If there were one thing I could take back from the magical 2006 season, it would be Darren Oliver. He pitched extremely well during that season, posting a 4-1 record with a 3.44 ERA in 81.0 innings. Bringing Oliver back on a two-year deal after 2006 was one move that Omar couldn’t make, but should have in hindsight.

Over the past one and a half seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Oliver has posted a 7-2 record with a 3.60 ERA in 110.0 innings pitched.

During his tenure here with the Mets, he showed unbelievable pitching in the clutch, with one instance that I remember real well during Game 4 of the NLCS in 2006. After starter Steve Trachsel was pulled in the second inning after giving up five earned runs, Oliver went on to pitch six scoreless innings against the Cardinals. Despite the damage already being done and the Mets inability to produce any offense, it was still a great clutch performance.

I truly believe the Mets really miss the job he did for them and have been desperately trying to seek the same type of player since he left in the 2006-2007 offseason. The Mets have tried a number of players in the long relief role that included Jorge Sosa, Carlos Muniz, Aaron Sele, among others.

If the Mets want to compete and make a run in the playoffs, they need someone who could take a game for 4-5 innings if need be. Granted this is far from the Mets top priority, it still should not be overlooked. The Mets have attempted to use plenty of players this year in the same role, but they have failed to strike gold on each try.

Talk to KC: As most Mets fans have heard over the past week, management is shaky on Duaner Sanchez’s recent struggles and would likely want to grab another bullpen arm. It seems as if Kansas City relief pitcher Ron Mahay could be an option on the trade market. I was begging for the Mets to take a shot on Mahay this past winter, but nothing came of it.

Right now, Mahay is 5-0 with a 1.81 ERA in 54.2 innings pitched for the Royals this season. The 37-year old reliever is due $8 million through 2009.

Getting Mahay could open up the opportunity for the Mets to send Scott Schoeneweis elsewhere. The Tigers were reportedly interested. If the Mets could acquire a right-handed hitting corner outfielder such as Marcus Thames for Schoeneweis, then it would all make sense. Thames gives you the power that the Mets could certainly use in the middle of the lineup. He is currently hitting .262 with 20 home runs and 44 RBIs. The Mets would also control him through the 2010 season. If you think beyond this season, he could be a nice stop gap if Fernando Martinez needs more time. Even if the Mets have to give up a small A-level type prospect in addition to Schoeneweis, it would be worth it. Getting Schoeneweis’ $7.2 million off of your shoulders over this season and next would be a job well done.

Admit your mistake: Utilityman Marlon Anderson has been hitting .207 with one home run and 10 RBIs this season. The Mets signed him to a two-year, $2.2 million deal prior to this season. He is becoming a liability off the bench with the bat and even at times defensively…and the Mets need to admit to their mistake and part ways with him. The only thing that is keeping him here is his track record for pinch hitting and even that has not been that great this season.