Today I chat with Sean from Massapequa once again, as we discuss the Hot Stove League and the Phillies’ blockbuster trade.

First off, I haven’t spoken with you since the Mets suffered all those injuries last summer. How have you been?

For a while, I was in quite a state. Luckily, I had friends and family who helped me get the help I so desperately needed. I’ve spent the last few months at a retreat in the Berkshires, where simple living, meditation, and yoga have helped me manage my anger issues.

Really? Good for you!

I even stayed away from any news of baseball, to keep unnecessary stressors out of my life. I now realize that existence is suffering, and suffering is brought on by desire. In my case, it was a desire for a championship for my favorite team. I have now eliminated that desire from inner being.

You seem so centered now. I’m truly impressed. But maybe we shouldn’t talk about the Mets.

No, no, this is all part of my healing process. I can not live in a cocoon, nor do I wish to. I can enjoy the pastoral pleasures of America’s pastime without making one team’s fortunes the sum total of my existence.

In that case, the big news is the blockbuster trade the Phillies are in the process of completing, getting Roy Halladay from the Blue Jays. That’s obviously bad news for the Mets.

I would agree, if the Phillies hadn’t also traded away Cliff Lee in the same deal. From what I have read, Mr. Halladay projects to be only 0.5 wins above replacement higher than Mr. Lee next season. One could argue that they have not improved by a measurable amount. Not to mention that Mr. Halladay is 33 years old and has subjected his formidable right arm to quite a bit of work over the year. Also, whatever extension he signs with Philadelphia may impact that club’s ability to sign some of its other players when they reach free agency.

I guess you could argue all of these things, but even if the Phillies made a lateral move here, the Mets still need to make a few moves of their own to catch up. Do you think there’s any chance they can do that, given the current free agent class?

I suppose that’s still possible, either through the signing of a Matt Holliday or a similar slugger. However, I think the Mets would be best served by employing platoons at positions such as left field and first base, perhaps look for low-risk/high-reward options on the pitching market. A Ben Sheets, for instance. In the current market, it makes no sense to overpay for mediocrity. Especially considering the the 2010 free agent class looks to be far superior.

That might mean not seriously contending next season. How do you sell that to anxious fans like yourself…I mean, like you used to be?

Perhaps the Mets’ front office should remind the fans that a team’s fortunes proceed like the seasons themselves. The bounty of fall is always followed by the fallow winter. One cannot preoccupy one’s self with but one tiny spoke on the wheel of Time.

I guess when you put it that way, it makes me feel better about the Mets in general. You’re right, things ebb and flow. One day you’re up, the next day you’re down. It’s so stupid to get upset about stuff like Bengie Molina wanting a three year deal from the Mets.

ARE YOU FUCKIN KIDDIN ME?! BENGIE MOLINA?! DAT FAT FUCK WHO CAN’T TAKE A WALK TO SAVE HIS FAT LIFE?! OMAR, LISTEN UP GOOD! IF YOU OFFER MORE THAN ONE MONTH TO THAT TUBBA FAILURE I WILL CARVE YOU LIKE A CHRISTMAS GOOSE! AND I NEVER CARVED NO CHRISTMAS GOOSE BEFORE, SO IT’S GONNA BE SLOW AND MESSY!!

Whoah, you just spent the last five minutes talking like the Dalai Lama by way of Bill James, and Bengie Molina’s name sets you off?

I DON’T WANT HIM NOWHERES NEARS MY TEAM! THE ONLY REASON DIS LAND MONSTER SHOULD GO TO QUEENS IS IF HE’S AT LAGUARDIA GETTIN SHIPPED BACK TO SEA WORLD!!

Congratulations on your short-lived serenity.

YOU BETTER RENDER MY REPONSES IN ALL CAPS, BECAUSE THAT’S HOW ANGRY I AM!