As GBM's Mark Healey pointed out in his most recent column, the Mets have
their fair share of concerns going into 2008. They lack a fifth
starter. The management of their bullpen is questionable. Several
players had poor years on offense. But to hear the average Mets fan
tell it, the team is doomed to a second place finish in 2008. The Mets
may not be the favorite in the NL East, but they’re certainly not out
of it before the season starts.
It’s sometimes shocking how short-sighted fans in New York can be. Mets fans are so quick to outright condemn their team after the historical collapse of 2007. The Mets had a bad month to finish off last season. Ok, a horrendous month, and one that cost them a division title. But is that one month so definitive? If you had asked a Mets fan about their team’s chances during the first 5 months of 2007, he’d have all but guaranteed a playoff appearance. Now the Mets go into 2008 with a team that’s largely the same. Some changes include the loss of Paul Lo Duca and Tom Glavine, and those losses will be a concern for the Mets. But Pedro Martinez will be returning, as will Duaner Sanchez.
The Mets have made it clear that their primary concern is their starting pitching. Two of their starters are too young to be reliable, and two are too old. But each of them can be an effective pitcher. John Maine’s ERA was below 4.00 in 2007. So was El Duque’s. Perez was often inconsistent, but finished with an impressive 15 wins and a 3.56 ERA. As for Pedro, it’s hard to say what form he’ll come back in, but if you think he can’t be effective, you’re being short-sighted. Throughout Pedro’s career, he’s had incredible pitches, but the mark of a great pitcher is one who can find ways to win on days when his pitches aren’t as effective as they usually are. El Duque has that ability. So does Pedro. The Mets still need that fifth starter and are looking for an ace, but their starting rotation isn’t nearly as vulnerable as many Mets fans would have you believe.
With two aging pitchers in the rotation, the bullpen could end up being taxed all year. But again, there is hope. Billy Wagner is an excellent closer and Aaron Heilman excellent in the 8th inning. Feliciano is highly effective. Guillermo Mota is gone, Duaner Sanchez is back. Pelfrey and Humber are likely to be recast as relievers where they might prove themselves highly valuable.
Mets fans also panic over their offense which underperformed all year. There’s that short-sightedness again. Carlos Delgado had a down year and suddenly fans question if he’ll ever be himself again. Delgado is a veteran who has proven himself time and again in the Majors. Even the best players have down years. Delgado won’t be Albert Pujols, but he has a chance to redeem himself, especially in a contract year. The same goes for Beltran. Given the choice between a proven veteran and an unsure young stud, I’d take the veteran any day of the week and twice in a Sunday doubleheader.
The Phillies will still be the favorite going into 2008. Can the Mets compete? Absolutely. Is there a chance they’ll play in October? Yes, and a good one. Mets fans just need a little perspective.
