Mets Fans Emerge from the Depths of Baseball Hell

Written by Matt Ryan | 19 November 2009

I feel like I just woke up from a bad nightmare.  Last season was by far the most difficult experience I've had as baseball fan.  So difficult, that I quit on my team (and my blog for that matter).

Watching the Mets literally limp their way to a 70-92 record was hard enough.  But watching the Yankees and Phillies compete for the World Series was cruel and unusual punishment.  I think I'd rather be water boarded.  A small consolation is that we won't have to hear "two-time defending champions" next year.  Unfortunately, Yankee fan arrogance will be as strong as ever.

But it's not like we can just pretend that 2009 didn't happen.  The Mets clearly have issues and many of them are not injury related.  I still have faith in Omar, but his seat has never been hotter.  It's put up or shut up time, and the way he approaches this offseason will make or break his tenure with the Mets.  There is a ton of talent available and it might come down to how much the Wilpons are willing to spend.

At the same time, I just want my team back.  It was no fun watching everyday lineups that included Alex Cora, Fernando Tatis, Anderson Hernandez, etc.  Serviceable role players, but not everyday starters. So getting the core healthy is exciting in and of itself.  I wouldn't be so bitter about 2009 if we actually had our guys and simply got outplayed (like in 2007 and 2008).   I feel like I was robbed of baseball.  Seriously, the 2008 collapse was more fun to watch.  At least we had a chance.

But enough with the negative.  Free agency starts on Friday, and we can begin the process of moving on.  I think I'm still suffering from post-traumatic stress, but the excitement of the hot stove is upon us.  I don't think the Mets need to go on a Yankee style spending spree, but landing a player like Matt Holliday would be a huge boost.  And based on the rumors I've been hearing, the trade market should be as ripe as ever this winter.  Whatever happens, I'm excited.  We have nowhere to go but up.