With numerous rumors going around pertaining to another acquisition for the Mets, I'm going to save the next three memories for next week's column. Instead, I'm going to address these rumors and then further examine the holes left in the New York Mets roster.

The single most prominent rumor out there right now is the potential signing of Derek Lowe. As of this moment, the Mets are in prime position. The Yankees feel as though their next big move should be to address their problem in center field and the Red Sox are not keen to sign a pitcher, as they want to find better protection for David Ortiz. In wake of this, the Mets should make a realistic offer to Lowe sooner rather than later. A three year deal, with a fourth option, in the mid-ten millions per year would be preferrable.

Now, I know that some people would prefer the resigning of Ollie to the signing of Lowe. While age should always be a factor in the signing of talent, I think that experience is equally as important. Lowe has pitched in the postseason before and is one of only TWO active players in the majors with over ten years experience that has not been on the injured list. Talent, health, and post season experience... a great fit in NY.

Ollie is incredibly tempramental when it comes to pitching and while Dan Warthen's presence helped him considerably, I'm not willing to put all of my eggs in the Ollie Basket and bet that he can do it again. Half a season of good pitching is not enough to guarantee three years. This is not a Delgado situation in which we're picking up a one year option. This is a "three years... and you're stuck with him" kind of deal.

Evidently, I would choose Lowe hands down.

Even if the Mets sign Lowe, there is still one GLARING weakness. We need one more big bat. Do I think we should sign Manny to a two-year contract if we can? Yes. Do I think it'd be worth it to make a three year offer? Absolutely not. The first year would be great and he'd be content. And we all know a happy Manny is a productive Manny. The second year is a contract year and Manny does like the money. Plus, Jerry Manuel is the perfect balance of an easy going manager and a gangsta. I think that Manny would enjoy the environment that Manuel encourages... and we all know that Omar is dying to sign him.

If not Manny for two, something has to be done. Yes, the bullpen and starting pitching upgrade SHOULD allow us to win a few more games. Yes, that would have equalled a playoff berth last year. BUT... the Phillies have upgraded their lineup with the addition of Ibanez and they have the swagger of a champion to rely on. If we think we can trot the exact same lineup out on the field, relying on Delgado, Tatis, and a healthy Church to repeat their performances (in some case, second half performances), we're wrong. One more big bat, whether it's Manny or Hudson, is needed to help match up with the Phillies.

Well, hopefully, in the next week, we'll get some good news in the form of a signing. You can say that I'm asking for too much, but when I have to live next door to a Red Sox fan and his roommate, a Phillies fan, and have to deal with my father's side of the family, AKA: the Yankee fans, all I'm asking for is something to brag about... a championship.

Danielle