This article originally started out as one entitled “Can the Mets’ dyfunctionality be fixed?”. It was going to first describe the dysfunction starting with underfinanced ownership that won’t or can’t put enough money towards payroll to field what should be a big market team.
From there it would discuss a General Manager who knowingly has ignored glaring weaknesses on the team (offensively and defensively) while hoarding a surplus of major league starting pitching.
After that it would talk about a manager walking a tightrope between keeping satisfied a GM who clearly has doubts about him and a press corps that forces him to defend decisions that probably weren’t of his own making.
The article might have touched on an organizational philosophy that seems to be based on giving the opposing pitcher a free first strike. Then combine that with no particular imperative to protect the plate when there are two strikes. This leads to a maddening number of called third strikes. I know I am old school about this but decades ago it was considered an abomination to be called out on strikes with one’s bat on one’s shoulder. Nowadays we see it a half dozen times or more per game!
The article might have alluded to having your best defensive shortstop play at 3B (and since “promoted” to 2B). Perhaps it would even hit on the team’s worst throwing outfielder playing right field rather than left field.
I think the point could be well made that the team – and yes I know it has been in or near 1st place all season, somehow – is dysfunctional.
But this brought me around to something I have wondered about for years. Would anyone in his right mind independently decide to root for this team?
All of us who do root for the Mets do so more from the heart than the mind. My Mets’ beginnings go back to having lost the Giants to San Francisco and having a new NL franchise created in 1962. Pulling for the Yankees was never under consideration. So the Mets were my team for better or for worse (richer, poorer, sickness, health – you know). And clearly there has been a lot more worse/poorer/sickness than there has been better/richer/health.
Larry,
I loved the original question. Too bad you didn’t develop that train of thought. It would have made for one of the more entertaining pieces you have written.
Yes, the Mets from the top on down are dysfunctional. As a fan dating back to the Polo Grounds I recognize that my emotions are also dysfunctional.
The mid to late 80’s were the golden age of being a Mets fan.Before and since,not so much.Dealing with the sneering arrogance of Yankee fans is not for the weak.
I grew up a Mets fan while the Yankees had their dynasty in the 90s. No room for bandwagon fans once the orange and blue really get going. #stillbitter
Our fans whine too much. Im so sick of calling the mets dysfunctional. They had a rough few years but now good times are coming. Let go of the past and enjoy the ride
Mets fans whine an incredible amount, but nothing compared to Yankee or Red Sox fans. I think we’re slightly above average.
The dysfunctional stuff really shines in the fact that the Mets are leading this abysmal NL East beating out one hurt team, and three bums. This team from the top down is not constructed like a perennial winner. Maybe that’s not quite dysfunctional in your book, but it’s not a winning recipe.
Larry, seems like the peeps above have a problem with the word “dysfunctional”.
Can we get a better word for organizations that:
– aren’t welcome at any open AAA affiliations and need to take what’s available.
– have an owner that keeps leaking dirt on his players to his neighbor that happens to be a reporter.
– have the same owner say one thing to the press at the winter meetings and then have the GM need to deny it all the next day.
– have a team that tells us for three years that they need to bring in an upgrade at SS, but refuse to do so.
– have three first basemen in the roster, while platooning the two lefties; have a roster that doesn’t have a backup infielder but has six outfielders; and a roster that has eight relievers and six starters at one point.
– likes to rebuild with veterans and keep the kids in the bench.
I can’t remember the rest, as I’m being called away. But, I’m sure I made my point.
Larry and Texas Gus, some of the dyafunction is maddening, but some of it is what makes the Mets the most unique team in professional sports. Unlike their pinstriped neighbors, the Mets, even in the good years, have the makeup of a ragtag bunch full of colorful characters. I’ll die with this team. That said, i’d really like to see new ownership in my lifetime.