2003: A Season of Misery at Shea

by Alan M. Fishman

Shea Stadium Photo from www.queenstribune.com

For the New York Mets, life couldn't get much worse than it was in 2002. Those underachievers lost 86 games including that dreadful home-game losing streak. But 2003 came in a flash. Scapegoat Bobby Valentine was axed. Art Howe was hired to bring a laid-back law order to the veteran club. Then Tom Glavine arrived with his 242 career wins. Free agent OF Cliff Floyd was signed. Mighty Mo Vaughn and Pedro Astacio were healthy. Roger Cedeno, Roberto Alomar and Jeromy Burnitz couldn't possibly be as putrid as they were in '02. Even fan favorite Tsuyoshi Shinjo was back smiling more than ever. The Mets were going to rise above the ashes of the NL East cellar. Shea was going to rock again like it did way back in 2000.

But by mid May, 2003 was clear to be another lost season. Within a month, Piazza, Astacio and Vaughn were injured. Tom Glavine wasn't pitching like Tom Glavine. Cedeno still couldn't remember how to run. Alomar still batted .260 and Timo Perez still slugged his whopping .350 SLG %. Only early stellar pitching by Jeo Weong Seo and the return of team captain Johnny Franco were bright spots for the Mets.

A nightmare season was in full stride. In June, the Mets fired General Manager Steve Phillips. His assistant Jim Duquette replaced him and quickly traded Alomar, Burnitz, Benitez and Rey Sanchez. It was now time to watch the young guys.

Shortstop Jose Reyes, at age 19, was called up in early June and quickly dazzled Mets fans. The jewel of the farm system was upon Shea. Reyes brought speed, electricity and a flair for the dramatic. In only his sixth game, he hit a grand slam in Anaheim. Like Jeter for the Yanks in '96 and Pennington for the Jets in '02, New York watched the blossoming of a new star. Before a season-ending injury on August 31, Reyes batted .307 in 284 at-bats with 13 steals, 5 homers and 32 RBIs. Initially called up to replace an injured Rey Sanchez, Jose Reyes proved he was a major-leaguer. In addition to Reyes, rookie catcher/first baseman Jason Phillips showcased his talent. In 403 at bats, Phillips batted .298 with 11 homers and 58 RBIs. This should assure him comfortable playing time next season.

With a 59-76 record, settled comfortably in last place, September couldn't come fast enough for the Mets. With Piazza back, maybe the Mets would win a few games. But that wasn't the case. After winning their first three in September, the Mets went on to lose 16 of their next 17 games. Playing with underdeveloped rookies such as Aaron Heilman and Jeff Duncan, winning became a four-letter word. The Mets finished the season with a 66-95 record, 34.5 games behind first place Atlanta.

Is there optimism for the 2004 Mets? Yes and no. Reyes and Floyd should be 100% healthy by spring training. Vaughn is finally out of the picture. Piazza should be starting at first in April. Jason Phillips should start at catcher. Tommy Glavine can't possibly pitch like he did this year. At 9-14 4.52, 2003 was his worst season since his 1988! But Glavine will be 38. Despite a 15 win 2003, Al Leiter will also be 38. How much do those guys have left? And don't expect Steve Trachsel to win 16 games again. Seo is unpredictable and Heilman belongs in the minors. The Mets need a big time starter. Free agents Kevin Millwood and Bartolo Colon are options. If they sign elsewhere, sign even Sidney Ponson. The bullpen needs a permanent closer too. No, don't sign Armando Benitez, but why not try Dan Wheeler or Grant Roberts? If and when Scott Strickland returns from his injury, he's another option.

The Mets also need another outfielder. Roger Cedeno, Raul Gonzalez and Timo Perez must go! Find a dependable power hitter to play either center or right field. Give free-agent Vladimir Guerrero a grand tour of New York. The Mets should also sign free-agent second-baseman Luis Castillo. Although he only stole 21 bases this year batting second behind Juan Pierre in Florida, Castillo has blazing speed. He led the NL with 62 steals in 2000. Castillo and Reyes would produce an electric one-two punch at the top of the lineup. Ty Wigginton also needs to improve on his .255 11 homers and 71 RBI's. Otherwise, Piazza at first, Reyes at short, Floyd in left and Phillips behind the plate, are the only sure spots.

If the Mets add a starter and a reliever, and upgrade their outfield and sign Castillo, there is a chance they could win some games in 2004. Give Howe another year. See what Jim Duquette can do. And 2004 can't be any worse than 2003 was. Although... Mets fans said the same thing about 2003, after that miserable 2002 debacle.