Edgy DC wrote: TransMonk wrote: This team is a mess. The talent is suspect, the game management is laughable and I'm much closer to believing the Wilpon's financial woes are more true than false. Factoring in some of the horrible contracts that are on the books, things may have to get worse before they get better. Earlier this season, I thought this season could be the prelude to bigger things. I now believe it may be the epilogue to the disasters of 2007, 2008 and 2009. It is not all doom and gloom, however. I feel the farm system is deep and that the performances of some of the youngsters will provide youthful and cheap talent for the next few years. For the first time in a long time (maybe ever), I am actively rooting for the Mets to clear some payroll and NOT sign a free agent. I am not giving up on Beltran, as I believe given time to get up to game speed over a full season that he still has the talent to produce. I have given up on this team, though. For a team like the Mets that is filled with bloated contracts, $18.5 million and "bargain" cannot be shared in the same sentence. IMO, it's time to cut and run. Take what we can get by moving the heavy contracts and go forward. I like Beltran, but if another team wants to give us a young part or take on some salary, I'd have to consider it. I agree that the game management is bad. Oh, I believe. But all talent is suspect, and the Mets' talent is less suspect han most. The team payroll remains among the highest in MLB. I also don't think 2007, 2008, 1nd 2009 can be fairly characterized as disasters. Two stretch-run failures and an injury-filled third year don't indicate a system-wide problem. I think a good manager and a re-assessment of the offensive approach can go a long way. If the 2007 & 2008 collapses are not disasters what would you call them? just curious.