The Long Con: the plan to play McNeil in the Mets outfield.

The good looking man in the nice suits has people fooled.

We were told that the days of hoping for the best were over.

It was very exciting to bring in a Big Name. The big name is 36 and coming off a PED suspension.  And he has a long contract.

Then a second closer was brought in even though the spin was that the first deal was really about bringing in a closer and the 36 year old coming off a PED suspension was the add-on.  Yeah, ok.

Now, another member of the bromance team has joined the party.  A second second baseman.   Who is going to play every day at Position Du Jour.   OK fine, he’s a legit player and probably better than what’s been at 3B anyway.

All this distracts from the big news of yesterday.

The Mets plan to play Jeff McNeil in the outfield.  What happened to not hoping for the best?  In the somewhat-long history of the Mets, how many infielders have been sent to the OF only for it to be a disaster?

This is not a plan, this is hoping for the best.

Meanwhile, who is playing first base? I know many of you think the Mets are going to start Alonso beginning Opening Day (they’re not) and that you think Alonso is going to win the Triple Crown. That’s not a plan, that’s hoping for the best. That’s hoping a kid comes up and is awesome.  Dom Smith says hi.

This is Same Old Mets. Sure,  the Same Old Mets with slightly more depth thanks to Lowrie, and an upgrade at C, but this is also a Mets team with a GM that is talking about Broxton like he’s an All Star.

Jeff is being fooled by the new dog and pony show. “Come get us” sounds great in January, until you realize you’re playing a 27 year old infielder with two months of experience in the OF and there is no first baseman.

The press conferences are fun and all.  Talking smack creates a shirt term high.  Hope for the best – because the window is closing.