If someone were to tell me in June of 2008 that on the very last day of the season, the Mets could possibly be in the playoffs, I would have laughed and taken that bet. And, I would have lost.
In 2007, the Mets had a good team. They had a spectacular collapse under what now appears to be a manager that couldn’t rally the troops. This year, they worked very hard to get from 8 games back in July to tied for the wild card before the start of the final game. This year was not a loss—this year was growth. If nothing else, it showed who shined brightly under different management and different direction. In 2007, the Mets gave away the division. In 2008, the Mets simply did not reach the opportunity. In 2007, Tom Glavine didn’t make it through 1 inning. This year, a solid Mets starter gave 6 excellent innings. A loss is a loss, but in no way does this loss hurt as bad as last year. At least not for me.
So, that leaves this year finished with 2009 soon approaching. Pitches and Catchers report in mid March, which is only 5 short months away. Some changes will need to be made for next year. Some individual, some team-wide. Here’s my short list of necessities:
The Mets, in my opinion, must sign Jerry Manuel to a contract of no less than 3 years. The team – key word being team – seemed to respond much better to Manuel than to Randolph. With all due respect to Randolph, and I was very critical of the Mets firing Randolph earlier this year, the team simply performed remarkably better under Manuel compared to Randolph. Similary, Warthen (Mets pitching coach), should as well be signed to no less than a 3 year deal as he transformed Pelfrey and Perez into quality starters.
So, where are the problems. Here we go:
Offense: Too inconsistent. Consider replacing HoJo as hitting coach. He was a fantastic player, but perhaps he is not the best teacher. Nothing against the man, but sometimes – in any profession – this is the case.
Relief Pitching: Second half, when the offense took off, the bullpen was terribly inconsistent. I don’t believe this is Warthen’s fault. It’s just simply the fact that relief pitching in baseball is tough to come by. Hopefully, Wagner can come back and be a quality closer. If not, decide early to acquire another high-quality closer. Find a middle relief that can hold a game.
Injuries: None can be prevented, but always expected. As much as I like Alou, he’ll be gone. Keep Ryan Church–he’ll be back to true form of good offense and excellent defense.
Free Agents: Pickup Delgado’s year. Sign Oliver Perez. No questions here. Mets don’t do either, they will make a big mistake. Martinez? Ehh, that’s iffy. Can he be put in the bullpen?
Miscellaneous: Dump Castillo. He doesn’t fit with this team. Get what you can for him. Get a second basemen, either from the farm or from a trade. Do not give up Reyes or Wright. Get a left-fielder—I cringe at the idea of Nick Evans and Murphy platooning. Somehow acquire a quality starter. Not a Santana – as I don’t think anything of that caliber will be available, but defintely a “second” starter. Lastly, if Easely wants to play, let him play. He says he does, so please sign him. Two years, $5 million.
This season was not a let down!! This was a remarkable turn around from a team that was destined for last place in June. Some of the older, more seasoned Mets players (like Easley) may disagree with me, but that’s how I feel. Fix a few of the core problems, and 2009 will be an excellent year.
For now, I tip my hat to Milwaukee and Philadelphia for a season well-played. Good luck to all teams, but I’ll be rooting for Milwaukee in their series vs Philly, and for Los Angeles in their series vs. the Cubbies. No offense Cubbies–I want you to get a ring, but I love Joe Torre. The way Joe Torre was flushed down the toilet by the Yankees was innapropriate, so I have a special place in my heart for him.
A post like this would not be completely without a prediction, so here we go:
National League Division Series:
Milwaukee vs. Philadelphia: Philadelphia in 4 games.
Los Angeles vs. Chicago: Los Angeles in 5 games.
NLDS:
Philadelphia Vs. Los Angeles: Los Angeles in 7.
American League Division Series:
Minnesota vs. Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay in 3 games.
Boston vs. Los Angeles: Los Angeles in 5 games.
ALDS:
Tampa Bay vs. Los Angeles: Los Angeles in 7.
World Series:
Los Angeles Angels in 6.
Here’s to exciting baseball times. Good luck!