Interesting.  The Mets play 17 of their last 22 games at home.  That doesn't mean much right now, but in a fight for a playoff spot it may be a huge factor.  As a comparison the Phillies play 9 of their last 22 at home, the Braves 12 of 22, and the Marlins 12 of 22.  I won't even bother with the Nats.  The Mets have a +8 advantage over the Phillies during this period, and +5 over the Braves and Marlins.  It may not come down to final part of the schedule, but I thought it was worth pointing out.

Reyes, Wright and Beltran.  Mike Francessa referred to these three as "the core."  After last seasons debacle Francessa suggested that we break up the core through trade.  Looking back on it, perhaps Francessa was a prophet. It's arguable as to whether the trade value on the Core will be any higher than it was last season.  Beltran was injured for most of the season.  The same for Reyes.  While Beltran returned (a good thing), Reyes is still a question mark for '10.  Wright had a weird and disappointing year.  He hit over .300 but had a huge power lapse and poor plate discipline as evidenced by his career high in strikeouts.  I personally believe that Wright's performance in '09 was not indicative of his consistent production for the past few years.  His value is still high.  Its Reyes and Beltran whose stock has taken a nose dive.  

For arguments sake, let's say that Reyes has a bounce back year and Beltran remains relatively healthy in '10.  If the Mets are in contention - fine.  But if the Mets are playing sub .500 baseball come the trade deadline, do we attempt to move one or both of them?  I would rather keep Wright. He is still young and his best years should be ahead of him.  Beltran and Reyes could bring back both major league talent and prospects.  If we're not going anywhere in '10, we should consider all options.

What is a realistic forecast for the 2010 Mets season? Will the Mets be a contender or not? Is it possible for a Met fan to answer this question without a "hope springs eternal" mindset?  Right now the state of the Mets is directionless and full of uncertainty. In the Godfather Michael Corleone removed Tom Hagan with the explanation of, "You're not a wartime consigliere." That question has to asked of Omar Minaya. Is Minaya a championship General Manager? Based on the last three years Michael Corleone would have removed Minaya long ago. But he's still there. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Are we to expect Omar to make different decisions or more of the same? The player situation is precarious. The pedigrees of Santana, Wright, Beltran, and to a lesser degree, Reyes, cannot be disputed. But Reyes will remain a question mark until he returns to the field. Wright's Jekyll and Hyde season; is this the real Wright or just an aberration? It can be argued that without Wright and Reyes playing at a high level in 2010, nothing else this team will do will result in a different outcome. I haven't even addressed the pitching, corner outfield, first, and second base positions.  Based on the Mets previous track record, and the teams unanswered questions, it's hard to be bullish on the Mets near future. Omar & Co. need to address the future of the club and not take unnecessary risks for '10.

2009 will go down as the year of the Perfect Storm for the Mets.  Not only does the team endure incredible injuries to it's core players.  Not only does the season end with their being closer to last place than first.  Not only do the prospects for a competitive run in 2010 looked strained, but now the Mets are faced with the ultimate indignity: it looks like the Yankees and Phillies will be in the World Series.  

As a Met fan I could endure any other combination of teams.  I could root against any team who played either the Phillies of the Yankees.  But now I can't even do that.  For the first time in my life I actually am apathetic about the World Series.  It's as though the baseball gods have spit on the Mets grave.  

It's going to be a long winter, and Port St. Lucie looks a long way off.