Ben Zobrist

So far the Mets top target is Ben Zobrist. I like him. He's a solid baseball player that can play multiple positions well. He can play the corner outfield positions (center field if needed as well), second and third base, as well as shortstop in a pinch. He can bat second because he makes contact and sixth or seventh with his ability to drive in runs. He won't be hitting too many balls over the fence and swiping even less bases. Zobrist is the kind of player that every team covets because of his versatility and everyday hitting capability.

Zobrist would be a nice addition to any lineup, including the Mets. But at what cost? Zobrist does not come with the qualifying offer tag, meaning the Mets don't need to surrender a first round compensation pick. Zobrist being traded mid-season has eliminated that cost. Now as far as the monetary value of him, what is it? His price will go up simply because of how many teams are going after him. I value him worth about 13.5 million over three years (making him 37 at the end of his contract). Maybe a vesting or club option for that coveted fourth year he is looking for. I think he caps off at 15 million over four years, but who will offer that to the versatile Ben Zobrist?

Now for all of you thinking, "What about Daniel Murphy?". Let me ask you this, who plays better defense at second base? Yes Murphy is younger and seems to have a career year this past year and he is always a tough out, will grind out his at bats and will work hard for the team but his defense just doesn't seem to be there for the 30 year old. Zobrist should be the Mets first option, mainly for second base but not limited to there. He adds insurance if Wright needs time off, if they can't find an everyday shortstop (Flores looked pretty good over there at the end of the season) and maybe even in center field. He will be signed to play second base but is an insurance policy for so many other positions while not having to rush prospects.

He also brings a gritty hard working attitude. He tries to do the little things similar to Murphy but looks more fluid doing it. I think Zobrist is a good addition to the Mets and can help bring a winning attitude, coming off a World Series ring to the Mets. He can make the kids in Queens more hungry to go back there and win it all. He could be a small piece, one that has more of an affect on this roster than Chris Young and Michael Cuddyer did in the previous two years. This is a Sandy Alderson signing that could very well happen seeing as how he likes to make minor moves in the offseason and then seeing what he has in spring training and during the season while evaluating and making the moves necessary to put a winning ball club on the field.

What do you think? Do you think Ben Zobrist will be a New York Met? Do you think the Mets will fork over the money for Zobrist? Do you think the Mets should go after a different player? Who would you rather have Murphy or Zobrist?