Where Will All Of This Lead Us?

It seems like an eternity since the Mets’ season crashed and burned into another bitter end.

The last three weeks have enabled us to dissect the failures and successes of what could have been, and all of us seem to have our own answers and our own fixes for this team that we all love so much.

The Mets haven’t really said much in the way of what the plan is for the off season, but if you look at their most recent moves, it sort of gives you a glimpse into what the future may hold.

I really expected a big shakeup with the manager and coaching staff after the season, but for the most part, it will be the same cast returning to direct the Mets in 2009 led by manager Jerry Manuel, fresh off his shiny new contract.

I thought there would be a staff shakeup after the 2007 season as well, but obviously I was wrong both times. Hopefully, the lack of any fundamental changes with the managerial staff this off season, will not lead to the same disastrous results as they did a year ago.

So now that we’ve decide to maintain the status quo once again with management, what will the Mets do to prevent a repeat of two disappointing seasons?

Will the Wilpons throw money at the myriad of problems and hope they can buy their way out of this mess? Don’t count on it. The Mets already have the highest payroll in the National League, despite two straight seasons of failing to make the post season. The organization may be willing to increase that payroll by another ten million dollars, but it will take a lot more than that to fix what’s wrong with this team.

Trade rumors abound, just as they did last season, but the holes are too many to fill by trades alone. Would it be unreasonable to suggest that the Mets need a new closer and at least two more reliable arms in the bullpen?

And who exactly is pitching behind Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey and John Maine if he is able to start the season on time after off season surgery?

If the Mets’ problems just ended with the pitching alone, it would be a monumental task to address all of the concerns, but the reality of the situation is that the starting rotation and the bullpen are just the tip of the iceberg. You still have a gaping hole in left field, questions about right fielder, Ryan Church, even bigger questions about the second base situation, and even some concerns behind the plate.

You wouldn’t think that a team with such an enormous payroll would have so many glaring needs. And yet the one thing the team needs most of all, is something that can’t be purchased or traded for… swagger.

As I already stated, the off season seems like an eternity… so many questions and too few answers.

Unlike years past, my expectations will be much lower this off season. I just don’t see how all these issues can be addressed in four months. Maybe I’ll feel differently if the Mets were to start things off with a huge signing or a trade for player that can be a difference maker. All I can do now is just wait… and watch.