I’ve resisted writing about baseball although I have watched as the beat writers here in New York have tried to stir up all kinds of trouble. First, talking about the Yankees trading Soriano and Johnson for Schilling (what a horrible move that would be) and then with all the talk that the Mets should move Piazza and bring in A-Rod (never mind they have a great young shortstop in Reyes). It never ceases to amaze me what these guys will stir up.

Anyway, what follows is my Christmas list for my beloved Mets, I hope for all the Mets fans out there we get a few of these things in our stockings for next season.

The way I look at it, we need some pitching, an outfielder or two and a second baseman.

1. Don’t resign John Franco.

Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t! It’s a bad baseball and a bad money move that sentiment shouldn’t play any part in. As it is the Mets would only wind up using a roster spot for a guy who can no longer be their closer and they’ll over pay to boot. Don’t even get me started on how I haven’t been a big fan of Franco, Leiter or Alomar getting Wilpon’s ear last season and then watching Bobby Valentine get booted — we can see what a big difference a new manager made this season can’t we?

2. Put together a package with the Cardinals - Tom Glavine for Jim Edmonds.

QuesTec isn’t going away anytime soon. The Cardinals are looking for pitching and Edmonds has a longer contract than Glavine (I believe) which makes this deal very doable even though Glavine makes $3 mil more than Edmonds. The Mets get the center fielder they’ve needed since Lance Johnson got traded to Chicago and the Cards get the pitching they’re looking for this off-season.

3. Put together a deal for Edgardo Alfonzo.

Correct one of the biggest mistakes the Mets have made in the last few years. This one ranks up there on the Steve Phillips blunder list at the same level as letting John Olerud get to free agency, a mistake that saw the Mets play a third baseman at first for a few years and then trade for Mo Vaughn. Fonzie has always been a good clubhouse guy and can spell all the left side of the infield positions in a pinch giving you a player with some versatility. He can be a good teacher for Jose Reyes and can fill in at third when necessary. The Giants are looking to clear salary and it would be nice for once if the Mets could be the team getting the other trading partner to payoff a contract instead of the other way around. A few low level minor leaguers could probably do the trick. Alfonzo plays until one of the prospects is ready to take over and even then he’d be a good guy off the bench and a good clubhouse citizen.

4. Get Mark Redman! Florida has made no secret about Redman being on the market, they’re looking for pitching and the Mets have enough minor leaguers to dangle in front of Florida to make the deal.

5. Sign Raul Mondesi. You could pick up a strong defensive rightfielder and a decent bat for a song. Mondesi’s stock has fallen the last few years and there’s no way he’ll command the $12 mil he made last year. A three year deal for $9 or $10 mil would do the trick.

6. Sign Jose Mesa. Mesa actually has better numbers than Benitez had over the last few years and he could be one answer for a depleted bullpen.

7. Sign veteran a-list free agents for bench players. Guys like this would include Kenny Lofton, Robin Ventura as an example. The Yankees have been very successful during their run in the late 90’s by doing just that, it’s a smart money move, you give the kids some good examples and sign guys who can provide leadership but maybe shouldn’t be playing everyday at this point in their careers.

8. I’d like to see the Mets sign one of the big three. I’m talking about free agent pitchers on the market in this order of preference: Colon, Petite or Vasquez — I don’t think it will happen but it will shore up the rotation.