When you look at the product the Mets put on the field in 2012, one can argue that they overachieved early on, and they’d probably be right.
Entering the season, there wasn’t much certainty. All we knew was that David Wright would be the third baseman, Ike Davis would be at first and everything else was very much up in the air. Here’s what we learned during the 162-game campaign.
David Wright is Captain Material: This is very much a guy to build an organization around. This year, Wright put together one heck of a season, despite a bit of a lackluster finish. The Mets are sure to exercise the final year of his contract, but they will be more focused on trying to wrap up a long-term contract extension. Click Here To Read More
R.A. Dickey is the Best Story in Baseball: You think about everything that he has been through and it’s quite remarkable. Once a conventional pitcher, Dickey was injured and had no other choice but to become a knuckleballer. Once he made that move, he made history by allowing six homers in his first start, which is not something he’d like to be remembered by. He’d rather be remembered by this season, in which he was arguably baseball’s best pitcher, which is likely to give him the NL Cy Young Award. At just $5 million for next year, the Mets may try to agree on a new deal with him, but I think now is the time to trade him. He’s 38 years old, and he could be used to get a couple of young pieces for the Mets’ future.
Ruben Tejada is the Real Deal: Maybe the biggest question going into the 2012 season was about how the Mets were going to fare without the services of Jose Reyes. After questions arose about his longterm future, Ruben Tejada silenced his critics with a solid seasons. Since Reyes wasn’t able to add much fuel to the Marlins, this “major issue” turned out to be a footnote compared to the other issues the Mets endured during the season.
Mets Got Fleeced in Angel Pagan Trade: As I watch the Giants and Cardinals continue to battle for the National League pennant, it makes me wonder where the Mets would have been if they had Pagan near the top of the lineup. I have to be honest. I was a proponent for the trade of Pagan for Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres, because I know that quality relievers are hard to come by. But Torres proved to be nothing more than a fourth outfielder, while Ramirez underwhelmed as well. Pagan has become a fixture at the top of the Giants’ lineup.
Changes Are on the Horizon: This team is going to look a lot different next season. Say what you want, but the Mets will be in the market for bullpen help, outfield depth, a catcher and possibly more.
What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.
