The NY Mets just did something stunning and bizarre for them: they signed a quality player, at the peak of his career, who fills a need. And they didn't overpay for him either. (See Glavine, Tommy.*)

The Mets signed Cliff Floyd at $26 million for four years. It's actually less per season than the Red Sox were offering Floyd on a three-year deal. And the Mets have been severely hurting for outfielders for quite some time. Maybe since the Kevin McReynolds trade a couple centuries ago.

This will actually help the Mets. Not enough to catch the Braves or the Phils. But definitely enough to stay above Team Loria I (Les Expos) and Team Loria II (the Marlins).

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* The Mets signed Glavine to a three-year, $35 million contract. Given that's it's highly unlikely that the 37 y/o Glavine will be a quality pitcher for the entire three years of the deal, the Mets may have signed him for, essentially, $35 million for the 2003 season. That'd be more than even A-Rod is making. By over 30 percent.