It's hard to feel good right now as a Mets fan.
Outfielder Carlos Beltran had the knee surgery that he should have had last fall in January and is out for the first two months of the season.
New signing pitcher Kelvim Escobar, recovering from two years of shoulder issues and surgery, has had yet another setback in his rehab and will almost certainly start the season on the DL.
Now, most recently, Jose Reyes was told by specialists to refrain from athletic activity for at least two to eight weeks as his thyroid levels return to normal. He was diagnosed with a hyperactive thyroid last week.
That leaves the Amazin's missing two guys that would have been at the one and three spots in the lineup, along with a guy who hopefully would have brought some experience and talent to the bullpen, before the season has begun.
But whilst it seems that the never-ending injury soap opera won't end, there are sunny skies in the future.
For starters, new signing left fielder Jason Bay brings an excellent bat to the lineup and someone who could protect David Wright in the order. Bay has the ability to hit for power and average, something that Carlos Delgado could not do the last couple of seasons.
According to Mets players and officials, coming into spring training this year, the third baseman Wright looks stronger and fitter than ever. Along with the fact that he is coming off his worst statistical season since reaching the big leagues (.307 BA, 10 HR, 72 RBI, 74 BB, 140 SO), this season should be one where he comes back strong and ignites the Mets offense.
After horrid seasons, both LHP Oliver Perez and RHP John Maine are back, injury free, and ready to fill out the Mets rotation. Also back from injury are LHP Johan Santana and LHP Jonathon Niese. Both have been working hard in spring training, and if Niese stays injury-free, he can be one of the better fifth starters in the country.
Finally, the injuries last season allowed the Mets to get a chance to see some of their prospects come up and play in Citi Field.
Outfielder Fernando Martinez had a tough season last year, but his experience in the big leagues should prove invaluable; if he doesn't start the season with the Mets, he will certainly be one of the first to be called up. It's hard to remember that he is just 21 years old and has many seasons in the big leagues to come.
Another guy waiting for the call is Josh Thole, the budding catcher prospect. The 23-year-old impressed last season in spring training and was finally called up in September, where he batted .321 with 17 hits and nine RBI. When he finally gets called up this season, look for him to cement his place on the squad for years to come.
All in all, the season is 162 games, and while it looks like the Mets will be shorthanded for the first 30 or so, they have more talent this season to keep winning games.
Until then, Let's Go Mets!
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