I've heard many claims for trades to go down, to start selling the farm and some major leaguers in return for prospects with talent and futures.
Not me, not yet. And here's why:
It's the first of July. The Mets are 3.5 games back, and only three in the loss column. The Mets have the talent, but most of them are under-performing.
Here are some reasons the Mets won't make the playoffs:
- Pedro Martinez might be done. He just doesn't seem to have it, tipping pitches or not. His power is gone and he seems to be throwing batting practice on the mound.
- Moises Alou is old and injured. 15 games is all Alou has been able to play this season. He's on his way to returning to the Mets, possibly by next weekend, but how long will it last?
- The bench has been awful. Just...awful.
- Another concussion for Ryan Church and he's really in serious trouble. He has to protect that noggin.
Reasons the Mets will make the playoffs:
- Johan Santana is a second-half pitcher.
- Aaron Heilman is a second-half pitcher.
- David Wright is a second-half player.
- Carlos Delgado's days are numbered. He may not be cut, but his playing time will diminish.
- Omar Minaya will pull off another spectacular trade. I'm just waiting for it. I don't know who it will be for, but it will work in the Mets favor.
- Fernando Martinez will be called up in late August and have a Jacoby Ellsbury type of season.
I still think the Mets will make the playoffs. I know my father wanted me to rip into them, but I'm still confident in this baseball team, and probably will be until they're mathematically eliminated from contention.