Mets Show Some Fight... But So What?

Written by Nikki DeMaio | 25 August 2010

This is how the Mets keep fans around and the Wilpons get away with not making organizational changes.  Just think of all the things that happened last night:  the team overcame a so-so starting effort with offense, rallied back, and actually WON a game they had trailed after the 7th inning (on a hit from Luis Castillo, no less).  Games like this are what make ownership believe that they've done the right things in putting this team together AND that they can continue to market it to the fan base.

I'm going to go out on a limb though and say that games like the one against the Marlins last night are exactly what's wrong with this team.  There aren't enough games like this, but by showing up with the effort every so often, the team manages to maintain a spark.  And that's what is being sold to fans after every disappointing season.  I think it's become a foregone conclusion that major changes need to occur this off season, but that's what a lot of people thought last year too, regardless of the injuries.  And through it all, I'd like to know where the Wilpons are.  I have this mental image of Fred and Jeff locking themselves in a room and refusing contact with the outside world - not to come up with any sort of cohesive battle plan, but to avoid being held responsible for the decisions they've made and the things they've said over the past few years.

With rumors going around that the Mets are looking to cut payroll once again next season, I'm unsure of where the off season will take us.  When your team isn't producing, you can't label guys as untouchables.  As a fan, I'm somewhat irrationally emotionally attached to certain players - but this is why I'm not a GM.  At the same time, even I realize that the team simply can not look the same next year.  The Mets need to entertain any and all trade talks this year.  I know that the young guys are cheaper and that money is a concern with this team, but something's gotta give.  And most importantly, I want to play with a full 25-man roster again.  It's time to cut Oliver Perez loose, work something out with Luis Castillo and move on.  Find a manager and GM who can fill and manage the roster effectively (honestly - three catchers on a roster already one spot short because of Perez?  Come on).  Jeff Francoeur will most likely be non-tendered.  Maybe the team can get out of Frankie Rodriguez's contract.  There's still plenty of time to show case the younger guys with September call ups around the corner.  Add in a few breaks, and all of a sudden things look just a bit brighter.  Unfortunately, that's all easier said than done.  Especially since it's not my money.