A season of turmoil ended in familiar fashion, with the Phillies surging past the sagging Mets last September. But this time, there are more reasons for optimism. The team played hard and relaxed for new manager Jerry Manuel, and the front office corrected the team's fatal flaw by acquiring J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez for the bullpen. The lineup is sturdy, and the Mets once again look strong on paper as they christen their new home, Citi Field.
Only six teams in baseball had a better earned run average from their starters than the Mets, who posted a 3.98 mark. Johan Santana led the way, going 9-0 with a 2.09 ERA over his last 17 starts and justifying the hype over his arrival — which is never an easy thing for a player to do in New York. Making his finish even more impressive was that he did it while pitching with a torn meniscus in his left knee, which was repaired after the season. Santana finished second in the NL in strikeouts (206) and led the league in ERA (2.53).
Management
The Mets bungled the firing of manager Willie Randolph, making him fly to Anaheim for a game, which he won, and then firing him after 3 a.m. in the East. But the move had to be made, as Randolph's fate had become a distracting question that engulfed the clubhouse when the front office failed to give him unqualified support. In hiring Manuel, Randolph's bench coach, Minaya exchanged an accomplished but somewhat insecure ex-player for one who played only briefly but projects a calming, easy manner. Minaya continues to provide his managers with premium talent, using the Mets' fortune to hunt for elite free agent talent. He usually gets his man, and he did so again this winter with the signing of Rodriguez for three years. Owner Fred Wilpon lets Minaya make decisions, but Wilpon's son, Jeff, is a major power broker involved in all aspects of the franchise.
Difference maker
No team in the majors scored as many times in the first inning as the Mets, who crossed home 139 times. That is a testament to the importance of Jose Reyes, the leadoff man and the engine of the offense. When Reyes is on, the Mets almost always win. But when he isn't — such as last September, when he hit just .243 — they look helpless. Reyes can do it all, and at 25 years old, he has room to grow and the skills to do it. When he is focused consistently, teammates follow his lead and the Mets benefit.
Final analysis
The Mets have choked away playoff berths the last two seasons, and they know it. They don't want to waste the prime years of superstars Reyes, Wright and Beltran, so bolstering the bullpen — in a big way — was the right move. With Santana atop the rotation and K-Rod closing in the ninth, the Mets have no more excuses.
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