I’ve had it with this team. The time for excuses is over. Its time to make some real changes to the roster so that the Mets can turn the page on what has been a lesson in futility for the past two years. I propose that the following players need to find their way off this team in order for the Mets to move forward.

• Moises Alou
• Luis Castillo
• Carlos Delgado
• Aaron Heilman
• Pedro Martinez
• Orlando Hernandez

These six players represent the dead weight that this team has had to carry during this awful stretch. Moises Alou, while a fine player, and as consistant a hitter the Mets have ever had, is too brittle to stay on the field and contribute for them. Its hard to drop someone with his ability to hit, but the Mets can’t keep relying on him to stay in one piece. I’d rather see the Mets slop through with Nick Evans, and have some hope for the future. Give someone young and hungry a chance to prove themselves, or make a deal for someone who spends more time on the field than on the disabled list.

Luis Castillo looks like he’s grimacing with every step he takes. He’s a Punch and Judy hitter that would be useful with a more consistent offense surrounding him. However he’s a black hole with this configuration of a line up. Omar really screwed this one up, with a four year deal, and while it would make more sense to eat his contract, there is no way in hell the Mets will. We are stuck with Castillo for better or worse, unfortunately.

Carlos Delgado is done. He was a great slugger once but there is not much left in the tank. He will mash in small glimpses, but not enough to be the type of hitter the Mets need him to be. His contract is huge so the only way the Mets could get rid of him is to eat a large portion of it. I’m sorry to say I don’t know of many team who would bite.

Aaron Heilman was once a fine middle reliever but he’s been a major liability for the past year or so. The reason why he’s a good player to deal is he actually has some value, as he could be used as a starter on another team. He’s in a total funk right now, and the Mets need to either pull a Steve Trachsel on him and throw him in the minors to get his head on right, or get rid of him. He’s going to cost them too many games that they can’t afford to lose right now.

Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez can no longer be part of this team. I’m sorry but neither of them can stay healthy long enough to be contributors. The Mets need to cut ties with the aging, disabled players they’ve been carrying around. I will miss Pedro’s personality but I will not miss the sadness I keep having to endure watching him limp off the field every time he tries to return. I don’t know that the Mets can get anything for either of these players, but its best they act as if they didn’t exist. The Mets need to move on without them at this point.

Thats my six point plan to improve the Mets by subtraction. Soon I will post how we can improve the team by addition, and look to replace the serious holes the team has. It may not be possible to fix the team completely this season but I think with the right re-configuration, the team can still contend in the short and long term.

The good news is most of these guys are gone by next year. Unfortunately, despite what the Mets marketing department would lead you to believe, next year is not now.

The past five days have been the New York Mets in a nutshell. Stunningly brilliant at times and downright dreadful the next. I cringe at having to type the word ‘inconsistent’ once again, the monotony of this vicious cycle that culminates in a team playing .500 baseball. What is it going to take to wake this team from its doldrums? Is this simply a mediocre team that we are dealing with after all?

Looking at the roster, a number of glaring issues come starting back at us. Carlos Delgado, perhaps one of Omar Minaya’s short sighted moves, has brief moments of the slugger he once was but overall is a shell of his former self and a black hole in the line up. Luis Castillo looks like he’s cringing with every step he takes, and while his Slappy McSlapperson routine is useful on a team that can provide more protection for him, on the Mets anemic lineup, he’s a liability. I’ll leave Jose Reyes and David Wright alone for now, as they’re at least holding their own and I have more faith in Reyes than some. If I didn’t believe in Reyes I might as well just pack the whole thing in right now.

As far as the outfield, Moises Alou can’t keep all his limbs on the field at the same time, which is maddening because when he’s put together again he can mash for us. I wanted so much for Beltran to shut everyone up, which he has but for the wrong reasons, everyone seems now to simply accept the mediocrity he’s provided at the plate. Ryan Church is the only reason the Mets are not well under .500, and should be the model his teammates model themselves after. Hard nosed, aggressive, focused, and able to execute more often than not. If the Mets had 14 Ryan Churches on their team, we would be unstoppable.

The starting pitching has been anchored by Johan Santana and John Maine, and everything after that is a total crapshoot. Oliver Perez used to at least give you brilliance every other start and now it seems his true talent shines far less often. Mike Pelfrey has shown improvement but the results have still been spotty, he’d be less of a sore spot if the team didn’t need him so bad right now. The Mets once again seem to have a revolving door in the fifth spot, which killed their bullpen last year and ultimately led them to burn out and fade away last September.

The bullpen, outside of Billy Wagner who has been untouchable, is worn down once again as the Mets set new records in appearances by their middle relief. The lessons learned from last year have not seemed to sink in, and the more and more Show, Joe Smith, Jose Feliciano, et al get tossed into games in the 6th inning, the worse things will get later in the year.

So what is it gonna take to turn this thing around? A shake up might be in order, but the popular opinion that Willie Randolph is the key component here seems misguided. The Mets problem lies with the inability of their starting pitching to go 7 innings and for their offense to drive runners in. Clutch hitting is a symptom of good hitters simply doing what they do well over an extended period of time. If the Mets can’t rely on Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran to get the job done, how can they expect to compete? David Wright and Ryan Church cannot be the hero every night. Others need to pick up the slack.

In order for the Mets to turn this around, Beltran and Delgado need to get their mojo back. Maine and Perez need to consistently keep the Mets in games past the 6th inning. If these four things do not happen, the Mets need to take a hard look at this team and figure out a way to reconfigure the pieces so they fit properly, because if the parts they need to work are out of service, the engine will remain in neutral.

I’ve been one who tries to understand and excuse all the rationals this team seems to put forth at every turn. I read and listen to their post game remarks and think it’s good, their being honest with the media and therefore we get a real feel for the pulse of this team. But I’m starting to come to the conclusion that the sensitivity level for this bunch is way too low. The latest example added to this long list comes from our new folk hero Nelson Figueroa. Last night Figgy seemed to get unhinged by not just the elements but by the “cheerleading girls” in the Washington dugout last night. This is what Figgy had to say after last night loss…

“They were cheerleading in the dugout like a bunch of softball girls,” Figueroa said after the Mets lost to Washington, 10-4, in the series opener. “I’m a professional, just like anybody else. I take huge offense to that. If that’s what a last-place team needs to do to fire themselves up, so be it. I think you need to show a little bit more class, a little bit more professionalism. They won tonight, but again, in the long run, they are who they are.”

Ok, maybe that is true, maybe that is why the Nats are a last place team because they are a Bush League team and act like one. But maybe this Mets team is a .500 team because they cry about everything, the negativity at Shea, the booing, the injuries, being asked about last season, the Ollie/Wagner thing and the weather. Can someone just show some backbone. Hey, Figgy you don’t like what the Nats were doing in the dugout? Shut them down. Or maybe send a message by knocking someone on their a**.

When the Mets fell behind by five funs and it was still relatively early I thought this would be a great time for them to make one of those comebacks that good teams, teams that are going to have a special season make. But It was hard to muster up any optimism and that proved to be correct. So, here they are a .500 team and nobody is upset at themselves. Other than the few D. Wright and Willie Randolph cliche’s that are verbalized after every loss. I know the season is a marathon, don’t wanna get to high, don’t wanna get to low. I get it.

There just doesn’t seem to be any scrappyness, if that is a word, on this team. No, fight. Down by five and you just know it’s over. I hope I’m just frustrated and this team proves me wrong. But it just seems they take any excuse to whine after a game about something other than their bad play.

Note: Reader Rigginsorama points out in the comment section that Figueroa did indeed hit two batters last night. A bad omission by me. I do recall one of them. I chalked it up to Figgy having a tough time gripping the ball due to the weather. But he did hit two batters like Rigginsorama brought to my attention. So, my bad, maybe Figgy was trying to send some kind of message and if so, good for him.

Figueroa’s quote via Adam Rubin of The Daily News.

On Mets Blog today, Matthew Cerrone asks fans “What do you want?”

Talking with fellow fans and people I come into contact on a daily basis, I get a variety of answers. Most often I hear that they want Willie Randolph fired, which always seems to be the go-to answer for everyone when things are in neutral or reverse. Willie, to me is not the biggest problem, but two things that he has control over bother me. I feel like there is a feeling of apathy and lack of emotion that comes down from the manager. I also feel, as has been written ad nauseam, that he’s a terrible in-game manager especially when it comes to the bullpen. His poor bullpen management has singlehandedly led to Mets losses and that is entirely unacceptable.

In general, I feel like the Mets are stuck in neutral, they’re not awful but they’re not great either. The thing that is missing for me is that immediacy that they had in 2006 and lacked in 2007 and seem to be lacking early on again.

Why do they lack this immediacy? I feel like its a combination of aging players past their prime like Carlos Delgado and Luis Castillo being asked to fill pivotal roles in the Mets offense. I shudder to think where the Mets would be right now if Ryan Church had not had the kind of offensive impact he’s provided thus far. Church can’t carry the team on his back all year, in order for the Mets to be a playoff team they will need more than just David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Church.

Carlos Beltran has been passive despite his uncharacteristic response to
Jimmy Rollin’s “Team to Beat” mantra. Beltran can’t be counted on to be the vocal leader but he can take the bat off his shoulder once in awhile and be the clutch hitter we need him to be at clean up. Wright cannot be expected to be the hero every night. In order for the Mets to gain momentum, they need this offense to click the way it should. If Beltran can step up, and Moises Alou can return to last year’s form, a core of Wright, Reyes, Beltran, Church and Alou should be enough to drive the offense.

Oliver Perez seems to be the subject of the most ire from fans on the pitching side of things. His own teammates seem to be annoyed by his lack of focus and unwillingness to accept the advice they’ve tried to get across to him. Perez is maddening because he has so much talent and natural ability but cannot seem to harness it because he lacks discipline. I’m not really sure how to get him on the right track, as it seems to be a change Oliver needs to decide to make. It would do wonders if he’d acknowledge it publicly but I won’t hold my breath waiting for it to happen.

I think fans are more forgiving and optimistic about Johan, Maine, and at least a willingness to learn and improve from Mike Pelfrey. I also think the feel Nelson Figueroa has earned himself enough goodwill from his first few fine starts to give him some slack. He’s done a fine job as far as I am concerned as a fifth starter.

The inconsistancy, the lack of fire, the lack of hustle from Delgado, the lack of intensity to me seems to be what fans are most upset about. If the Mets played hard and wore their emotion more, which you’ve seen with more frequency lately perhaps due to their own frustration, then I think the fans can be more forgiving. If you lose and it seems like you don’t care, well thats a recipe for disaster. I think fans are willing to forget the events of September 07 as long as the team shows they’re making a solid effort and that is what I want and I think most fans want to see from the Mets.

Is it me or did it seem more than just a little odd seeing Paul Lo Duca in a different uniform. Man it feels like Pauly was a Met for much longer than he actually was. Yesterday, on his WFAN morning radio show with Evan Roberts, Joe Benigno stated emphatically that not only would Paul Lo Duca get a great hand but Lastings Milledge “will no doubt get a standing ovation”, Joe’s side kick Evan did not disagree. Well as we all know Millegde was greeted with loud boos and like SNY’s Gary Cohen said at the time “he’s the enemy now”. Yes, he most certainly is.

Just like everyone else I am thrilled that Duaner Sanchez is back. I just hope, and this not to say he can’t be effective otherwise, to see his 2006 stuff again. Man he was electrifying. I miss that.

Man, did Mike Pelfrey look impressive or what? Seven strong shutout innings, very nice. I know it is logical for Pelfrey to “pound the bottom of the strike zone” like Peterson and seemingly everyone else has said. I am guessing that kind of strategy leaves a pitcher more room for error. But Pelfrey seems to have a little bit of Dwight Gooden in him where as his fast ball rises, like the fastball he used while strikeing out Nick Johnson with the bases loaded. But I guess I should just leave that to the experts.

With no Mets baseball today I figured I would share some of my random thoughts.

• This whole booing Johan Santana thing, as much as I hate it, it has received way to much play. It’s not like this is unique in this town. I know I can name plenty of athletes who were undeserving booed. The best example for me, is Patrick Ewing, he was booed at “The Worlds Most Famous Arena” for at least 10 years, disgracefully. So, lets not make this a “Mets Fans” thing, ok?

• I blogged the other day about Carlos Delgado’s nice start at the plate and in the field. I wrote about how I hoped he would keep it up and have a monster season. Well, of course the very next day he goes out and pops up in a crucial spot late in the game with the bases loaded and lets a ball pop out of his glove, Brian Schneider style, that lead to an unearned run. I think I’ll keep quiet about Carlos’s play for awhile. Don’t want to be a jinx.

• Mets Blog Matt Cerrone blogged about some fans at Shea doing a unique type Wave when Angel Pagan comes to the plate. Something from the movie “Angels in the Outfield”. I have never seen the movie but I love when the Shea faithful come up with original stuff ie the K corner for Doc and the Coneheads for David Cone. Keep it up guys. Fun stuff.

• I am sick of reading and hearing about last year’s collapse. The press/media will not let it go. The Daily News Vic Ziegel based a major part of his column on it today. So, anytime the Mets blow a lead it will be connected to last season, UHG, this annoys me to no end. I understand that yesterday’s lose can bring with it some negativity but this is a new season. In Ziegal’s column David Wright is quoted saying “Last year had nothing to do with getting guys in scoring position, Not making good pitches doesn’t have anything to do with last year.” Amen David, don’t let someone else’s negativity, whether it be boos or the press get in your head. Oh, and if you think the press/media is not being overly negative checkout how Ziegal ended his column:

The Mets’ last serious threat came in the eighth, bases loaded out, two out, Carlos Delgado batting, the crowd on its feet. He hit a really high pop-up that came down in the right fielder’s glove.

Disappointed? Disgusted? Somebody threw those words at Delgado.

“About what?” he answered.

So, Vic thats the only thing Delgado said in the clubhouse after the game? He said “About what?” and went home? Well that’s the impression left, and that is just wrong.

• Going to go out on a high note here. Yesterday while I was going through the pre-game notes I noticed this from the Elias Sports Bureau. David Wright who just turned 25 this past December is one of only eight players in their first three big league seasons to hit at least .300, hit 25 homeruns or more and have at least 100 RBI’s while under the age of 25. The others: Joe Dimaggio, Albert Pujols, Mel Ott, Jimmie Fox, Ted Williams, and Miguel Cabrera. That is awesome company.

Matthew Cerrone on Mets Blog pens a great post today about how the Mets could do a lot better job at managing expectations and stop ‘leading with their chin’

There is an old adage in journalism that goes, “Never get out in front of the story,” because if the story changes or dies on the table, you’ll be lost and alone and looking like a fool. Well, i’d impart this same advice to the Mets: don’t get out in front of your results. Because when you do, and you fail, like last season, you look lost, alone and foolish, and what’s worse, you drag us with you.

In addition to Matt’s post, one of the commenters ‘CoreyNYC’ made an excellent point.

This team prices its tickets based on who the opponent is, thereby reducing the perceived value of going to see the Mets.

When they charge more to see the Mets play the Giants than they did the day before when the Mets were playing the Reds, the message is that the Giants & Barry Bonds are the real reason why you should come to Shea, not to see the 25 guys wearing Mets uniforms.

I agree with Matt, and with Corey’s point above 100%. I’ve written about how I wish that someone would take charge of the Mets marketing and public relations department who is more in touch with the fans. The Met always seem to put themselves in a position where they’re ripe for ridicule.

I have yet to hear the Mets come out with a new slogan this year, and thats a good thing. How about we just play the games for once and let the chips fall where they may.

Ahhh, nothing goes with the smell of burning Hot Stove logs quite like the stench of another Buster Olney report.

In his latest column for ESPN Insider, Buster Olney is claiming a possible shoulder injury to Johan Santana could be the major factor in trading the lefty before spring training.

Olney recently spoke with a “talent evaluator” recently who “thinks that if the Twins are intent on swapping Santana for a relatively modest package of prospects before the start of spring training, this may reflect some concern over the pitcher’s physical condition. In the aftermath of Santana’s 17-strikeout game against the Rangers on Aug. 19, there was some evidence of diminished velocity in the left-hander, and it was noted by at least one scout that he used his slider much less often — and in his final seven starts after that 17-strikeout game, Santana compiled a 5.11 ERA, allowing nine homers in 44 innings.”

Nice job finally providing statistical references Buster, but one look at another dominant AL lefty’s career will tell you that perhaps switching leagues would benefit Santana stats, and shines some light on the situation more than this “arm trouble” speculation. But that’s what we do Buster, we dig a little deeper.

We remember Randy Johnson had similar arm questions surface in 1998, his last year in Seattle and a 4.33 ERA was decent evidence that his dominant days were behind him. Too many fastballs and sliders must have taken their toll, right?

Well, not so much. A trade to the NL followed by four consecutive Cy Young Awards and his “shoulder problems” were just fine thank you.

Granted, it turned out that similar Pedro Martinez questions turned out to be a reality, resulting in major surgery, but not before two years of NL dominance after the age of 34.

Johnson was 35 at the time of the deal and spent years baffling AL hitters, widely considered the stronger offensive league. Historically the arms of fastball/change up pitchers like Johan have held up well. Not to mention Santana turns just 29 in March.

Needless to say that speculating about arm problems is a sensational journalistic tactic at best. So allow us to speculate that Buster’s “talent evaluator” is either Mr. Hanky or Linda Cohn.

Today is the official day to celebrate Festivus!

Festivus is, of course, the holiday popularized by the TV show Seinfeld.

In honor of this magical day, I will go through the three stages of Festivus, with a Mets theme!

First up, the Airing of Grievances…

Lastings Milledge: Good riddance.

Willie Randolph: I like you, really, I do. But please…learn how to manage a pitching staff and bullpen. You wore down the staff until they couldn’t hold up anymore. I blame you for the second half collapse more than anyone.

Omar Minaya: So far, so…mediocre. I have little to no faith in Mike Pelfrey and Philip Humber backing up our rotation, so we need a starter from somewhere. Even if it’s a workhorse like Livan Hernandez or if we have to trade for Joe Blanton, just get on your Blackberry and get something done.

Tom Glavine: See Milledge.

Jose Reyes: If you do what you did last year again, I won’t be very happy with you.

Guillermo Mota: See Milledge AND Glavine.

Scott Schoeneweis: If you are out there against a right handed batter, just run off the field.
Numbers against lefties: 93 AB, 0 runs, 19 hits, .204 AVG, .306 OBP.
Numbers against righties: 136 AB, 36 runs, 43 hits, .316 AVG, .382 OBP.
Run into the dugout and hide.

Oliver Perez: If you screw with your arm angle one more time, I’m going to come down onto the field and rub your face in the base path chalk.

Rickey Henderson: See Milledge, Glavine, and Mota…hopefully.

Now up, the Festivus Miracles…

Moises Alou: You’re a miracle with your 30 game hitting streak. If only you could’ve gotten it to match your age. Keep on truckin’ old man.

John Maine: Pitching your heart out, and coming oh so close to the elusive first Mets no hitter. Four outs away, until that little dribbler along third base ends it. Almost saved our season, but still a Festivus miracle.

And finally…the Feats of Strength!

David Wright: For being such a stand up guy, leader, and great baseball player. Trying everything in your power to carry the collapsing team on your back during the second half of the year. Soon, you will be wearing a “C” on your chest…soon.

Shea Stadium: For not collapsing yet.

Happy Festivus everyone!

For more Mets news and opinion, visit TheRopolitans.com!