One week ago, Omar Minaya confidently emphasized the club’s patient approach to this off-season. Having lost the confidence of fans and the favorable press he once enjoyed, Minaya badly needs to be right. The future of the franchise is at stake.

So one week later, that patience thing better be working out.

It still could, but as the free agent talent pool shrinks the Mets self described patience meanders its way to dithering.

Gone now are players whom know how to win in Jason Marquis (Nationals), Garrett Atkins (Orioles) and Darren Oliver (Rangers). The Braves apparently are about to sign Troy Glaus to play first base. The once publically coveted Orlando Hudson is said to be talking to the Nationals as well.

As bad as it was last year, it’s hard to imagine how the last place Nationals are kicking the Mets ass so far this off-season. Nevermind the fact that they are closing the gap with Marquis, reliever Brian Burney and first ballot Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

Players are not afraid to go to the Nationals. They have alot the Mets cannot offer. The Nationals were an energetic, fun team to watch at the end of last season. They have a new manager and GM with a mandate. The Nationals offer a sense of certainty that their organization is moving in a positive direction. The Mets have nothing of the sort.

It’s being noticed, too.

Meanwhile the Mets signed journyman knuckleballer, R.A. Dickey. Most Mets’ observers went beyond a yawn to a snicker.

Minaya and the Mets are not going to be able to survive the negative perception that will come with the failure to secure the services of a Jason Bay. Unless that is they know something we don ‘t. As no one in the Mets hierchy talks to the NY print media anymore, this could easily be true.

The negotiations for Bay and Bengie Molina might simply be just business, and that in the end the Mets won’t be outbid for them. And maybe they know that the upgrades they seek in the rotation will come from a trade. See all those Cincinnati Reds rumors. Several starters remain unsigned such as Joel Pineiro and Jarod Washburn.

Right now there isn’t enough roster change that helps Jerry Manuel’s team to go into next season with any confidence. If the current perception of dithering manifests as reality, the narrative that emerges about 6 weeks from now in Port St. Lucie will not be pleasant.

Collectively, everyone will be waiting for the manager to get fired. The Wilpons will look like fools to have kept Omar Minaya around after last season while the Mets struggle to finish ahead of the Nationals in the NL East cellar.

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One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The Post’s Bart Hubbach reports that the Met’s will be “taking advantage” of the list that became available this weekend when they were cut loose by their clubs.

Good. Some much needed depth and power can be had from the group that includes Jonny Gomes, Jack Cust, Ryan Garko and Garrett Atkins. Amongst pitchers, Hubbach reports that relievers Clay Condrey, Mike MacDougal and Matt Capps could interest the Mets.

I’d look for the Cubs to go after of of these to compete for the closer role. They need someone to close games badly. Getting one of the other two would benefit the Mets’ bullpen.

I’d take any of the others whom can play first and the outfield.

Overall it will be much easier for Minaya to bring in two from this group than it will be to get one of the big three – Holliday, Bay or Lackey. Some reports have the Mariners have entered the bidding and Bay has been quoted as saying he would love to play near his Canadian home.

At the very least, the thought that the Mets were going to take advantage of the heft that was removed from their payrol last year. The Wilpons have told the basball people to they can improve the club via free agency.

But to really put themselves back into the conversation – which in New York is crucial – they will have to sign one of the big three. Getting a couple of non-tendered won’t get it done for a critical media and a wounded fan base.

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