Essentially, that's what the Mets are paying Pedro and Beltran. (This number isn't completely accurate because I just averaged out each contract instead of looking at how much they're exactly making for this year). On the plus side, you're getting a Cy Young Pitcher and a potential MVP, both with big names to help for the Mets' quest for the backpage. On the downside, you get a diva with arm problems and a .267 hitter who's never had to play in a big market. Both signings are gambles; Pedro because of his arm and Beltran because you're giving him such a big contract. Even if Beltran is everything the Mets hope for, that contract could be troublesome. Remember, the Rangers dumped A-Rod and the Sox are still trying to get rid of Manny -- not for their performances, but for their contracts.
Anyway, I decided to look at a free agent list to see other ways the Mets could have spent $30 million. I'm ignoring the fact that some of these players might not want to play for the Mets, and I'm also ignoring trade possibilities.
Before the Mets signed Pedro and Beltran, they had needs at catcher, 2nd base (or shortstop if they move Matsui to 2nd), 3rd base, outfield, starting pitcher, and a closer. The Godfather will let me know what else I forgot.
Here's one option:
Jeff Kent (8.5) + Mike Matheny (3.5) + Joe Randa (2.1) + Jon Leiber (7) + Billy Koch (900,000) + Magglio Ordonez (7, hasn't signed yet so this is a guess) =29 (spend the extra million on potential prospects).
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Forgot about Wright and Looper. With the money they saved on not getting them and not paying for Kent, they could have gone after one of the big shortstops. I threw in Koch because I think it's a good idea to take a chance on several small contracts.
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