Mets Season Over Before It Starts?

By Bobby Taute

The Mets have begged us (media & fans alike) to put 2009 in the rear view mirror and focus on THIS year. The team’s slogans this year have been “WE BELIEVE IN COMEBACKS” (as an advertising campaign) and “PREVENTION AND RECOVERY” in the clubhouse at Port St. Lucie. Basically, put last year’s injury plagued team out of your mind, and move forward.

After today’s news regarding Jose Reyes, it may be time for a new slogan: “WE BETTER PRAY FOR A MIRACLE.”

First the apparent good news: The Mets shortstop is NOT in any type of life threatening danger. His overactive thyroid seems to be a matter of inflammation, and he’ll be OK. THANK GOD for that. In the grand scheme of things,

Reyes’ well being is the most important thing. If Jose could live a “normal” life but never play baseball again, that is still a plus. A man’s welfare is priority #1.

Now that we know Reyes will play again, it is safe to wonder about this season. With Carlos Beltran already out till possibly June, that makes 2 of the “core” lineup guys (David Wright & Jason Bay being the others) that won’t be around to start the season.

Even if Reyes and Beltran WERE healthy, there are enough questions: pitching, second base, catcher & bullpen to project maybe 83-85 wins for the team. That’s better than last year-but not enough to keep fans happy-or guarantee Jerry Manuel & Omar Minaya are still employed at the end of the season. The Mets year could already be derailed less than 3 weeks to Opening Day.