The New York Mets are within striking distance of the Phillies, and there’s no doubt that they have a chance to make a run at the wild card.
But one thing that can really kill the Mets is their General Manager Omar Minaya, not that he hasn’t already done so.
Minaya is desperate to keep his job, and the future of the franchise is in jeopardy if he decides to make another typical Minaya move, trading the best prospects for an older pitcher to help the Mets improve from a slightly better than .500 team to a wild card contender.
The difference between a slightly better than .500 team and a wild card team isn’t huge, and isn’t worth it. Lets face it if the Mets make the playoffs this year do they really have a shot to win the World Series and knock off the Yankees or the Rays?
I’m willing to see this year out, the team is in a good position right now there is no need to sacrifice the future for this season.
One big thing that could kill the Mets this season is firing Jerry Manuel.
If Minaya decides to do this to help save his own job he will only turn the locker room into a circus with the media. The team needs stability and focus, a change at manager mid-season cannot help the Mets, only damage their chances of making the playoffs.
I’m not Manuel’s biggest fan, and I don’t think he has what it takes to lead a team to the World Series, unlike Bobby Valentine, but he is serviceable for this team this season.
If there are changes to be made, do it after the season, and start next year with a new franchise.
The Mets already possess what it takes to perform in the playoffs, and a trade for Oswalt wouldn’t make them any more of a World Series contender than they are today.
In order to make a run in the playoffs it’s essential for a team to possess two standout starting pitchers, and the Mets do in Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey.
And playing in Citi Field can turn any three or four into a good starter. That being said Hisanori Takahashi has a chance to step up and become a key part of this team.
Another key to winning is a great offense. The Mets offense isn’t amazin’ right now, but it’s definitely in the top half of the league. The offense has had it’s bright spots, and they have won games on their own this season.
Admit it, the Mets offense can be as scary as any in the National League, and if Carlos Beltran can make a comeback and become the hitter he was last year before he was injured, the lineup has the potential to carry them to the playoffs on their own.
Once Beltran comes back, the Mets should use Angel Pagan as much as they possibly can. Possibly a platoon in right field with Jeff Francoeur?
The bullpen is fine right now, and Manuel could change the roles around a little bit, but I think as the season progresses these guys will fill into specific roles and excel.
One problem is the mishandling of top pitching prospect Jenrry Mejia. I don’t disagree with keeping him in the Major League bullpen, in fact I love him in the bullpen as a future setup man or closer. But if you’re going to keep him in New York use him.
Clearly the Mets need another pitcher to make a run, but in reality, is this season really worth trading for what’s out there? Maybe Cliff Lee, but even Lee isn’t the youngest pitcher in the league.
This has to be the last year of the Minaya project, please Omar don’t mess with the future of the Mets just to save a job that you have not performed adequately enough at.
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