Last night, more email arrived asking what I’d do with this team going forward, if I had the wheel.  Instead of blabbing for five hours, I’ll offer it up in a few quick posts…

For starters, I believe it is important for us to understand that this team is not ready to win a World Championship just yet.  Could they get there this season by accident?  Well, I suppose, I mean, anything can happen, and I’d be thrilled if it did.  But, as far as structure and focus goes, this team is only slightly through what I see as a three phase plan…

Phase one being the deconstruction of the Pre-Minaya Era, which is the departure of any players who had a personal connection with John Franco and Al Leiter…

Phase two being the acquisition and cohesion of new blood, be it from the ripening of the farm system or players signed through free agency.  Bringing these new faces in is not enough.  The most vital part of this phase is letting these guys play together, learn one another’s habits, make mistakes, respect each other and themselves and know what it’s like to succeed in New York…

Phase three being the addition of any missing piece to the puzzle, be it a front end starting pitcher or a left-handed bat off the bench.  Regardless of it’s importance, these acquisitions not only add versatility and credibility, they tell the current players the administration believes in their ability to succeed and is doing everything it can for the team’s final push…

That being said, what we are watching now is the Mets slowly moving simultaneously through phases one and two…

Today, the Mets can help this process along while continuing to play fun and exciting baseball by doing the following…click here…