The loss today was a tough one folks. Billy Wagner blew his second save opportunity in as many days. And the Mets offense (or what's left of it) failed to produce in key scoring situations. Bases loaded with one out should always equal at least one run!

A quality start by Johan Santana got tossed out the window. Just like Mike Pelfrey's quality start last night almost slipped away. No matter. It goes back and forth just like it has all season long. One night it's the starting pitching, the next night it's the relief, sometimes it's the defense and many time's it's the hitting. Choose your poison with the 2008 Mets.

I'm not one to go to negative this early in the season. I'm very disappointed though. I fear that we have a team that is potentially headed sideways for a while. The Mets have the highest payroll and the oldest roster in the National League. Our reward for that special sauce is barely .500 squad. It's not good enough.

It's time that Omar Minaya faced up to the reality that this mix of players isn't taking the team where we need to go. And I think that a coach or two (HoJo anyone?) needs to get the axe as well. There are two choices that Omar can make in the coming weeks. He can trade young players for established players who can help us win this year. Or he can trade veterans for younger players who can help us with next year and beyond. I'm inclined to go with the latter choice at this point.

Without further delay, I present the list of players who should be traded for more promising, win in the future, type players.

Oliver Perez - He could be great but he's too erratic, and maybe a little crazy. We can get something for Oliver though.
Billy Wagner - I still think Billy is a great closer. But he's losing it and he's not the future. And we can get something good for him.
Aaron Heilman - Aaron never got over being demoted to the bullpen.
Carlos Delgado - He's past his prime. In the right situation, in the right stadium, he could have a couple of more good years.
Luis Castillo - He's a great bunter and a good hitter. But Castillo has bad wheels in a time when we really need speed at the top of the lineup.

In addition to the trades the Mets need to outright release a player or two. Moises Alou needs to go. I think he's been a positive force on the team but he can't stay healthy. And we need more speed in the lineup. Replace him for the rest of the season with Endy Chavez.

There's a lot more that needs to happen for the Mets to right the ship. The healing starts with recognition of the problem and steps to take advantage of other teams desperate for now help for once.