New York Mets: 4 Reasons for Mets Fans to Be Optimistic

Led by 23-year-old David Wright and 22-year-old Jose Reyes, the Mets were one win away from the 2006 World Series. With young core players like Wright and Reyes, the Mets looked to have a very bright future, many feeling that they would make the playoffs for years to come.

However, one Yadier Molina home run and one wicked 12-6 Adam Wainwright curveball later, Carlos Beltran and the Mets went down looking. The Game 7 loss to the Cardinals in the NLCS was the last time New York played a playoff game.

Since then, the Mets have suffered two historic September collapses and have also failed to make the playoffs the next two seasons. Amid the financial chaos that surrounds the Metropolitans today, spring training has begun and another season lies ahead. Most Mets fans are pessimistic about their team, but there are four reasons to be optimistic.

1. Contract Year

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 05: Carlos Beltran #15 of the New York Mets takes a swing against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 5, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Mets defeated the Cubs 18-5. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

One reason to be optimistic is that 2011 is a year, which sees the likes of Carlos Beltran, Francisco Rodriguez and Jose Reyes playing for a 2012 contract. From Adrian Beltre to Cliff Lee, history shows that players step up their game when money is at stake. We have seen Beltran have MVP-type seasons, K-Rod’s single-season record 62 saves and flashes of brilliance from Jose Reyes.

The talent is there, but whether or not they will deliver is the question. In a contract season, the Mets will look to get substantial production from these key players. Even if the Mets are out of the playoff race, they can explore trading these players and getting something in return.

2. New Management

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson introduces the new Mets manager Terry Collins during a press conference at Citi Field on November 23, 2010 in the Flushing neighborhood, of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Mc

Another reason for optimism is the new management. GM Sandy Alderson and Terry Collins are new to the organization and were not part of the Mets teams that collapsed in September. Both are coming into the organization with a new energy and perspective. Collins is a fiery manager who loves baseball and has a big personality.

Much like Rex Ryan did for the Jets, Collins and Alderson might be able to turn the team around and change the culture. After having two laid-back managers in Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel, Collins preaches hard work and discipline, and is a passionate manager.

3. Money off the Books

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NEW YORK - APRIL 21: Oliver Perez #46 of the New York Mets looks on during their game against the Chicago Cubs on April 21, 2010 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The third reason to be optimistic is a monetary one.  The Mets payroll will drop $53 million after the contracts of Beltran, Perez, Castillo and K-Rod expire. This will free up a lot of money and allow the Mets to pursue players like Albert Pujols, Brandon Phillips and Edwin Jackson. Right now the Wilpons say that their financial situation will not affect the daily operations of the team. If this is indeed true, the Mets will likely be shopping for players in 2012.

4. Youth and Prospects

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NEW YORK - JULY 29: Ike Davis #29 of the New York Mets runs the bases after his third inning three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 29, 2010 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by

Lastly, fans should be optimistic because of the Mets' promising young players. Ike Davis, Jenrry Mejia, Josh Thole, Fernando Martinez, 2008 first-round draft pick Reese Havens and 2010 first-rounder Matt Harvey are just some of the Mets prospects who are expected to contribute in the future. With first-round draft picks piling up year after year, talent should develop. The bottom line is that even though the sky above Citi Field seems gray, fans should realize that the future of the Mets is bright.