Moving Forward

OK, so this season is pretty much in the books (unless you are a true believer and think we can win the remaining games and steal a wild card berth from the hated Braves). Instead of thinking about how bad things are, or all of the things we could have if only things were different, I choose to take stock of the current situation and move forward.

One of the smartest people I have ever met (an old basketball coach in high school) would always share little bits of insight with us, as a motivator or just a learning experience. Coach felt that you cannot change the past, so why dwell on it? Use it to learn from and don't make the same mistakes in the future. In other words, if what you just did is not successful, then you need to make changes. Otherwise, you will repeat the same mistakes, and produce the same results in the future (sound familiar?)

Applying this thought process to our beloved Mets, you will instantly realize that since the "collapse" of 2007, we have been in a downward cycle that has resulted in several poor seasons, to put it kindly. Obviously, the Mets continued to repeat the same mistakes and produce the same results (all the while the stinking Phillies have been the opposite, which makes this reality hurt even more).

It seemed that Omar Minaya's response to the downward trend was to buy success, via the free agent market (and one big trade for Santana, who in turn cost a bunch of money). For whatever reason, most of the imports did not produce the desired results (ineffectiveness, injuries) and the losing has continued. This constant losing has also manifested itself in some sort of "apathy" amongst the players (and the fans).

This strategy eventually ended with Omar's timely dismissal and new chapter for the Mets.

The Wilpons (mostly hated and misunderstood) saw that the Mets were basically spinning their wheels and decided to change course.

Luckily for us, this change actually started after last season with the brilliant hiring of Sandy Alderson (along with his infamous lieutenants). Sandy, who has had success in many other places and in many different pursuits, recognized that changes were needed. The path to success (and one I agree with) is to build your farm system and find value in players at the major league level.

A strong farm system consistently produces young talent, so you don't have to overpay major league players to stay competitive (there are exceptions, such as Jose Reyes' future, which I would like to discuss another day). But generally speaking, by the time major league players have become established stars, they are overpaid for the remainder of their careers.

The Tampa Bay Rays (who I have to watch in my back yard) general philosophy is to draft and develop young players (with an emphasis on pitching, which is a rare commodity), employ them while they are producing positive value (related to their contracts) and then move them along when they get too expensive (or their play no longer matches their cost). Granted, the Rays have not won a World Series (yet), but they have great young pitching and a deep farm system. In other words, they are poised for a long run of success and they are not breaking the bank to do it. They are reliant on the system, not on any one player.

Getting back to Sandy and the Mets, the point of this entry is to preach patience (something most folks today have little of) and let the overall plan work. You can see the emphasis on the farm system taking shape and you can also see the emphasis on pitching (which is always a more valuable commodity).

As the process continues, you will see a shift to obtaining undervalued players and developing more "home grown talent", as opposed to huge free agent signings (which almost never work out, unless you have unlimited funds like the Yankees and can fix mistakes with more money).

I think this means we will be mediocre for a bit longer, taking "baby steps" in 2012 and maybe 2013, while Sandy cleans out the "garbage" and continues to build a better future organization.

Is it worth waiting another season or two, if the Mets become a consistent winner after that?

Part Two if this entry is a shift in the cultural atmosphere around the team. Losing breeds losing and no one is happy when that occurs. Players and fans alike seem to lose interest over the long haul when the process and the outcome are negative.

The listed changes are already underway and that will start to have a positive impact. Winning also has a positive impact, but the question is what comes first? Winning ballgames and a positive outlook, or developing some passion and fire, which will make the ball club more successful?

Getting back to coach for a second, he also believed in some basic tenants. Be the best conditioned team, master the fundamentals and have a passion for what you do and for the ultimate goal, which is to win!

When push comes to shove, you need to do whatever is necessary to win. Talent helps, but the player/team that wants it more usually gets it. Look at how big of an impact Rex Ryan has had on the Jets, in just a few years. Not only are they talented, but they will punch you in the mouth if they have to. Other teams have taken notice and that has helped build a winning attitude.

I want to see the Mets play with more fire. I think Sandy does, too. He is more laid back in person, but I have to think he has some fire inside. His choice of manager is telling, in my opinion. Terry Collins is known as a good teacher (works well with young players, doesn't take crap from veterans) and he is one fiery dude. It is already starting to rub off a bit on the team, but more is needed.

I miss the 1986 Mets, as most of you do. But, in addition to success, they were fun to watch! They wanted to win every day, BADLY! They would do whatever it took to do so and they, like the Jets, would punch you in the mouth if it was necessary.

A couple of examples of what I mean and think about how our '86 Mets would have dealt with them.

Earlier this season, when Jose Costanza slid into Daniel Murphy and injured his knee (Murph didn't help matters with his positioning), that should have been seen as a slap in the face (the next Braves hitter should have gotten a fastball in the back). How about Jason Bay's futile attempt to score last week (hit the damn catcher). Or, what about last year when Matt Cain drilled David Wright in the head?

I am not advocating being the 1970's Oakland Raiders, but a little fire and enthusiasm would go a long way towards changing the mindset if this team. Other teams should respect the Mets and sadly, that is not the case right now. This needs to change and I think it will (without the "nice" guys like Pagan, Pelfrey and Bay).

In closing, I believe in Sandy's overall plan and you should, too. It will take some time and a lot of patience from the fan base, but good things are coming and it will be worth the wait.