The New York Mets are one of the most dysfunctional franchises in American sports today. It seems that year after year the team leaves its fans with heartbreak and anger. What makes it worse are the expectations the team faces every season because of its venue and cross town rival, the powerhouse Yankees. The significant difference between the two teams is the way they deal with failure. One team makes the necessary changes while the other prefers the status quo. For example, both teams missed out on the playoffs in 2008. The Yankees made changes that were needed and ended up winning a title the next year. The Mets made practically no changes and were even worse in 2009. And yes, most of it was due to injuries, but changes still need to be made. Some of them are probably obvious, others perhaps controversial.
The first and most obvious change that needs to happen is general manager Omar Minaya's firing. The team has been on a steady decline the past few years and something needs to be done. Minaya has no feel of how his club can perform. Jason Bay was a nice move, but he can't carry the team to October. Minaya refused to upgrade what will certainly be a dismal pitching rotation. The farm system is completely depleated, and the future for the team is very dim. New York needs a moneyball guy who can attain prospects and rebuild the minor league system. All the blame can't fall on Minaya, but enough of it does to make him leave.
Another firing that needs to happen is manager's Jerry Manuel. The Mets fired Willie Randolph and replaced him with Willie Randolph with glasses. Manuel is just as passive as Randolph, which is exactly the opposite of what the Mets need. New York needs a Lou Pinella-esque leader who isn't afraid to get in someone's face and tell them what he is thinking. The Mets on paper do not look like a team that will be atop the National League East, but they need a manager who can make the players believe they will. Manuel is too much of a players guy to lead this team efficiently. The tough New York media has always questioned the leadership capability of the members of this team, so why not go out and get a guy who can do it?
The next proposal may seem a little radical, but I believe it is one for the future. The Mets should trade Jose Reyes. There have been some grumblings about the possibility in the past, but I think it should happen after the season, barring a post-season run by the team, which most likely won't happen. The Mets should allow Reyes to play out the season in New York and then use whatever performance he turns out this year into prospects. The team's farm system is barren. Everyone knows about Fernando Martinez, but there is nothing past him. Jose Reyes is a great asset to have, but not if the team is rebuilding.
My last suggestion is to bring back Carlos Delgado. He played well in Winter Ball and wouldn't cost any compensatory picks to sign him. Bring him in on a one year deal, and either reap the benefits, or cut him mid-season. If Delgado plays well, then let him leave in the off-season and take some draft picks in return. Money is not an option for the Mets, so they can afford to take a risk on Delgado.
These four moves my not propel the Mets to a World Series championship, but they are a start to rebuilding the team through the minor league system. Just look in the Bronx. The Yankees have won 5 titles with Jeter, Pettitte, Rivera, and Posada. A good, young, homegrown core can go a long way.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment