Which Ace?

After a monumental collapse by the New York Mets, it was clear to Omar Minaya what needed to be done. Unless you consider John Maine a stopper, which you shouldn't, Minaya's team lacked a shut-down starter the entire year. The Phillies have Hamels, the Braves have Smoltz, but who do the Mets have? While only one Type-A starter lies in the Free Agent pool, there certainly are some viable options on the trading block. Here are a few and my opinions of them:

Johan Santana: While Santana is clearly the #1 starter available, his contract remains out in the open. It's not very smart to trade away the farm for one guaranteed year of Santana. Johan is reportedly seeking a 7 year deal worth about 140 million dollars, something the Coupons, sorry, the Wilpons, wouldn't be so open to handing out. Santana's skills are undeniable, but at 29 years old, it's doubtful that the Mets will hand him 20 million per year.

Scott Kazmir: My dark horse of the offseason, this is the guy that Omar Minaya needs to target. At only 23 years old, the Mets would be able to lock him up for another 5 years or so through arbitration. Kazmir is a lefty with phenomenal stuff who has also proven himself against the monstrous lineups in New York and Boston. It may be a long shot, but the Rays have made Kazmir available in order to acquire a big prospect bat, a young pitcher with many years left, and some bullpen help. Omar could provide this in the form of Fernando Martinez, Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber, and Eddie Kunz.

Erik Bedard: There's not too much on Bedard, except for the fact that he racks up K's like it's involuntary. Although being placed on the 60-Day DL in September, Bedard has very good stuff and is relatively young. It will cost the Mets quite bit and I don't think he's the best option, but Omar will do what it takes to land Bedard.

Dan Haren: Much like Bedard, Haren is arguably an ace. Due to his inconsistencies are low K total, Haren hasn't quite fit the bill of a shut-down starter. He's much like John Maine and unless the Mets can get him through a few prospects, they should just tell Billy Beane to GTFO.