Mets get Cameron

There seem to be conflicting reports as to the exact monetary value of this three year deal, but it seems to be somewhere between 19 and 21 million dollars for the rights to Mike Cameron between the ages of 31 and 33.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this deal. Sure, Cameron's defense in center field should be mighty helpful to the Mets' pitching staff. But aside from the fact that he meets the less than lofty standard of being more productive than either Roger Cedeno, Timo Perez or Jeff Duncan, Cameron doesn't really seem to put a significant dent into the Mets' offensive difficulties. And locking him up for three years seems to put to rest any idea of the Mets bidding for the services of Carlos Beltran after next season. If the Mets can manage to snag Magglio Ordonez next year, or even transform Victor Diaz into a competent major league right fielder, this deal might work out very well. But right now this seems like the kind of "win now" move we might have expected from the Steve Philips organization for a team that's not going to win much of anything now without putting serious money into the right field and starting pitching issues. I admit with no hesitation that Cameron will be an upgrade over anyone who played centerfield for the Mets last year and is almost certainly a better solution than anyone else available on the free agent market currently. I just don't quite see how this move fits in with the philosophy of looking toward the future.

Jim Duquette should feel free to put together a Floyd/Cameron/Guerrero outfield if he wishes, in which case I will do my best to built some sort of shrine at which I can worship him.

EDIT: I am rather pleased that Duquette's made two quality signings and given up zero draft picks, at least.  ¶ joe | 9:28 PM |