From the unveiling of the CitiField patches, which were our first inkling that this organization was about to F up the opportunity in front of it, to the final out tonight, I don’t think any of us can truly appreciate how completely awful this year has been until we have time to reflect on it. In Mets history only two years are remotely comparable…1977, which saw the trade of Seaver and a return to prominence for the Yankees, and 1996, which saw the franchise’s blueprint for success go up in smoke while the Yankees…well you know.

I don’t see what satisfaction any Mets fan gets from seeing the same players who won the WS last lear lose it. Frankly watching this Yankees team, in their billion-dollar stadium with their highest-paid player at every spot on the diamond, with their steroid cheat 3B and their cheat SP and traitor LF celbrating made me sicker than anything I’ve ever seen on a sports field. This is a dark day for baseball, and sports.

The only good news is that we can now turn the page on 2009. I don’t see any conceiveable way for 2010 to be worse.

Or do we take solace in the fact that the Yankees will probably decline taking potshots at the Mets during their parade?

its over

2009 is in the books … finally

hot stove time

What concerns me most is that so much of what we need to do is so much up in the air.

Question marks…

John NIese – less concerned about his ability than his leg. He came on like fire before his promotion to the majors. He bears watching.

Pat Misch – Really don’t know what to make of him. Is he the second coming of John Tudor or another Glendon Rusch? I like his delivery, very simple. He locates well. Can keep opponents off balance for an entire game. Can also get his face kicked in. Should improve with experience. To what extent remains uncertain.

Fernando Nieve – I remember him during his days with the Astros. Nasty stuff that had not yet been harnessed. Now, he appears to be the pitcher many scouts projected him to be – mid 90′s with movement. He could be dynamite out of the bullpen, if he doesn’t crack the rotation.

Mike Pelfrey – I definitely haven’t given up on him, as long as he doesn’t give up on himself. Protypical sophomore slump. He needs to slow down and put a little more thought behind each pitch without thinking. A Zen Riddle. He must throw first pitch strikes and stay ahead of hitters. Then, he can do what he wants with them. He needs experience.

John Maine – If he’s healthy, we’re in much better shape. Maine needs to develop more downward movement on his slider to induce more groundballs. It will also contrast well with his high heat and help him put hitters away.

Figgy & Redding – both of these dudes performed well once they were inserted into the rotation. I’m not campaigning for either, but I am also not rejecting them outright.

Parnell, Bostick, Kunz – These responsibility for their development rests squarely on the shoulders of the organization. Somebody has to crack the whip and bring these fine arms to the next level.

And hitting.

Brett Meyers is probably kicking the living $hit out of Cole Hamels by now.

Shane Victorino’s finger will never be the same.

Jimmy Rollins has gazes in the mirror and realizes he’s only 5’5″, and that he looks like Prince from behind. At least Chase Utley thinks so.

Ryan Howard’s cold htting zones have been exposed as much as the Giant’s secondary.

Charlie Manuel cried.

Kyle Kendrick really does get traded to Japanese team where Shinjo plays centerfield.

Ooooh, baseball gods, I summon ye….