Sherman On Mets’ Offseason Needs

In his Hardball column for The NY Post, Joel Sherman examines what the Mets should do in the offseason to get the team back to being competitive next year. He notes that the club is likely to operate with a smaller payroll in 2010 because of the financial hit owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon have taken this year, but they'll still need to address positions like catcher, first base, and left field, not to mention multiple spots on the pitching staff.

Sherman suggests the Mets "protect their thin prospect base" after sacrificing so many young players in trades for Johan Santana and J.J. Putz over the last two seasons, and that creating better 25- and 40-man roster depth is imperative considering how the team's skill level thins out beyond it's elite players.

It's unlikely the club will be able to afford big ticket free agents like Matt Holliday and John Lackey, and should instead "augment with good, versatile players" like Mark DeRosa and Chone Figgins. What do you guys think the Mets need to do to get to being a contender?