Doctors of Doom…and other joys in Metland

Now that the Mets season has officially flatlined, the crazy run of injuries that has decimated the team this season can begin to be autopsied.

Just in the past day, both Johan Santana and Oliver Perez have been placed on the DL with season-ending injuries, bringing the count to 19 of players who have been on the list this year. The current DL, with its own payroll of more than $100 million, is now only a left fielder and catcher away from a full position roster, including a complete pitching rotation and relief staff.

That no team could possibly thrive with such a huge injury problem is indisputable, but the possibility of mere coincidence seems improbable. I have no answers, but unless there’s some accounting for the root of the problem, be it medical advice, training techniques, player compliance, or communication issues (on the Mets? Really? Imagine that…), the season that’s become unbearable will only be destined to be repeated. Until then, if I have any reason to be at the Hospital for Special Surgery, I'll be sure to bring my autograph book.

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Billy Wagner was traded to the Bosox the other day. Without getting into particulars, the Mets mismanaged a situation that could have led to much greater value down the line, but were obviously more concerned with the bottom line. When will the Wilpons own up to the obvious fact that the Madoff situation hit home harder than they’ve previously indicated. I can respect a team with understandable constraints or hardships, but it’s hard to stand by a team whose management appears to be blatantly stupid.

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Now that we’ve had a chance to see what AAA ball has in store for the Mets of the future, it seems safe to say that the majority of talent in the wings has just about the same depth as a kiddie pool. We’re also in the midst of witnessing the great Murphy experiment being graded with a fat F at the end of the season. Where is the future of this team? After all the debacles with Tony B, Omar, and the revolving minor league door, isn’t it simple to see that if there’s no talent waiting in line and not enough money to buy more real seasoned talent, Mets fans are in for a looooong stretch before the 2006 Season of Hope can ever possibly be imagined again. I can only imagine the marketing tagline the season comes up with for 2010. I’m sure it will be about as creative as the scintillating Citi Field logo.

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Speaking of Citi Field, who in their right mind – who hasn’t already been bamboozled into a season ticket - is going to be paying any amount of money to sit in a seat there during September? The only thing colder than Flushing during latter September will undoubtedly be the Mets’ bats. Any organization with half a marketing brain would already be doing things to maintain the tainted loyalty of its fan base, but smart money says the Mets will raise ticket prices and do nothing to soften the blow for those who’ve supported the most. “Build it and they will come” doesn’t hold water in season 2.

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I'm really much happier being less disgruntled, but these days in Metland there aren't many options. If you want to follow my in-game comments, you can find me on Twitter at twitter.com/mikevooss.