New York Mets: 7 Things That Need to Happen for the Mets to Win the Wild Card

As the end of the season approaches, the New York Mets still find themselves fighting to stay in the Wild Card hunt.

Unfortunately, the Mets' 58-57 record has landed them nine games back in their quest for the final playoff spot.

With just 47 games remaining, the clock is ticking for this team to start gaining ground.

Here are seven things that the Mets need to happen to win the NL Wild Card:

Unexpected Contributions

A real bright spot on the New York Mets 2011 campaign has been major contributions from unexpected places.

Young talents like Justin Turner, Lucas Duda and Dillon Gee have been integral to the Mets success this season. 

Chris Capuano and Scott Hairston both have exceeded expectations and played major roles in keeping the Mets relevant.

These players need to continue to be effective in order for the Mets to have a chance at winning the NL Wild Card.

Jason Bay and Angel Pagan

With it looking like Daniel Murphy is lost for the rest of the season and with the departure of Carlos Beltran to the San Francisco Giants, the Mets need to find a way to fill a major void in their offense.

If Jason Bay and Angel Pagan can play up to their potential, it would go a long way to filling that void.

Jason Bay has come alive as of recent, putting together an 11-game hitting streak and batting over .290 since the All-star break.

Before Bay signed with the New York Mets, he was consistently hitting 30-plus home runs and over 100 RBI each season.

Angel Pagan put together a breakout season last year, batting .290 with 37 stolen bases and 31 doubles.

This year has been a struggle for Pagan who is batting .245 and at times has looked pedestrian in the outfield.

Both Pagan and Bay will play huge roles in the Mets' success the rest of the year as we approach the end of the regular season.

Mike Pelfrey

It has not been a year to remember for Mike Pelfrey.

The Mets' opening-day starter is 6-9 with a 4.53 ERA.

He has been pretty efficient at home, but awful on the road, posting a 3-8 record with a miserable 5.35 ERA.

To get this kind of performance on the road from what was supposed to be the New York Mets ace has been detrimental to their success thus far.

In order for the Mets to make a late charge, Pelfrey will have to return to his 2010 form.

Bullpen

With the departure of closer Francisco Rodriguez, the Mets have an area for concern at the end of games.

Between Jason Isringhausen, Bobby Parnell and Pedro Beato the Mets need to find a successful formula to close down games.

Being that the Mets are nine games back with just 48 left to play, any time the starters hand over the lead to the bullpen, it is imperative that they don’t let the game slip away.

The lack of success late in games last week in the series finale against Washington, and the two games against Florida have left the Mets' backs against the wall.

If they want any chance at making the postseason, their bullpen has to finish games.

Get Healthy

The Mets have struggled getting and staying healthy for the last few seasons.

Daniel Murphy is now out for the season and there are set backs to Johan Santana’s and Ike Davis’ recoveries.

Jose Reyes also just injured his hamstring and will spend more time on the disabled list.

For the Mets to continue to be competitive, these players must return as soon as possible and perform at a high level. Otherwise the focus will change to the team next year.

David Wright

The New York Mets need David Wright to be a superstar.

With injuries to some of their key players, the Mets need Wright to carry their offense.

If Wright does not play exceptionally the remainder of this season, the Mets might be struggling to stay in the top half of the National League, never mind fighting for a playoff spot.

Beat the Braves

After losing this weekend's series to the Atlanta Braves, the Mets find themselves nine games back in the Wild Card race.

With just six games remaining against each other, the Mets have to pick up significant ground when going head to head against the NL Wild Card leader.

Even a 4-2 record would be short of what the Mets need to be serious contenders.

Look for the Mets to be 5-1 or 6-0 in these games if they want any shot at playing postseason baseball.