The Mets have squandered a chance at the postseason in consecutive Septembers. The 2007 version capped a massive collapse. The 2008 version capped a generally disappointing and underachieving season.
What team has a better core than Johan Santana, Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran and David Wright? General manager Omar Minaya should be able to assemble a team around that group that puts the Mets in the playoffs. Everyone talked about the bulllpen's failure last season — and it was in spectacular — but it wasn't the only problem. The No. 5 and No. 6 hitters in the 2008 finale? Nick Evans and Ramon Martinez. Until Minaya can prove that he can build a solid peripheral roster better than those around that talent, he should be on notice.
Minaya has added Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz to the bullpen. The Mets' starting rotation remains mostly unchanged. The lineup is similar, but will have more Daniel Murphy than Fernando Tatis. The Phillies are the Mets' main competition in the National League East. The Mets' upgrade in relief plus the Phillies' regression should be enough to put the Mets in the playoffs. But until they get there, Mets fans can surely be skeptical.
