tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

The New York Mess

I can remember vividly being in New York City the summer of 2007.  This was the baseball season after the Mets came oh so close to going to the World Series as they lost a heart breaking series to the St. Louis Cardinals 4 games to 3.  The future was bright.  In fact, I remember the big debate at the time: which team had the better left side of the infield: David Wright & Jose Reyes or Alex Rodrieguez & Derek Jeter.

Being in New York for a few days that summer, Mets fans and some neutral observers were giving the edge to the Mets.  The Met duo was younger and they gained valuable experience looking to kick the door down to the World Series after coming so close the previous year.  The Yankees were older and ARod couldn't come up big when it counted and Jeter was losing it in the field.

4 years later the debate seems almost laughable.  Wright and Reyes will never be ARod and Jeter.  Never.  Even at their advanced age, in the clutch give me Jeter & ARod.  It's time for the Mets to start over and that means moving one if not both of the supposed building blocks of a Met renaissance which has never happened.

I really like David Wright as a player and as a solid baseball citizen.  The fact remains that the kid has not exhibited the ability to carry his team when they needed him.   I would think the Mets could get a solid return in any trade for Wright.  Reyes??  That's another story in my mind.

Reyes has extraordinary ability both as a fielder and a hitter.  His speed is a valuable weapon.  However, the constant nagging injuries and the boneheaded plays ( like getting picked off on a sacrifice bunt) makes Reyes expendable.  He is in a walk year and I would be shocked if the Mets don't move him at the trade deadine.

When I was in New York the summer of 2007, the Yankees were in a dogfight to make the playoffs and the Mets were cruising along.  However, it was the Yankees who played in October and it was the Mets who blew a 7 game lead to be knocked out of the playoffs.

It's time for a Met overhaul.  They owe it to their fans.  Beltran, Reyes and Wright are not and have not got it done.  With a new GM who has no allegiance to these players its time for the Mets to move on.  The time is now.  Otherwise, Met fans will continue to be relegated to second class citizens in NY baseball.