Omar Minaya’s Top 5 Best Moves – Countdown – #1 – The Ace of Aces

Well, this is it, the number one move Minaya has ever (and will ever) pull off for the NY Mets…the acquisition of a certain ex Minnesota Twin (Sorry Aaron – Twins Author)…of course you all know it’s Mr. Johan Santana.

By trading for the (then) 28 year old left hand pitching machine, often considered one of the top 3 pitchers in all of baseball, Minaya had really outdone himself.

At the time of the acquisition, the Mets really needed a “Pick-Me-Up” after their historic collapse of the season prior.  The fans demanded something dramatic, and they got it in the form of Johan.

The Mets agreed to send young outfielder Carlos Gomez plus pitching prospects Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra to Minnesota. Ok, so I did like Gomez, but I like Santana just a little (I mean just a very little) more than him.

Talking about Santana as a 2 time Cy Young winner seems to underestimate his achievements. He brings an energy like the Mets haven’t seen since the likes of Doc and Tom. His presence alone makes watching each and every start he makes a true pleasure. Win or lose, he battles and competes like no other in the sport of baseball.

Even though they collapsed again last season, the Mets gave me something to watch. I had the honor (As did many) of seeing the Santana Gem towards the end of the season when the Mets needed it most. I can only imagine what Gems this Ace will produce for the next few years for the Mets.

I honestly believe Santana might have edged out Lincecum if the bullpen would have help even 3 more games for him in the season. Well, what’s done is done, this year is a whole new ballgame (pun intended).

So hat’s off to you Minaya, you have done some really great things in your tenure as Mets GM, keep it up! For all of you loyal Mets readers, I am going to follow this up with a position by position break down of your (and my) 2009 New York Metropolitans.

Until next time, Happy Blogging, and Lets Go Mets in 2009! Shop New York Mets Fan Gear

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