The Mets to Wear a Healthier Shade of Orange and Blue in 2010

Last night a player, wearing orange and blue, returned to play after an injury-plagued 2009. I’m going to take this as a sign of good things to come for those other injured orange and blue wearing professional athletes, even if it is a different sport. Last night Rick DiPietro made his first start in goal for the Islanders in over a year. He’s one of their franchise players, and having him back with the team means a ton to their long term success.

From MetsStuff

In 2010, the Mets will be getting Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Johan Santana, Oliver Perez, and John Maine back from injuries that inhibited their respective 2009 seasons. Even David Wright missed time in 2009. Maine and Beltran actually returned before 2009 was over, and the others are all on schedule to be healthy by Spring Training, with Oliver Perez already working out.

Of course, this doesn’t guarantee anything. Filling out the lineup card doesn’t count as a win, but the Mets had been competitive the three years prior to 2009, and with these guys back, it’s hard to expect they won’t be again.

We could spend time breaking down the lineup, breaking down the Phillies lineup, analyzing trades and offseason acquisitions, evaluating players and prospects, and predicting what 2010 will bring. We can and will do that, but the rosters aren’t set yet, and Spring Training is not quite here. There will be time enough for everyone to declare who the favorite is, and why. There will be time to document what the Mets need to do, and what the other teams need to do to get to the playoffs. Right now, it’s about formulating the roster that will take the field on April 5. Omar’s working on a catcher and a pitcher, and time is working to get those players we already have healthy and back on the field.

I’m going to take Rick DiPietro’s return as a sign that the 2009 orange and blue injury bug is over, and that 2010 will bring much success.