Minaya & The Mets

By recently acquiring the likes of Jorge Julio, Carlos Delgado, Duaner Sanchez, Julio Franco, Ramon Castro, Jose Valentin, and Endy Chavez, many are suggesting, including the outspoken Anna Benson, that Mets GM Omar Minaya is trying to build a team predominantly made up of Latin players. That has to be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. Umm, hello. Billy Wagner?? Paul LoDuca?? Xavier Nady?? Tike Redman??
The Mets biggest problem in 2005 was the performance of their bullpen. Wagner was the best closer on the market and is arguably one of the game's best closers. Dodgers closer Eric Gagne expressed disappointment in losing Sanchez to the Mets. He's young and has the potential to be one of the better relievers in the game. Jorge Julio has good stuff and would be a welcomed addition to most bullpens. Carlos Delgado is Carlos Delgado, I don't have to elaborate on that. Julio Franco can still bring it and his veteran leadership is something you can't quantify. And why go out and get Paul LoDuca when you could have gotten Bengie Molina or Ramon Hernandez, if you're trying to build a team with players of Latin descent? It's ridiculous, it really is.
Minaya is obviously trying to put together a winner. The moves that the Mets have made have greatly improved their team. If the player can perform and is a fit to the team, does it really matter where he's from? I don't think so. If you do, tell me why. I'd love to know.
J