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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Cliff Lee or Generation K? Win Now or Wait Until Later?

Last night I missed the first part of the game but was able to catch the last few innings, and I have to say, after a nice little comeback, a loss like that doesn't sting as bad. In fact, I think looking good in losses is the sign of a team that can win...now. Last night's game reinforced in my mind what I've wanted to believe all season - this team is ready to WIN NOW!  How do we do this?  A trade at almost all costs...

Going into this season, just like any other Mets fan, my expectations were low.  In an attempt to keep myself sane through this baseball season, I predicted 80-85 wins with a "you never know" caveat.  Well, after 9-1 runs, players breaking out, players playing to their potential, rookies making the difference, veterans showing spunk, and everything else great that's happened this season, "you never know" is within our grasp. 

Last night was a perfect example.  The Mets scored 6 runs and with a good start, that's a definite win and a chance to take the series tonight with Pelf on the hill.  Instead, Takahashi is sent out there to start when he really belongs in the bullpen relieving someone like Roy Oswalt or Cliff Lee in that spot.  It's fine to do that to try and catch lightning in a bottle, but I think we've gotten what we are going to from Takahashi. 

So, it's time to stop worrying about what we may be losing for the future when we can win right NOW!  Cliff Lee could just be a rental, but he could be a rental that takes us to the World Series.  Also, if he wins the World Series in NY, who's to say he wouldn't stay.

Remember a couple years ago when we got Pedro?  He was good for a bit, he got hurt, the hitting prospects came up (Reyes and Wright then) and then Pedro was too old to do anything about it.  We end up not making the World Series and complain how we dont have starting pitching which leads to us getting Johan Santana.  Well, how much longer is Johan going to be an ace?  He is now, Pelf is good now, injuries are low, this team can win!

If the Mets wait for all these prospects to materialize, we could be waiting for a long time.  Let me give you a list of previous "untouchables" - Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra, Yusmeiro Petit, Matt Peterson, Alex Escobar, Jay Payton, Alex Ochoa, Generation K.  How many of those guys are/were stars, let alone even regularly starting for their teams now?
I say, unless a guy has shown you he can perform well at the MLB level, no one is untouchable.  Ike and Pelf stay for anything.  Niese can go as long as we get a non-rental.  Everyone else can go tomorrow for a Cliff Lee deal.  Lee puts us in the playoffs.  3 years from now Fernando Martinez, Wilmer Flores, and Jenry Mejia could be playing great for the Mets and we'll be wondering who we're going to get to go with Mike Pelfrey and Jenry Mejia in the rotation - and that's if we're LUCKY!

Have a tall glass of kool-aid and realize this is a good team now.  All they need is one more top of the line pitcher and in this so-so NL, the Mets are as good as anyone else.  Let's not play the waiting game - let's play the winning game.  Drink it up.

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