, that seems to be a steep price to pay — especially when you consider the fragility of arms.

Which brings up another consideration — why are the Seibu Lions so willing to give up a successful, talented, 26-year-old pitcher? Remember, this is the same Seibu club that was willing to let Kaz Matsui escape to the USA — and they seemed to know something we didn’t on that decision. Is it because they are desperate for cash, or do they figure Matsuzaka has peaked? Have they overtaxed his arm in his young years, and know he’s on the verge of a physical breakdown? Are they aware of a slight tear or tweak that could lead to bigger problems in the near future?

There’s a good possibility that there is nothing at all wrong with Daisuke Matsuzaka. In fact, assuming he’s healthy, there’s every reason to believe that he will turn out to be a solid Major League pitcher — maybe a #2 or #3 starter on a National League team. But is that worth $20M for negotiation rights, and another $20-$40 in a long-term contract? I’m going to say no, at least, not for the Mets — not with youngsters such as Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, John Maine, Oliver Perez, and Brian Bannister ready to make an impact. Their American League brethren in the Bronx, however, is another story. We’ll see if the Yankees’ short-term memory includes Hideki Irabu, or if they’ll dish out the dough for Daisuke Matsuzaka.

With the possibility of losing El Duque (no!), Tom Glavine (no!), and Steve Trachsel (yes, please go!) to free agency, and Pedro Martinez out until at least July (possibly longer), the Mets absolutely must find at least one or two veteran starting pitchers to fill in the gaps in the 2007 rotation.

While it’s true the Mets will have John Maine, Brian Bannister, Oliver Perez, Mike Pelfrey, and Philip Humber coming back, I doubt that will be the starting five. Too many things can happen between now and next April — injuries, role changes, trades, etc. — and it seems to be Omar Minaya’s strategy to stock up deep on pitching anyway.

First and foremost, the Mets must cut ties with Steve Trachsel immediately and let him pitch to his buddy Mike Piazza in San Diego. Next, Tom Glavine needs to decide whether he wants to win his 300th on the biggest stage on the planet — New York City — or go back to being a hated Mets opponent in Atlanta. Personally, I hope he comes back, as it’s possible he’ll be the only true veteran returning to the rotation, and he really pitched like a winner in the postseason. For similar reasons, I’d like to see Orlando Hernandez return to Shea — not for the regular season, but to see his magic in the postseason. If he doesn’t come back to the Mets, I would not be surprised to see him back in pinstripes, as the Yankees’ issue next year won’t be winning in the regular season, but getting through the postseason.

Even if El Duque and Glavine come back, the Mets will still need a true ace, or at least a strong #2 or #3-type pitcher. They had too many #4s and #5s on the staff in 2006, and though it wasn’t the pitching that hurt us in the offseason, you have to believe our postseason starters were a little lucky in October. We also can’t count on the bullpen being as proficient and healthy as it was in 2006 — rarely do middle relievers pitch well in consecutive seasons. And in fact, there’s a good chance the bullpen will be without Guillermo Mota, Chad Bradford, Roberto Hernandez, and Darren Oliver, as they all are free agents this winter.

Chances are, the Mets won’t be getting Dontrelle Willis, nor any other top-of-the-line starter, via a trade. Those guys simply are not available in trade, so the only other route (outside of reverting Aaron Heilman to starting) is free agency.

Jason Schmidt is a consideration, but he’s already nearing his mid-thirties, has had some physical issues lately, and has never played on a big stage. His negatives might outweigh his asking price, which should be outrageous. Barry Zito is at the top of everyone’s list, but after the Yankees’ flop in the ALDS, I somehow see him in pin$tripe$.

Interestingly, there is another lefthanded pitcher that used to be under Rick Peterson’s tutelage who is quietly available — Mark Mulder. Very little has been mentioned of Mulder’s free agent status, probably because of the shoulder injury he sustained this year, and the fact that he won’t be back in time for Opening Day 2007. However, he is exactly the guy I see the Mets going after, for several reasons.

First, he’s only 29, and his shoulder injury is far from career-threatening. Because of the injury, he’ll demand much smaller dollar figures, and in fact, might have to agree to an incentive-laden deal. He could be a tremendous steal, similar to what the Cardinals pulled off with Chris Carpenter a few years ago. The Mets don’t really need an ace to start the season, they need one at the end of the season — and beyond — and Mulder, combined with Pedro, could be a fresh, fearsome twosome come September and October.

Though it would be surprising to see the Cardinals not re-sign Mulder — especially considering they traded Kiko Calero and Danny Haren to get him — there’s the slight possibility he’d be interested in re-joining Peterson. And if Glavine returns, he could be a fantastic mentor to Mulder — a guy who after this shoulder injury may need to learn how to pitch in Glavine’s vintage style to keep batters off-balance. If there’s any chance at all, I hope the Mets are able to pull it off.

Failing at Mulder, there are a number of intriguing possibilities on the free-agent scrap heap. Unfortunately, none look like the type of ace or #2 the Mets are looking for. However, a few are on the cusp and could finally meet their potential (or remain enigmas, a la Kelvim Escobar).

One in particular is Tony Armas Jr., whose once-bright future was derailed by injury and inconsistency. He returned this year to post mediocre numbers on a poor Nationals team. Since he’s only going to be 29, appears to be healthy now, and has a connection based on Minaya’s days with the Expos, Armas is a likely “shot in the dark” candidate — similar to the flyer the Mets took on Jose Lima (shudder) last spring. Who knows, with a healthy arm and under the supervision of Rick Peterson, Armas could develop into a solid #3 or #4.

A few other enigmas to consider are Gil Meche, Ted Lilly, Vicente Padilla, and former Met Bruce Chen. All are 30 or under and have seen success in the past. Padilla won 14 games as a 24 and 25-year-old, and was once considered a cornerstone of a young Phillies staff. Meche had similar success, winning 15 for the Mariners as a 24-year-old, and many baseball people believe he has great stuff. After ten minutes with Peterson, either could revert to their #2-type performance. Speaking of, Lilly’s career was going nowhere until he met Peterson in 2002, and had a very solid 2006 for the Blue Jays. Chen, on the other hand, is the enigma of all enigmas, but as a lefty under 30 might be worth taking an incentive-laden flyer on. He may never again be the 13-game winner he was with the Orioles in 2005, but he might turn out to be an ideal replacement for Darren Oliver as a long-relief specialist.

While it would be nice for the Mets to open their pockets for Zito — and it’s not unbelievable, considering Minaya’s interest in making a splash — I see more frugal, cunning pickups happening. In fact, I see Peterson wooing Mulder to NY, and Minaya making very quiet signings of Armas, Chen, and either Meche or a guy like Miguel Batista or Tomo Ohka — and seeing at least two of them join the staff and produce — just as the Mets quietly did with the signings of ChadBrad, Pedro Feliciano, and Darren Oliver.