Mets Lifer Expectations for 2008

Opening day is only a week away and somewhere in Japan right now people are getting ready for the first MLB game in the far east. It's an exciting time of year where every team still has a chance at winning the pennant.

The Mets are full of high hopes, and I for one expect to see a lot of those hopes and dreams come true. Here are my expectations for 2008.

1. Jose Reyes will increase his OBP by at least 50 points
Jose Reyes is no longer a young player. He's a veteran and he needs to start proving he's a leader on this team, not by his dugout behavior but with his on field play. He needs to show patience at the plate. Get a few more walks under his belt, and for crying out loud quit trying to swing for the fences. I expect we'll see Reyes take more pitches and stop uppercutting as much as he did last year. If Reyes increases his OBP by 50 points this year, I expect that to translate into at least 10 more wins in 2008.

2. The Mets will have three 15 game winners.
Santana, Perez, & Maine should all win 15 games this year. Surprised I didn't say Pedro? I expect Pedro to miss some starts but these three guys should get at least 35 starts this season. I'm expecting closer to 18-20 wins for Santana, but I think Oliver Perez & John Maine will be able to build on their success last year. I just keep thinking about Maine's performance against the Marlins the second to last game of last season and I see a ton of potential for him this season.

3. David Wright will compete for the NL MVP.
I'm expecting this to happen every year for the next 8 years. Call me an optimist.

4. The Mets will play for a World Series.
Ok, if this does not come true, two things will happen. First, Willie Randolph will be fired. Second, Omar Minaya will be on monster.com too. Sure injuries will happen, and players will have slumps but this team should win 100 games. Period. No excuses. The starting rotation is the best it's been in almost 20 years. The bullpen has some question marks but in Wagner, Heilman and a healthy Sanchez you've got a great 7th, 8th & 9th inning pitcher. Our first four in the lineup are arguably the best in the majors. And our bench has some good depth to it (although I'd like another right handed bat before August rolls around).

The Mets don't need to just redeem themselves from 2007, they need to take back the World Series trophy. It's been too long and we're too good to let it elude us yet again.

Those are my expectations for the 2008 Mets. Let's play ball.

Leave Jose Reyes Alone, Sort Of

It's spring training. Not a whole lot going on so reporters need something to talk about now that the Johan Santana story line is getting stale. So what's the logical next controversial topic? How about criticizing Jose Reyes.

Reyes slump in the last two months of the season last year caused many a critic to scrutinize his "born to hand jive" attitude in the dugout and the occasional dancing he seen doing in the midst of close games. People talk about how it's juvenile, or that it ticks off the opposing team.

I say, leave my Jose Reyes alone. The Reyes smile should not (and better not) go away. It's that childish smile and attitude is part of what makes him a likable and exciting player to watch. There's no doubt when you watch Jose Reyes that the guy enjoys the game of baseball. You don't need to have the demeanor of John Olerud to be a great baseball player.

However, Reyes is not excused from all criticism. If you want to criticize him about his lackluster effort running out base hits or his impatience at the plate, I'm right there with you. I think last season was a reality check for Reyes. The game was seemingly easy for him and he was taking it for granted. He wasn't making the right adjustments and didn't have the mental toughness to withstand a late season slump.

That's what the coaching staff should be examining, and I believe that Reyes knows this needs to be an area of improvement for him. But the top step handshakes and dugout giddiness that I see from Reyes is ok with me as long as he's producing.

If opposing teams don't like it, so what?

I expect big things from Reyes this year and a whole lot more walks. Reyes needs to bat around .310 for the Mets to have a successful season. I'm confident that when he gets on base Beltran, Wright and Alou (when healthy) will drive him in.

I'm psyched for opening day and there's no one else I want at the top of my lineup more than Jose Reyes. Hand jives and all.

Jose Reyes is MLB 2K8 Cover Boy

As an avid gamer, I know that the MLB game series from 2K8 is by far the best baseball series I've ever played. While last year's cover boy for MLB 2K7 was Derek Jeter, the 2008 version sports our very own Jose Reyes.

Check it out:

Roy Oswalt for Jose Reyes

Rumors, rumors, rumors. That's what the hot stove season is for, and we as fans love it. This latest rumor though has me a little disappointed.

Late yesterday afternoon, a rumor was start that the Mets might look to trade Jose Reyes to the Astros for Roy Oswalt. Now any of you that have read this blog previously know of my blogging partner's and my infatuation with Roy Oswalt in a Mets uniform. He struggled early this past season, but Oswalt is possibly the most consistent pitcher in the major leagues over the past 5 years.

Even so, I don't want to give up Jose Reyes. For Johann Santana? Maybe. I just think Reyes is too special of a player to give up at this point. He's that marquee lead off batter that is too hard to find and that the Mets have lacked for so long.

Still the chance to get Oswalt is huge and shows that Omar and the Mets brass know they need to make some big moves this offseason. I like that thinking, but let's not give up on Reyes yet.

Rickey Henderson is Reyes' Problem

Last night I spoke with a friend who has connections within the Mets organization, and he shared with me some of the rumors within Shea Stadium of why Jose Reyes was slumping down the stretch. I have mentioned before on this blog that I didn't think the Reyes' slump had anything to do with baseball, but that there was something going on in his personal life that was affecting his performance.

Turns out, it was Rickey Henderson.

Now let me start by saying these claims are purely speculation from someone who has a link to the rumor mill within the Mets organization. But the word is that Rickey Henderson got Jose Reyes and some other young players involved in some gambling. Turns out that Reyes may have lost a huge amount of money to Rickey Henderson as well as others. Much like alcohol or drugs can take over a person's life, gambling can have that effect as well and may have an element in Reyes' late season decline.

Now if this is true the blame cannot solely rest on Henderson because Reyes made the decision to get involved in it, but I've always thought that Henderson was more of a detriment to this club than an asset. People think A-Rod is a cancer, look no further than King Me-First, Rickey Henderson.

If this is truly what happened, I hope Omar has the guts to send Rickey on his way and let Willie put a guy that he wants at 1st base. I hope this is just a rumor, but something tells me it's not.

Time will tell.

Get A-Rod, But Don't Move Wright

I love this hot stove talk. Mets fans across the blogosphere are talking about whether or not the Mets should pursue Alex Rodriguez, and if they do where do you move David Wright.

But I ask why move David Wright?

Sure Wright is a nice guy and even said last year that he'd play the outfield if it meant the Mets could sign A-Rod. Wright is not the greatest defensive 3rd baseman on the planet, and some think he'll eventually be playing first base, but I say leave David Wright where he is.

Move Jose Reyes.

What? Why move a potential gold glove shortstop? Why? Because A-Rod is a natural shortstop. He was a gold glove shortstop until he move to 3rd base to accommodate the Yankees. Put A-Rod at third and move Reyes over to 2nd.

I know the Reyes at 2nd base experiment didn't go over well when Kaz Matsui was here, but that's more Matsui's fault than Reyes'. Reyes will be a great defensive second baseman, and in another year when Delgado is a free agent and if the Mets want to test Wright at 1st, then Reyes can move to SS if A-Rod is willing to play 3B.

This move also frees up money because we won't have to sign a new second baseman (although I do love the thought of Luis Castillo returning to the Mets), which means more money for A-Rod.

Now this is all hypothetical and is contingent on the Mets wanting A-Rod and A-Rod wanting the Mets, but just think of this top 4 of the batting order: Reyes, Beltran, Wright, A-Rod.

Ooh, I just got chills.

Don't Sell Out Jose Reyes Quite Yet

Man, we're tough in New York. A guy wins a couple World Series, makes the playoffs every year, now he's going to be fired. That's the place we live, and now Mets fans are ready to turn on Jose Reyes.

We've even talked about here in this blog, but we've come to realize the error of our ways and I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't sell out Jose Reyes quite yet.

Let's flashback to April of 2007. Jose Reyes was the talk of baseball. An MVP year was expected. Derek Jeter called him the most exciting player in baseball. Joe Morgan christened him as possibly one of the best players we'll ever see play the game. And you know what? He looked like it the first 3 months of the season.

In May any team in baseball would have given their first-born child to get Jose Reyes. But now Mets fans are looking like they are done with him.

Did Jose Reyes utterly collapse the second half of the season? Yes. Did he look lost at the plate? Absolutely. Did he appear to be complacent at times by not running out ground balls and making some foolish decision in the field? Unquestionably true. Is he 24 years old? Yes, he is.

Reyes is still very much a young kid when it comes to baseball years. Sure he's been playing a few seasons already, but he has not yet matured into the baseball leader I'm confident he will be. He's come so far these past two seasons from that leadoff batter who struck out every other time up and was a sucker for any pitch down and in. He led the majors in stolen bases this year, and that's without getting on base for much of September.

I am confident Reyes will bounce back, but I do think Rickey Henderson needs to go. I don't want him molding Reyes in his image. We need a guy with a good head on his shoulders who can tutor Reyes. I'm sorry Omar, but Henderson is not that guy.

I've heard people talk about trading Reyes for anyone from Johann Santana to A-Rod to Vladimir Guerrero. I'd take Reyes over those guys even though their numbers are superior to Reyes' stats. Why? Because I believe this kid is still the MVP caliber talent that everyone hoped he'd be. We've seen how good this team can be when he is running on all cylinders. When Jose Reyes gets on base, the Mets score runs and win ball games. That's a hard commodity to find and when you do find it, you hold onto it.

Plus he's 24. 24 years old. And we have the potential to have the best shortstop and third baseman in the game for the next 10 years in Reyes and Wright. They're our Bat Man and Robbin' (get it? it's a play on words. Wright is the "bat" man and Reyes is "robbin'" bases! Nevermind.)

So let's all take a breath, my fellow Mets fans, before we sell Reyes down the river for the latest and greatest trade rumor. Jose Reyes will return to form. And that's something we won't want to miss.

Magic Eight Ball Look Into 2008

Let's give the Magic 8 Ball a shake and see what's ahead for the Mets in 2008.

Q: Will Paul Lo Duca return to the Mets?
A: Outcome not favorable.
As much as I love Paulie Walnuts and his flare, I don't see the Mets resigning a catcher who's entering the last years of his career. Look for the Mets to run at Posada, but have him stay with the Yankees. I salivate at the thought of Saltilimacchia, but probably won't happen.

Q: Will Tom Glavine finally retire?
A: Ask again later
Tom, Tom, Tom. I don't care if you retire you just have to get out of New York. You, Terry Pendleton, Mike Soscia, and Yadier Molina have ruined my recent Mets hopes and aspirations.

Q: Will Willie Randolph be fired?
A: Not likely
As much as I second guess Willie Randolph and absolutely abhor some of the moves he made this year, he wasn't the reason the Mets lost. Sure he needed to show some more urgency and perhaps a little more fire in his belly, but this team collapsed in spite of Randolph. Expect him to finish out his contract.

Q: Will Jose Reyes return to his normal self?
A: Outcome looks good
I'm betting we'll hear something in the coming weeks about Jose Reyes that will shed some light on what his problem was these last two months. I wonder if he's going through some trouble at home that's effecting his mindset and ability to focus. That's what his problem was. He lost focus. I expect him to rebound next year.

Q: Will the Mets make some major offseason moves?
A: Absolutely
Expect Omar Minaya to be a man on a mission this offseason. You'll hear rumors about Johann Santana, Jorge Posada, maybe even Mark Texiera. But expect Omar to go hard after pitching. He always says that's what's most important. Hmmm, than why didn't we get bullpen help at the trading deadline? Regardless, Minaya won't let this season become a ritual. Should be a very, very hot Hot Stove this winter.

Q: Will this feeling of disappointment in the Mets go away?
A: Ask again
It seems like this will go on forever, but we got over 1987, 1988, 1998, last year. Didn't we? Ok, maybe not. But that's why we're Mets Lifers. As much as it is a badge of honor, it can also be a life sentence.

Just What the Doctor Ordered

I really thought John Maine was going to do it. A 13 strikeout, one hit effort through 7 2/3 was just what the Mets needed. Possibly the weakest hit in baseball broke up Maine's no hit bid and the Shea faithful showed their appreciation calling Maine back out of the dugout for a curtain call.

But outside of Maine's magical performance was the fact that the Mets erupted for 13 runs AND showed some fire. I'm glad Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo got a little feisty causing the benches to empty twice. And that's the most energy I've ever seen Mike DiFelice show as he went after some of the Marlins players. Even Rick Peterson wanted to mix things up.

It's too bad this happened in game #161. We could have used this at any time this past week.

Now it's up to Glavine tomorrow and a little divine intervention to help the Nationals. Hope lives on for one more day.

And Then There Were 3

3 days to decide destiny. 3 games to determine the fate of this season. 3 pitchers who need to bring their best stuff. 3 wins is what we need.

The Mets are a game back in the Wild Card so we need to win this division. We need to win it tonight. A win tonight rights this ship, if only temporarily, and gets the fans and players back in the right mindset.

It's a Friday night game at Shea so the stadium should be packed. All eyes will be on this team waiting for it to crumble. While the Phillies have been out there creating their destiny, the Mets have been stumbling toward oblivion.

But all that doesn't matter right now. What matter is 3 games. 3 wins in 3 nights. That's all we can control. The cards will fall as they may. But 3 wins is what we need.

I also think there are 3 players that need to perform in these next 3 days or else we might be watching playoff baseball without our beloved Mets. First one is Jose Reyes. Reyes has become the David Copperfield of this team in September with his ability to disappear in this lineup. He needs to put his slump (and his home run swing) behind him and focus on getting on base. We all know that as Reyes goes so do the Mets. He needs to go full tilt the next 3 days.

The second player is Carlos Delgado. Sure you could say Beltran. You could say Alou. But I think Delgado is the man the Mets will need these next 3 days. Alou is en fuego so you know he'll get his hits. Beltran has been pretty steady, but if Delgado shows up to play he's the linchpin that could set a winning streak in motion. We've seen little production from him lately so a boost in his performance should spur this team to victory.

And finally the 3rd and most important player is David Wright. David Wright is our MVP. He may not win the NL MVP, but he needs to perform like he is. We rely on his performance as our foundation for this ball club. He cannot waiver now. We need him to be clutch. No more double plays, but plenty more of those opposite field hits. Once again the Mets need David Wright to carry this team.

3 is the magic number at this point. Forget the past and focus on 3. 3 wins. That's all I want. Then we'll see where that gets us on Monday morning.

No Panic Pelfrey

Mike Pelfrey looked like a seasoned veteran on the mound last night. Sure he got tagged for 3 runs over 5 innings, but that's a better performance than John Maine gave us. Pelfrey also struck out 4 while walking 3 and became the third Mets pitcher to win 3 games in September since Pete Schourek (I remember really liking this guy) and Jason Isringhausen.

Pelfrey got into some tough situations with runners in scoring position, but was able to get out of a number of them. I got a sense of his potential in this outing just as I did when he pitched against the Braves. Both games were high pressure situations and he handled himself well in both.

Of course the Mets offense showed up again this time with Reyes even joining in. He would have had an inside the park home run if the ball didn't get stuck in the wall. David Wright returned to MVP form with 3 RBIs and Moises Alou continued to just crush the ball.

And miracle of miracles the Phillies lost in extra innings! 2.5 game lead folks. Let's keep it rollin'.

Keys to Tonight's Game

Don't you just love it when before a baseball game the announcers discuss the "keys to the game." Usually they're based on some facts or statistics that show how one team can beat another one.

My keys to tonight's game aren't that scientific, but that doesn't make them any less valid. Here are the keys to winning tonight's game against the Nationals:

1. Commit less than 5 errors: I can almost guarantee that if the Mets commit another 5 errors tonight, they will lose.

2. John Maine pitches a no-hitter: This might be going out on a limb, but I'm pretty sure if John Maine pitches a no-hitter, the Mets will win. It'll still be a close game though.

3. Tell Guillermo Mota to stay home: If at game time the Mets announced that Guillermo Mota was sent home, the bookies in Vegas would be scrambling to adjust the betting line because the chances of the Mets winning just went up 100%.

4. Tell Willie Randolph to stay home: I'd like to see what would happen if Randolph just stopped managing. Would we notice a difference in the team's play? No more bringing in Mota. No more double switching only to pinch hit for the very person you double switched in. No more lack luster arguing with umpires. No more refusal to squeeze. It might be interesting.

5. Let Keith Hernandez straighten out Jose Reyes' swing: Why is it that Hernandez can see what Reyes is doing wrong at the plate and yet it doesn't seem that Reyes is trying to fix it? Is it that HoJo doesn't see it or is that Reyes refuses to fix it? I'm not sure so I can't blame HoJo but something has got to be done about Reyes' uppercut swing. We all know he's the key to this Mets offense.

A Disgusting Sight at Shead Stadium Last Night

At last night's game I saw the most repulsive thing I have ever seen at a Mets game in my entire life.

Two rows in front of me there was a guy in a Jose Reyes jersey sitting next to his girlfriend who was wearing a Jeff Francouer jersey! I almost vomited.

How can a Mets fan date a Braves fan? I can live with someone dating a Yankees fan, but a Braves fan? That's unacceptable. And she wasn't a laid back Braves fan either. She was actively cheering for the Braves and rooting against the Mets. This is against all that is right in the world. Next thing you know you'll see an Ohio State fan dating a Michigan fan. Or a Giants fan married to a Cowboy fan. Or a Duke grad and a UNC grad raising children together. It's a prelude to the apocalypse people.

So far all you young Mets Lifers out there, when you find a girl or guy that you think is the one make sure you know where their baseball allegiances lie.

I guarantee the couple I saw won't make it through October.

Stats of the Day

With the Mets welcoming the Braves to Shea tonight and Perez & Hudson facing off, I found two interesting stats that should come into play into tonight's ball game.

Stat #1
Larry (Chipper) Jones is 7-for-18 (.389) with a home run in his career versus Perez.

The only answer to this is to hit Chipper in the head every time he comes to the plate. Problem solved.

Stat #2
Carlos Beltran is batting .354 (17-for-48) with three home runs in his career against Hudson.

If Reyes, Castillo and Wright can get on base early, I fully expect Beltran to have a big game. I'd really like to see Reyes break out of his slump against the Braves. We need him on base to succeed in the long run. Even though we've been winning during this slump, we all know it can't continue if Reyes is not the catalyst the Mets need him to be.

I Love Wins Like This

With the Mets down 2-0 last night, they showed to me that these are no longer the Mets of June & July. The Mets rallied to tie the game and then open up the flood gates to beat the Astros 11-3.

It was the type of game I love to see. It was close at first, the Mets come back, and then they crush their opponent like a grape. That's the killer instinct the Mets need to continue to have as the season comes to a close in 3 weeks.

Lastings Milledge showed he wants his starting job back making a stellar diving play in right field and then crushing a 3 run home run a little bit later. Milledge's catch was remarkable and I loved the fact that he popped right up after he made the dive to show everybody that he actually caught the ball. He looked like an excited little leaguer who was just as surprised as everyone else that he caught the ball.

The only concern I have from last night's game is Jose Reyes. Keith Hernandez pointed out an error in his swing in that he leans too far over the plate and tops curveballs while getting under fastballs. Reyes looks like he's trying too hard to crush the ball instead of slapping the ball the opposite way. I wish Reyes would take some tips from Luis Castillo who just continues to impress me as a hitter. I know Reyes will get out of the slump, but I'd like it to be before we play the Phillies again.

A day game today so be prepared for team B to make an appearance. I'm hoping Carlos Gomez gets the start in left. I've missed his energy and excitement.

Winning At Home

The Mets have not been winning at home. For some reason they like going out on the road. They love Arizona. Recently they seemed to like Atlanta. However, they're not too fond of Philadelphia.

But why is this team having some trouble winning at home? They got swept by the Phillies at home. They have trouble sweeping a series at home when they win the first two (a la Dodgers two weeks ago). I'm not going to even talk about last year's NLCS performance at home.

If you look at the batting averages of Beltran and Delgado, their averages are tremendously better away than at home. I don't have an answer as to why this is the case. You can blame it on Shea Stadium being a pitcher's park, but that's just a lame excuse.

I think it comes down to lacking a killer instinct. The Mets haven't found that instinct that allows them to put a team away, and once their put away kick 'em so they don't get up. Sure it sounds harsh, but you need that to win championships. Look at Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods and you can tell that they have that instinct.

Baseball is the ultimate team sport so it requires every player to embrace this type of attitude. I can see it in Jose Reyes. I see it in David Wright. I can also see it in Luis Castillo.

I really want to see it in our bullpen though. If they get the type of confidence that breeds a killer instinct, we'll see a vast improvement in their performance.

This is the last big home stand of the year against two big opponents (Braves/Phillies) and one who would like to be a spoiler (Astros).

Let's welcome them to the Big Apple.

This One Was Mailed In

John Maine was the last guy to know that this Wednesday afternoon game against the Reds was mailed in by Willie Randolph. Of course Maine didn't do much to help his cause, but I think Willie was pleased to have finally won 5 games in a row that he decided it was time to play team B. Scratch that, he played team C.

Jose Reyes finally got the much-hyped "day off" that everyone on talk radio was pleading for (hello, didn't Cal Ripken play shortstop?). Conine got the start. Lo Duca got a day off after tearing up the Reds for 7 RBIs the night before.

Even the bullpen got a day off as Willie marched out call up after call up to finish up this laughing stock of a game. I was pleased to see Humber pitch, but you could tell he was less than happy to be out ther in this situation. By the way what the heck was DiFelice thinking calling for a fastball from Humber facing Adam Dunn? Welcome to the big leagues kid.

You can't win 'em all, but you'd like to see a competitive game every day. Hopefully there's one on Friday. I'd settle for another Mets win at the least.

Where is the Mets' Actober Commercial?

I posted a while ago about how much I like what MLB has done with their new Actober.com commercials starring Dane Cook.

But I now I have a beef with them. I've yet to see a Mets version of the Actober TV spots.

The Yankees have their own spot. The Indians and Brewers have one (although I'm not sure anybody cares). I vaguely remember one centered on the Red Sox. But where is the Mets' commercial?

The Mets would make a perfect commercial. We have more drama than any team I know. A bullpen that tries to lose games for us. A 5th starter that we select by picking names out of a hat. A first baseman who can't hit an inside fastball. A curse in left field that injures anyone who plays there. The ultimate villain in Scott Schoeneweiss. And of course the ultimate dynamic duo in David Wright & Jose Reyes.

Major League Baseball is free to take any of these talking points and use them in a new commercial starring the Mets. I only ask for a few tickets to be thrown my way and perhaps a David Wright autographed jersey.

If you haven't checked it out yet, go visit Actober.com and you'll find some classic baseball playoff moments as well as some pretty creative user generated content.

Should Reyes & Wright Get a Day Off?

I keep hearing Gary Cohen and the guys on SNY talk about how Reyes & Wright will need a day off going into the home stretch of the season. Reyes & Wright have played virtually every game this season and are rarely subbed for so they have logged some serious innings.

But does that really matter? These are two young guys under the age of 25. And has everybody forgotten about guys like Cal Ripken, Miguel Tejada or Tony Gwyn who never had off days and were still able to produce.

I understand that a long season can wear you down, but has anybody asked them if the need an off day? I'm not sure they want to be out of the lineup, especially with the Mets harldy having the NL East in the bag. And with the bullpen and starting pitching being the way it is we definitely need those two consistent bats in the lineup.

Reyes and Wright can have all of November and December off, except for that ticker tape parade we'll have in early November.

Quote of the Day

“I don’t feel frustrated, because I am doing my best.” By Carlos Beltran.

Really? You’re not frustrated? Interesting, because this mini, potentially season-changing collapse is pissing me off. My frustration was boiling over yesterday after watching you foul out feebly on the first pitch to end the game. Especially after seeing a 21 year old kid battle his way to a hit off the greatest closer of all-time. Especially watching the ultra-passionate, super-charged and team MVP Jose Reyes work a tough AB into a RBI hit. Then you step in the box; one pitch, game over. I’m really glad you don’t feel frustrated.

I’m not sure what aggravates me more: That he’s looking like the 2005 version of Carlo Beltran or that he openly admits to not being frustrated.

Look, I wanted Beltran here in the worst way when he was a free agent. I thought he was exactly what this team needed, a superstar centerfielder just entering his prime. I even wrote in to Metsblog when Matt Cerrone was putting a petition together to recruit him here. And so I can deal with the slumping, the thoughtless ABs, but it really steams me as a fan, a MetsLifer, when someone isn’t emotionally connected to the game. I really don’t want to hear ‘I don’t feel frustrated’ during these down times.

It makes me question why then, should I be so passionate about it? If he doesn’t care, why should I? Why go to the games, contribute to his salary if he’s indifferent about whether they win or lose. Maybe that’s why he was telling everybody he wasn’t affected by his infamous, season-ending strikeout last year against St. Louis. Maybe that’s why he’s loafing after balls in the outfield. Maybe that’s why he’s not on second base after a dropped pop up in the outfield – down by one run in the last inning. He just doesn’t care. Try asking Jose Reyes is he feels frustrated. You think he would respond the same? ‘Course not, and he’s playing well. Take a look at Willie Randolph’s face, think he’s not frustrated? Listen to talk radio, read the blogs. Think Mets fans aren’t frustrated?

Some might say I’m being too harsh but when a player makes a statement like that, he opens himself up to all kinds of criticism. How can we not question his desire? All we can expect as fans is that you play hard and that you want to win. If that expectation is compromised or in doubt, then so too should our financial contributions.