Read the debate intro and Sport’s Geek’s argument that the Mets are not the most poorly run franchise in baseball.
Ahhh, those New York Mets. Have things really been the same in Queens since the 2006 NLCS? The Cardinals knocked off the Mets in Game seven that year. While it is true that the Mets got off to good starts in 2007 and 2008, the feel good thoughts were quickly vanquished by the epic collapses. Mets fans will never forget the unforgettable collapse of 2007 when they blew a seven game lead with seventeen to go. I will give them credit, though: they did their best to top that in 2008, but they only blew a 3.5 game lead. With that choke, Shea Stadium was torn down. A new year, 2009, brought new feel good thoughts with a spacious new stadium and a rebuilt bullpen. The collapse did not happen in September, this time. It happened before the All-Star break. They have no one to blame but Omar “I’m no longer the chosen one” Minaya. Why he was considered such a golden boy after coming over from Montreal, I’ll never know!
Minaya has built the team to win now and he built it largely with either older stars or with guys who may have their best years behind. Look at the starting lineup on opening day this season. Shortstop Jose Reyes has been battling a calf injury for most of the season. Daniel Murphy, once viewed as a promising young outfielder with the Mets, has played four different positions and you have to wonder where his head is at this point. Third baseman David Wright, a proven All-Star, has had a statistically decent season, but his power has suffered in Citi Field (think he wishes he got to hit in Yankee Stadium 81 times a year?). First baseman Carlos Delgado and center fielder Carlos Beltran have both been down with injuries. Outfielder Ryan Church now plays for Atlanta, but on his way out of town, he decided to miss third base. Catcher Brian Schneider has underachieved since coming over from Washington. Second baseman Luis Castillo used to be an All-Star earlier this decade, but now he is dropping pop ups. On paper, that team is decent when they are all in their prime. But, you can make an argument that only two of those eight guys are in their prime. What you cannot argue is proven fact. Only one of those eight guys mentioned was in the starting lineup yesterday.
That is just what is happened on the field. The instability is also going on in the front office. Earlier this summer, Vice President of Development Tony Bernazard actually challenged several minor league players to a fight. This is after getting into a verbal altercation with closer Francisco Rodriguez on a team bus last month. Bernazard was later dismissed.
But wait, the madness does not end there, folks!!
In announcing the firing of Bernazard, Minaya gets into a dispute with New York Daily News reporter Adam Rubin during the press conference. This was not behind closed doors and was not in the dugout. This was in the middle of a press conference with media members getting a front row seat. Way to drum up that good publicity, Omar! This is how you run an organization! Ha! What a joke! Somewhere, former Mets general manager and current ESPN broadcaster Steve Phillips is laughing at this mess!
The Mets are in complete disarray right now. They have an aging team with many players locked into long term deals. Everyone is looking over their shoulder in the front office, even Minaya, who does not necessarily have the backing of Mets top officials. It is utter chaos in Queens, with no signs of stability approaching!
