The Mets haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory in the past few years, collapsing in the last month of the season for two years running (2007-2008).
So when last year they finished fourth in the NL East you could be forgiven for thinking they are simply not good enough. While probably true - they weren’t good enough to win over more than the 93 games the Phillies won last year - their 70-92 record wasn’t a result of lack of talent.
The truth is the ballclub was crippled by an injury list the MLB hasn’t seen in many a year. Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado, David Wright and Johan Santana all missed time during the season, Reyes and Delgado practically missed the whole season playing 36 games and 26 games respectively.
At the times the Mets line-up resembled more of a triple-A team than a major league team, hence the sub .500record.
A new season, new expectations, right? Wrong - the Mets have already begun spring training with some devastating news. Carlos Beltran won’t be ready until the beginning of May at the earliest and Jose Reyes has been diagnosed with a Thyroid problem.
The All-Star shortstop has been told to rest for a period of two to eight weeks until his Thyroid levels return to normal. Reyes was diagnosed last week with an overactive Thyroid after his levels were found to be elevated following a workout last week.
Doctors have told the 26-year-old not to raise his heart level and to refrain from eating seafood.
Reyes’ agent said the shortstop was disappointed to be missing the start of the season.
"Jose is obviously a little bit disappointed that it's going to be a matter of weeks as opposed to days, but it's a completely, treatable, curable situation," said his agent, Peter Greenberg. "I think we all view it as good news."
Mets general manager, Omar Minaya is also disappointed at not having his star shortstop ready for the start of the season.
“We heard it could be something that could have been dietary or it could have been a virus.
“There is no medication for this, it doesn't look good right now, we will have to prepare for that,” Minaya said.
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