Amazin Mess

Can I fix the amazin mess? Probably not. I can, however, as a die hard and extremely disappointed Mets fan, offer my perspective on the teams' new direction for 2008 and beyond. So we are going to play a little Here today, Gone tomorrow.

Here Today:

David Wright-became the team's leader and best player since the start of the season. Had a 30/30 season, hit well over .300, and had a great on base percentage. He's not even 25 years old yet. Says all the (W)right things and plays hard. Will be the face of the franchise and possibly the sport for years to come.

Jose Reyes-when going well, he is the game's most exciting player and arguably the NL's most valuable player. When he goes, the Mets go, when he struggles, the Mets struggle, bottom line. Also at 24 years old, set the club record for stolen bases this season with 78 and scored 119 runs. He is a very good defensive player as well. After the dreadful end of the season fans wanted Reyes traded for the likes of Johan Santana. Hold your horses people, we need Reyes on this team. 2008 will be a bounce back year for Reyes and him and Wright will anchor the left side of the Mets infield into the glory years of the new Citi Field.

Carlos Beltran-great all around player. Led the Mets in homers and RBIs for the second straight season. Stole 23 bases as well. Gold glove center fielder. Not to mention he is being paid $119 million. At age 30 is in the prime of his career and is the anchor to the outfield. Trading him is not the answer. Provides a very capable bat and good protection for Wright. We will see Beltran finish out his contract with the Mets.

Pedro Martinez-He's the reason for the revival of the Mets franchise. Stole the show when he came here in 2005 and part of 2006 until he got inured. Came back in September of this year after major surgery and went 3-0 and still knows how to pitch. Even if he can only pitch 6 innings, he will still be the anchor that this rotation needs.

John Maine-showed flashes of brilliance all season. Won a career high 15 games, had an era under 4 and 180 strikeouts. He struggled in the second half but showed the Mets they have a solid number 2 starter.

Oliver Perez-thrived in his first full year as a Met, winning 15 games like his teammate John Maine. He struck out 174 batters. He's the perfect lefty compliment to this rotation and will be our third starter next year. Has the stuff to be a number 1.

Billy Wagner-in an area of tremendous weakness, the bullpen, Wagner was a lone bright spot. Wagner dominated almost the entire season, but had some struggles toward the end. Doesn't always say the right things and is owed a lot of money. But he has to be back next year, as a dominating closer is not easy to come by these days.

Gone Tomorrow:

Tom Glavine: It's unfortunate that he will always be remembered by Met fans for his lousy last start, and not for winning his 300th game here or being a first class professional. His post game reaction from his last start was very surprising for Glavine's standards and it's time to move on. Thank you Tom for the 4 years of work you put in here.

Carlos Delgado: As much as I hate to say this, Carlo Delgado may have played his last game as a Met. He left the season's final game with a fractured wrist which is a pretty serious injury and that may reduce his value in management's eyes. Said some pretty staggering remarks given the situation at the end of the year and overall had a down year statistically. He could definitely be back, but don't be surprised if Omar tries very hard to move him to an American League team.

Paul Lo Duca-the Met with the most fire and passion is most likely not going to be a part of the team in 2008. He is a free agent who wants to come back, but I don't know if the Mets will pay him what he wants. He's getting up in age and offensively, even though had more homers and RBI's as compared to last year, he is not what he once was and same defensively. It will be interesting to see where the Mets go at the Catching position next year, as backup Ramon Castro is not under contract next year either. Jorge Posada? Pudge?

Aaron Heilman-wants to start. Free agent. Will probably take less money from a team to start. Adios.

Shawn Green-Much like Glavine, a consummate professional, who unfortunately has been relegated to a part time role. Will be passed up in favor of younger talent in the corner outfield spots.

Aaron Sele, Guillermo Mota, Jorge Sosa-all maddeningly inconsistent and none made any case to be brought back next year. Anything this team can get for Mota will be a welcome addition.

JURY IS STILL OUT:

Lastings Milledge-his antics and attitude frustrate many, but he clearly has the tools to be a good major league player. I want him to stay and play everyday next year, but if he can be packaged in a deal for pitching then by all means pull the trigger.

Moises Alou-team's best hitter down the stretch. Incredibly fragile at age 41. Has an option for next year and wants to comeback. A possible platoon with Endy Chavez or Carlos Gomez could happen next year.

El Duque-has showed signs of brilliance, but like Alou is very fragile. My gut says he will be back either in a long relief role or a short relief role.

Luis Castillo-wants to return, is a free agent and there were rumors of him being a bad influence on Reyes. Has a bum knee and is getting up in age. Reason to bring him back is because of the lack of a better all around alternative at second base.

Jose Valentin-very interesting case. Will not under any circumstance come back as a player, but I can see the Mets offering him a coaching position to help work with younger players. Was said to be a great influence for Reyes.

Mike Pelfrey-is way closer to Here Today rather than to Gone Tomorrow. Showed signs of dominance and could win a job as the 4th or fifth starter. But also could as easily be packaged in a trade for a Roy Oswalt or Johan Santana. If he's not dealt, will be on the opening day roster next year.

Pedro Feliciano, Scott Schoeneweis, Marlon Anderson, Damion Easley, Ramon Castro, Endy Chavez, Carlos Gomez, Joe Smith, Philip Humber are all up in the air for returning next year. Although I believe Feliciano has the best chance of being back.

Only time will tell how the 2008 Mets turn out. You can expect big changes to be made and a revamped bullpen. The team's expectations are still very high and in Shea Stadiums' last year of existence, expect the magic of 2006 to return to the friendly confines. Let's go Mets in 2008.