16
2009
By Being Neither A Winner Or Loser, We Are Losers
An article by Former Writers
My blood boils with each passing day of the Hot Stove season. While the Mets keep signing guys like Alex Cora, Chris Coste and Henry Blanco, the Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox and even Mariners keep making big moves involving the likes of Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Curtis Granderson and probably John Lackey. I knew the Mets wouldn’t be players in the offseason, because Omar Minaya and the Wilpons are, quite frankly, morons. They have failed us and, though they would never admit as much, are more concerned with the bottom line than with putting a winning product on the field. The LA Clippers at least admit as much, so the Mets should admit this to us instead of taking us for being stupid.
But here is where I’m having a hard time….I read a report in USA Today a few days ago about the winners and losers of the winter meetings. The Mets were not considered to be a winner or a loser. Think about that. By being neither, the Mets have cemented themselves as being apathetic and non-committal to the whole hot stove process. And if you are not intent on improving your team, you are destined to lose more games than you win. It’s that simple.
And then this morning, I read this piece on Yahoo Sports about Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, he of the 97 mph fastball. Dude had a throwing session yesterday in which big league scouts were on hand and here are the teams they mentioned that sent a representative: Yankees, Red Sox, Astros, Nationals, Marlins, A’s and Orioles. Of course, there were 15 teams represented in all, so there is no telling if the Mets did indeed send someone, but the writer didn’t mention them. That’s either because the Mets did not care enough to send a scout, or because the writer did not care enough to mention the Mets. Either way, it’s adding more fuel to the apathy fire. Because really, why wouldn’t you go overpay like crazy for a guy like Chapman, who not only throws 97 mph, but is a LEFTY who could neutralize those big bats of the Phillies.
I think the version of the Mets you see now is what you’re going to get in April, plus maybe the return of Carlos Delgado. And wow, what a heartwarming thought that is during the hot stove league season.
About the Author: Former Writers
12 Comments + Add Comment
NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationals | 26 | 18 | .591 | - |
| Braves | 26 | 20 | .565 | 1.0 |
| Mets | 24 | 21 | .533 | 2.5 |
| Marlins | 24 | 21 | .533 | 2.5 |
| Phillies | 23 | 23 | .500 | 4.0 |
Last updated: 05/25/2012
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Mets did send someone. It was a low-level lackey. This, while most teams sent their best talent evaluators.
Houston area scout…’low level lackey’? Mets seems involved..let’s be patient…
Sorry, I misspoke, his name is Lakey, and he’s a “cross-checker” for the Mets. Since the other teams sent their general managers or scouting directors, I’m going to assume that a cross-checker is a lower level position.
I’m really getting tired of this. What do you want Omar to say we suck lol. of course he will think the Mets are a good team and if you stop and look at the Mets they do have a good team.
Alright lets look at the Mets closely. They had 72 wins last year. now if a 72 win team added Reyes,Beltran and Santana wouldn’t they do alot better? You also have to know they will get other players.
I don’t think Chapman makes sense for the Mets. Why give a big contract to someone who has never played in MLB. You can’t just give him a big contract because he throws hard. There is more to pitching than speed.
Especially since the Mets have absolutely no abiiity to develop his talents into a dominant SP. Should they sign him to destroy him?
I’ll say one thing now that some of us are completely losing it before Christmas!!!
Racists are coming out of the closet in attempts to scoff at political correctness, etc. BS. Overall, few statistically proven or data-based info. have been advanced, specifically about Minaya.
I can’t stand the guy for a host of reasons, and I do think people from any background can show favoritism and cultural biases toward people who share their ethnicity, religion, etc.
However, Mets 62 raised crucially important points that few have challenged in any meaningful way. So could we all agree to take a breath, and put a little thought into what we are about to type?!
This brings me to Mikey J’s post…finally.
One silver lining: my expectations are not huge for ’10 as they were for the past three seasons. Believe it or not, that makes me feel a little bit like a “winner.” Since the Mets have made so many bold announcements in the past four years, and I’ve been so disappointed, I am glad not to have all of my hopes pinned to the “world’s greatest FA signing.” Seriously, people, give this a little thought.
For this season, at least, I’m going to restrain my blaming tendency, and see just how far a healthy and, hopefully, well managed and well coached group of Mets can do w/ lower expectations. Think of the benefit: no risk of jumping from the ledge in mid-May.
In other words accept the New Normal of Reduced Expectations. Actually, I don’t think we’re going to have much choice about that.
Well, yes and no, Mask. As you state correctly, “choice about that” almost had to be limited.
I’m committed to being a Mets fan with the ultimate hope/goal of rooting for a champion. However, my hopes are so dashed that I am willing to take a hard-fighting, fairly fundamentally sound group of players on the field in 2010 instead of the madness that was last season.
If I am pleasantly surprised during a good part of the post-All Star break season, I will be satisfied.
I am focused on better pitching, better defense, better baserunning, better at bats. Dude, if we get those improvements, I bet you’ll be substantially happier, too.
I certainly would, if only it would work out that way. Is it possible to achieve that with Jerry Manuel and his coaching staff in place. Last year was not a good precedent even with the injury handicap.
Russell, you are a better fan than I am…..I give you props for being optimistic and giving them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it does make sense to ride out 2010 and hope we get back on track in 2011…but if that’s the case I wish they would just say that. I think that’s what pisses us fans off more than anything.
Once again Mike, you said it perfectly.
When are you guys gonna stop bitchin and moanin about the time it takes to make these off season deals be it through trades or free agency? The problem is that more than competing teams are involved. Do you really think that a Scott Boras cares which team his player signs with? Money talks and always will so deals can involve multiple teams and agents manipulating the market by playing games. The Mets like most teams go
into this time of year with a budget designed to bring back the best player to strengthen their weaknesses. This is not fantasy baseball and the monies being spent is not yours. Handing a guy 15-20 million bucks for 5 or 6 years is a big commitment and getting burned hurts big time.
Instead of complaining about the teams ownership and management voice your opinion if you are not happy by not going to the ballpark!
Better still write a letter to Fred or Jeff Wilpon.