After trading away prospect Lastings Milledge for Brian Schneider and Ryan Church, the Mets have to be excited about the defensive upgrade behind the plate. Schneider, drafted by the Expos in 1995, has been a steadily improving presence on the field with the Expos/Nationals. Known for his defensive abilities, Schneider has proven to be a leader and a calming presence in Washington. Working in Washington may not have been ideal, but he’s made the most of a hodge-podge rotation, and has often been a source of leadership for the pitching staff.

Apparently the wisdom of Omar Minaya is beyond us mere mortals. After aquiring Johnny Estrada on November the 20th, the Mets had all but solved their pre-season concerns behind the plate. Ramon Castro, a slugging catcher with more offensive skills then defensive, was resigned and ready to play a significant number of games in 2008. Estrada was the yin to Castro’s yang, only the problem was and remains today, that Estrada was not a significant upgrade from Paul Lo Duca.