The New York Mets should have been in full playoff contention by this time. Yet, as usual, injuries killed this team. Although they are not in realistic playoff contention, there seems to be an aura of playoffs with these Mets. They won’t give up.
Sandy Alderson says he expects the team to compete. This is expected no matter what position you are in. Even if you are out, I believe in taking everybody down with you. So should the Mets. So is this what Alderson means or is he serious about making a run for the playoffs?
Here are the facts. Carlos Beltran is believed to be gone by the July 31st trade deadline. David Wright comes back today. WFAN’s Ed Coleman said the Mets have put a August 21st date for Johan Santana to return. Do not count on Ike Davis coming back. Jason Bay had a hammy issue. The Mets have a lot of ground to make up and not much time to do it in.
If the Mets were to seriously go for it, it will be one hell of a battle. Both the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are looking for bats to help their cause. I believe they will get it. In which case, Alderson needs to just build for next year. Miracles do happen though. To make a serious run this year, the GM needs to find solutions for right now and worry about next year in the offseason.
I do not believe Alderson will find solutions for right now. He is looking at next year and beyond. He knew they would be longshots. Despite they have managed to play above expectations, they will more than likely not contend. So we really are being set up, Mets fans, but for the future.
Just go out and have fun. Cheer for your team knowing the future is yours. Alderson’s got this.
This team is already fun to root for with their aggressive style and never give up attitude. Sandy definately has a plan, he just isn’t sharing it with the fans, which is smart and understandable. I was impressed that he was able to unload 17.5 M of the 2012 payroll. I’m curious how (and if) the Beltran trade plays out and how many years and $ he is willing to extend to Reyes. Is he gutsy enough to trade a Capuano, Dickey or Pelfry or further deplete the bullpen of Izzy or Byrdak before the deadline and more importantly who could he get for them? I believe Alderson knows what he is doing but his body of Met work is not enough to fully endorse his style yet.