The heart of the New York Mets’ dilemma is the struggle between how the Mets should plan and build their team. Through 2006, Omar Minaya had done a good job retooling the team, adding some great talent through trading and free agency and surrounding that talent with bright young studs and wily veterans. The process Omar used in his early years with the Mets worked well and nearly paid off in 2006.
But after 2006, Minaya and the Mets have managed the team as if they are still a game from the World Series. Some say that this couldn’t be further from the truth and the Mets need to rebuild and stockpile young talent for the future. Some think the Mets can be contenders in 2010. I’m not going to absolutely pass judgment in one way or another.
The fact of the matter is that the organization has been put in a very tough spot. After 2006 everyone thought we could win again. But three years later, more and more fans are calling for a rebuilding process despite not much changing with the team in the past three years. What should be done? I don’t believe that the Mets are a game from the World Series, still. But I do believe that while they are top-heavy, they can be playoff contenders. They aren’t championship contenders yet. But with Santana, K-Rod, Wright, Reyes, and Beltran, they are on their way with a great core. I still feel that the Mets can build to win now. But I’m not sure if it’s the right thing. Their system is very dry. Perhaps they can find a way to compromise between both routes.
