I feel like I just woke up from a bad nightmare.  Last season was by far the most difficult experience I've had as baseball fan.  So difficult, that I quit on my team (and my blog for that matter).

Watching the Mets literally limp their way to a 70-92 record was hard enough.  But watching the Yankees and Phillies compete for the World Series was cruel and unusual punishment.  I think I'd rather be water boarded.  A small consolation is that we won't have to hear "two-time defending champions" next year.  Unfortunately, Yankee fan arrogance will be as strong as ever.

But it's not like we can just pretend that 2009 didn't happen.  The Mets clearly have issues and many of them are not injury related.  I still have faith in Omar, but his seat has never been hotter.  It's put up or shut up time, and the way he approaches this offseason will make or break his tenure with the Mets.  There is a ton of talent available and it might come down to how much the Wilpons are willing to spend.

At the same time, I just want my team back.  It was no fun watching everyday lineups that included Alex Cora, Fernando Tatis, Anderson Hernandez, etc.  Serviceable role players, but not everyday starters. So getting the core healthy is exciting in and of itself.  I wouldn't be so bitter about 2009 if we actually had our guys and simply got outplayed (like in 2007 and 2008).   I feel like I was robbed of baseball.  Seriously, the 2008 collapse was more fun to watch.  At least we had a chance.

But enough with the negative.  Free agency starts on Friday, and we can begin the process of moving on.  I think I'm still suffering from post-traumatic stress, but the excitement of the hot stove is upon us.  I don't think the Mets need to go on a Yankee style spending spree, but landing a player like Matt Holliday would be a huge boost.  And based on the rumors I've been hearing, the trade market should be as ripe as ever this winter.  Whatever happens, I'm excited.  We have nowhere to go but up.

Comments (5)

...
written by Benny B, November 20, 2009

I don't know Matt. This is the Mets we are talking about. I fear a desperate Omar could make things a lot worse like a multiple year contract for Bengie Molina, signing Frenchy to a needless mulit-year extension, and paying Burnett money to John Lackey. All would be bad hand cuffing moves, and early indicators to how this offseason is going to go. I like Francoeur, and played very well for the mets. But lets not forget how bad he was for the Braves, and there is no need to do anything with him at this point.

But like you said, I too am looking forward to hot stove season. Bring it on.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Matt Ryan, November 20, 2009

Yep. Omar does have a history of making such moves. I just hope that this offseason will be different because the pressure is really on. I still haven't decided what the best plan of action would be. I think the Mets seriously need to explore making moves for Holliday and Halladay, but if they do that will probably be it. Maybe signing Lackey and Pinerio would be better.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Benny B, November 20, 2009

No, we def. need power. Holliday would be great, and would fit that bill. Reyes, 2nd base, Wright, Beltran, Holiday, would make for a top notch 1-5. If Frenchy performs like 2nd half Frenchy, he will be very dangerous at the bottom of the lineup.

I personally would take Carl Crawford over Holliday. However, if the Mets are going to make a trade of Crawford, Adrian Gonzales, Halliday--assuming the could--they will only be able to make one. And if so, they need should go for pitching.

BUT, there is a recent rumor that the Mets are tying a 3 way trade to move Castillo to the cubs and Millwood to the Mets. If they can do that to start the hot stove, they will have a lot more options, and should absolutely do it. Pitching wins championships, but if they were able to sign Holliday, and trade for Adrian Gonzales for 1st that is a super scary lineup. They really could put anyone at 2nd (more for defense than offense) and just sign a Marquis type pitcher for insurance. Johan, Pelf, Millwood, Maine/Ollie/Marquis is acceptable with that type of power.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by philliephan2, November 21, 2009

Hey Matt - long time no see. Great picture of hell, btw. While your absence is certainly understandable given the state of the Mets last year, shouldn't there be some kind of penance you should do for ditching all of us at WTTTB? I don't know, maybe some kind of public apology and acknowledgement of Phillies' superiority over the Mets for yet another year?? I mean I know it's not much, but its the little things in life that keep us philly phans happy in the philthy city ... whaddya say, Matt?

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by The Dad next door, November 21, 2009

You hit the nail on the head when you said we were robbed of baseball. I couldn't watch the pretend Mets after the All-Star break, so it is as if that whole season was stolen. As painful as it was to collapse late two straight seasons, at least my blood was pumping. In 2009, not so much. I read a lot of good books instead.
And now I can't wait for 2010, even if the Phillies might possibly could be almost the team to beat. And we know now... they CAN be beat.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

Add Comment