Francisco Lindor - That's a Fun Name to Put in the Lineup

Less than 24 hours after one of the most disturbing days in American history, Mets fans were given a reprieve with one of those old-fashioned hot stove league deals that has you counting the minutes until Opening Day.

We first heard rumors of the Mets' interest in Francisco Lindor in the waning weeks of 2020, and while acquiring a player of his stature would certainly be amazing, with so many other holes to fill, such a move would have to be considered a luxury.

Luckily for Mets fans, owner Steve Cohen has expensive tastes. Happy Freakin' New Year!

Lindor is arguably the best shortstop in baseball, most definitely in the top three, and at age 27 is entering the heart of his prime. A free agent after 2021, Lindor will most likely be locked up long term, giving the Mets a marquee shortstop who can hit, field, get on base and run like the wind. 

You thought Jose Reyes was dynamic? Wait 'til you see this kid.

And yes, we remember another 27-year-old Cleveland middle infielder who didn't pan out (what happened, Carlos Baerga?) But that kind of thinking is only for fans who like to wallow in the mire of failures past. This is a new era in Flushing and all signs are pointing up.

New GM Jared Porter has landed quite a prize in his first big deal, and you can see Lindor (as of now) at the top of the order behind Brandon Nimmo and in front of Dom Smith, Pete Alonso, Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil and James McCann.

Is this the kind of deal that kick-starts the hot stove action? Does it get the ball rolling? Does it inspire someone like George Springer to want to come to Citi Field and roam centerfield? 

Why stop there? Make a deal for Nolan Arenado. Sign Trevor Bauer. Like Tom Petty sang, the future is wide open.

And don't forget about Carlos Carrasco. He is an excellent, playoff-tested pitcher who solidifies the middle of the rotation and is by all accounts is a great guy in the clubhouse. Throw him in with Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, David Peterson and Steven Matz with Noah Syndergaard back before the All-Star break and you've got something. Seth Lugo goes back to the bullpen where he can do his best work.

Yes, we'll miss Andres Gimenez, who could pick it. We loved listening to Keith Hernandez was poetic about his play in the field, and while he will develop into a very good player, his bat doesn't project to be as good as Lindor's. And Amed Rosario was a fun player too, he just couldn't take a pitch.

The Mets are in it to win it, finally. 

Now if only we can have some fans at the games.