Random Thoughts, So Far

Greetings, fellow Mets fans! I actually have a few spare minutes for a change and I wanted to put together an article, detailing my early impressions on the 2012 season.

For starters, we are only seven games into a very long schedule, which equates to roughly four percent of the total. Not that many games and certainly nothing to form permanent opinions about (unlike the NFL where a 5-2 start would be very nice). To show you how early in the season we are, at their current pace, the Mets would win 115 games and finish in second place in the NL East, seven games behind the Washington Nationals, who would set a regular season record for wins with 121!

Obviously the Mets will not win anything close to 115 regular season games in 2012. Heck, even in 1986, the best edition of the Mets to date, they only won 108 regular season games. So, at this stage, it is pretty apparent that we need to take a patient and relaxed view of our favorite team in 2012 and enjoy their progress (but that does not mean we can’t enjoy a sweep of the stinking Braves).

With that said, I do like how the team has played so far. It has been said that a team will take on the characteristics of their manager, especially if all of the players “buy in” to the philosophy. After watching them “overachieve” (compared to expectations) in 2011, I wasn’t sure what to expect this year. Again, taking early returns into account, it appears that our current crop of players are playing much like last year’s roster. Despite being “counted out” before the season even started, they are playing with a chip on their collective shoulders and it is translating to success on the field. Kudos to Terry Collins!

Going forward, I know that it will probably not last. Even last year’s team seemed to run out of gas in late Summer, due to a myriad of issues to include a nasty streak of injuries (which seems to be rearing it’s ugly head again, already). However, I do think we are witnessing the future foundation (or “core” as Mack likes to call it) being formed as we speak. Wins aside, 2012 will be most successful if that core can be identified and developed as the season progresses.

Another interesting story line for 2012 is what to do with David Wright. The “eight hundred pound gorilla in the room” last year was Jose Reyes’ contract situation, which ended with his departure to Miami in the offseason, as a free agent. This year, David’s contract situation is similar, in that the Mets hold an option for 2013 that if not exercised, would make David a free agent at the end of the season.

There are arguments to make on both sides of the situation. Some say third base is a hard position to fill and that we don’t have anyone waiting in the minor leagues to take his place, so sign him to an extension. Others say he is injury prone and he will not be worth the money that it will require to extend his contract, so trade him while you can, or even let him leave as a free agent.

David’s most recent injury presents the Mets’ front office with a difficult dilemma. With David out, it is pretty clear that the Mets’ offense is not nearly as effective. It provides a glimpse of what life will be like, if he is allowed to leave or if he is traded. At the same time, his absence from the lineup (another injury) highlights the very risk that investing in his future presents.

Again, much like last year during the Reyes situation, I don’t envy Sandy’s role as the ultimate decision maker in this case. Let him go (or trade him) and there will be criticism about not keeping our home grown talent. Sign him and there will be criticism if David gets hurt in the future or if he simply fails to perform up to everyone’s expectations.

I have always been a fan of David’s, so it is hard for me to be impartial. I feel like being fiscally sound is important, as do the Mets. However, at some point, you need to invest in your roster (see Jon Niese) and you need secure the best talent you can find while doing so. I still think that David is our best option at third base now and in the future. It will cost as much, if not more to upgrade at the position and our cupboard is bare at the position in the minor leagues. Plus, if you extend David now, I am sure it will be cheaper due to his unfortunate “run” of injuries (which can be partially attributed to “freak” accidents, that are not likely to continue).

Knock on wood (as often as possible), Johan looks to be back. It is interesting watching his progression from a “flame thrower” to more of a “crafty veteran”. Political correctness aside, that conversion just means that a pitcher has lost his fastball and has made adjustments to compensate. No one can question Johan’s pitching intelligence and his ability to locate his offerings. The 2012 version of Santana looks eerily similar to the vintage Tom Glavine years (if Tom has a really good tan). More then any of us expected and hopefully what we can expect for the rest of his contract (or if he is traded in the future).

Lastly, consider the two statistical lines below;

1. 25 PA .320/.414/.520 .934 OPS 1.000 FP
2. 32 PA .250/.294/.375 .669 OPS .972 FP

You probably guessed that Player A is Rueben Tejada and Player B is Jose Reyes. I am surprised that there have not been more of these “comparison” type articles already, considering the New York media (or maybe since it is "pro" Mets so far, there is nothing negative to say). However, even though it is early in the year, it is interesting to see that Reuben is doing pretty well, so far. Something tells me that in another year or two, no one will miss Jose that much.......sort of like Jose’s recent comments that he doesn’t miss New York that much, either.

Good luck, Mack! I hope everything goes well with your situation and I wish you a quick and painless recovery!