Where is Gary Gentry?
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The New York Mets won the World Series in 1969 and again in 1986.

The ’69 Mets were 100-62 and finished eight games ahead of the second place Chicago Cubs. They swept the Atlanta Braves in the best-of-five playoff round and beat a Baltimore Orioles team that had won 109 games during the regular season to become world champions.

The ’86 team won 108 games while losing only 54. They were never challenged and finished 21.5 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets beat Houston in six games to win the pennant and followed that by defeating the Boston Red Sox in the World Series.

The 1969 team was the greatest team in Mets history.

The ’86 team scored more runs (783 to 632), hit more home runs (148 to 109) and were clearly the superior offensive team.

But while the ’86 Mets had Dwight Gooden and four other fine starters named Ron Darling, Bob Ojeda, Sid Fernandez and Rick Aguilera, the ’69 Mets had Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Gary Gentry, Nolan Ryan and Don Cardwell.

In the 1986 World Series, the Red Sox hit .278/.356/.399, averaging 3.9 runs per game. In the 1969 World Series, the Orioles batted .146/.220/.210, averaging 1.8 runs per game.

Don’t give me “it was a different era.” The 1969 Mets’ pitching would have dominated in any era. They would have shut down Lenny Dykstra, Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter and company.

Look what they did to the 1969 Orioles.

Ironically, Seaver was the only pitcher the Birds beat. After losing the Series opener, he came back to start Game 4, worked 10 innings, gave up one run and won the game.

Koosman was virtually untouchable in the second game, but the key was that Gentry and Ryan shut out the Orioles, thanks to a pair of great plays by center fielder Tommie Agee to win the third game.

Ryan pitched in relief the way he would pitch after he was traded for Jim Fregosi.

Gooden was no Tom Seaver after 1985 and, although they were good, Darling, Ojeda and Fernandez in the 1986 World Series didn’t dominate the way Seaver, Koosman, Ryan and Gentry dominated.

The truth is that both Mets’ teams had fine pitching during the season, but when it counted the most, the 1969 team’s pitching was really amazing.

Each of us is entitled to his or her own values, but as a New York Yankees fan, the World Series is the best way to measure a team’s greatness.

Few teams in history, including many world champion Yankees teams, could beat the 1969 New York Mets.

From my Yankees’ perspective, when it comes to the 1969 Mets, all I can do is paraphrase the great Chester A. Riley.

“What a revoltin’ development that was.”

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The New York Yankees have brought back third baseman Eric Chavez and signed free agent Raul Ibanez with one-year deals. 

Chavez, 34, had a injury-ridden season, only playing 58 games with the Yankees in 2011, with a .263 average, 26 RBI and 2 home runs.

That’s nothing that will wow you, but he does have a solid glove and om the field, he’s a good backup for Alex Rodriguez and Ramiro Pena. 

Ibanez, 39, had a pretty succesful year for the Phillies last year, hitting 20 home runs and 84 RBIs. He was signed primarily as a designated hitter, although he can still play left field when needed. 

Both are pretty good deals for the Yankees.

It gives them veteran experience and depth on the bench, something you can never have too much of. 

Unfortunately, Chavez can never really stay healthy. He had a good start to the 2011 season, but quickly fell to leg and foot issues. Ibanez is likely the bigger impact signing out of the two players. Being a left handed hitter, Ibanez could realistically hit for 25+ home runs and around 100 RBIs. 

After the Yankees shipped A.J. Burnett to the Pirates over the weekend, there was almost no doubt they would be adding the two players. 

Aside from what they bring to the field, both players are a great presence in the clubhouse. You have to like these signings, and the Yankees’ depth going into the 2012 season.

On both fronts, they have a surplus of talent, with only more waiting in the minors. This has to be the deepest team we have seen in the Bronx in some years, sort of reminiscent of the great teams of the ’90s dynasty. 

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In 1996, the New York Mets lost 91 games. With 31 games left in the season, Dallas Green was replaced as manager by Bobby Valentine.

In 1997, Valentine led the Mets to 88 wins. Under the man that claims he invented the wrap sandwich, the Mets challenged for the wild card. A new era of winning was beginning under Valentine.

Unlike the Mets of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the 1997 team had a reputation that was the opposite of their new manager. They were humble, likable and unselfish.

As the Texas Rangers manager from 1985-92, Valentine never made the playoffs. The Rangers were 581-605.

Valentine was not well-liked. Actually, many of his colleagues despised him. So did most of his players.

Valentine used to stand on the top step of the dugout with a tremendous grin on his face. His arms were folded as he watched the game.

“He comes across like he reinvented the game,” a rival manager said via Sports Illustrated.  “I think it’s his smile that drives people crazy.”

While he was observing, Valentine would comment as events unfolded. He screamed at the opposing dugout after their pitcher threw one close to one of his hitters.

 ”You’re a gutless ass!” He would shout at an opposing slugger. “Swing a little harder, you f———a——-!”

He treated the umpires similarly.

During the 1993 World Series, Valentine met Frank Cashen and Joe McIlvane of the Mets. They interviewed him for the Tidewater Tides managerial position. He was hired.

Later, Steve Phillips asked Valentine if the stories about him had any validity.

“I asked him point-blank questions about stories I had heard about him,” said Phillips. “He told me, ‘I’ve grown up. I’ve learned from the mistakes I’ve made.’ He told me there was a part of his résumé he wanted to finish off.”

Valentine responded. “People said, ‘The guy’s never managed in the minor leagues.’ I knew it would be very good to erase that black mark.”

Valentine really did change. Mets hitting coach Tom Robson:

“I would not use the word mellowed [to describe him], because the intensity is still there. But I’ve seen changes. He’s less animated and less loud. I think it started in Japan. He’d go out to argue, and he had to have an interpreter with him. Things don’t seem to bother him as much now.”

The Mets won 88 games again in 1998, and then in 1999 they won 97 and gained the wild card.  After making short shrift of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Randy Johnson, the Mets almost came back all the way against the Atlanta Braves.

After losing the first three games of the ALCS, the Mets won the next two. The Mets battled back from a five-run deficit in Game 6, took a one-run lead twice only to have the Braves tie them and finally lost when Kenny Rogers pitched.

Valentine brought the Mets back to being a National League force. The New York Yankees know what they’ll be up against in 2012.

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With the Ponzi dust still settling, Reyes and Beltran gone, and GM Sandy Alderson apparently hitchhiking his way to Florida—it appears life for a Mets’ fan has officially hit rock bottom. 

But sometimes you have to hit the bottom hard, in order to get a decent bounce.

While others may suggest that the Mets’ last place finish in their division for the first time since Art Howe was at the helm, I think there’s good possibility that they can surprise everyone. In fact, I think they could even contend for a playoff spot (I’ll wait until the laughter dies down).

In the recent past, the Mets had appeared to put a representative team on the field—only to watch them woefully underperform. They have been an almost comical display of futility-mired in injury and unreached potential.

So, I get why it’s so easy to write them off. After all, if they failed so miserably with the type of year Reyes put up—how could they possibly succeed without him? 

Well, in retrospect, it may have been altogether unreasonable to expect Reyes to lead this team to a championship. Reyes is a very talented player, but he has never been a leader. Exorcising the team of him should prove to be a step forward. Perhaps not statistically out of the SS position, but certainly in the clubhouse—and to the overall demeanor of the team. Likewise, the loss of K-Rod and Beltran opens more doors than it closes.

Granted, much of these decisions were driven by the financial turmoil the Wilpons are facing—but that fact also provided the Mets’ GM with some cover.

The fact is Reyes is 30 years old, a health liability and would have only been another financial albatross around the Mets’ neck if he was re-signed. Alderson recently stated that the payroll could be enhanced later this season if this team manages to play itself into contention. 

The jettisoning of Reyes, Beltran and K-Rod are a big part of the reason for this. Wright and Bay have been spared for now due to their contract particulars. Plus, the fact that they are not a huge distraction or obstacle to what Alderson ultimately wants to achieve.

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When the ship is sinking, you don’t horde your valuables—you dump whatever you can to keep it afloat. Alderson has done an admirable job navigating the waters of angry fans and tight purse strings to put together a roster with tons of upside, despite all the pessimism surrounding this team.

Last year, Reyes and Beltran collectively represented 162 runs scored, 22 home runs and 110 batted in. Reyes also added 39 stolen bases. Those are excellent numbers, but they lose their luster when you consider they were the compiled total of two positions, and represented a significant portion of the overall payroll. 

This is classic “money ball.” Lose the salaries that are inflated against their performance and free up dollars to seek greater value. It is a prime example of how Alderson intends to bring the Mets back into contention.

In the end, the only statistic that matters is team wins vs. losses. This is where Alderson and the Mets look to gain ground.

In six years, Reyes compiled an average WAR of 4.7. Beltran’s was 4.6 over seven years. This amounts to about nine wins per year between the two. If we assume that the metrics hold true, the loss of both reduces the Mets to a 68-win team at replacement value for both. I think this is what most of us are stuck on.

But as Sandy Alderson recently and correctly pointed out on Mike Francesa’s WFAN show, not one Met with the exception of Reyes has had a career year in 2011—and this leaves a lot of room for improvement. Let’s look at how that improvement could translate to wins year-over-year by position.

Centerfield

I love the acquisition of Andres Torres. After coming off of an injury-plagued, disappointing 2011, Torres became available and Alderson rightfully moved on it—effectively getting the deal he initially wanted for Beltran. 

This is a true sabre-metrics based deal if there ever was one, and should be considered among the best made this offseason. Looking at the FanGraphs stats, Torres compiled some of the gaudiest numbers you will ever see as part of the 2010 World Series Champion Giants. His WAR was 6.8 and he was ranked second in the major leagues in the defensive Ultimate Zone Rating category. 

He was valued at having saved his team 22 runs. He was also 26 of 33 on stolen base attempts and gained 25 additional bases otherwise. Anything close to that type of performance in a bounce-back year would make up all of what was lost with Beltran—and even take out a huge chunk of the numbers lost with Reyes. 

But most importantly, he is a huge step forward from Pagan. Torres will never be accused of being a flashy, back-page star—which just makes him even more valuable to a team looking to change its image. I think Torres in CF could potentially be worth five wins next year. (+5)

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The Mets also have a bevy of players that simply haven’t reached their potential the past few seasons for various reasons. It’s more unrealistic to believe that this trend will continue, rather than to assume they play back up to their respective averages.

Leftfield

For the five years previous to joining the Mets, Jason Bay averaged 31 HRs, 101 RBI and a WAR of nearly four. In the two years since, he is at nine HRs, 54 RBI and a WAR of one. He’s clearly better than that. It isn’t unreasonable to expect him to regain much of his earlier form. 

His performance last September was a taste of the type of player he should be, and the new dimensions at Citi Field will only enhance this likelihood. Look for him to add three wins over the course of the season. (+3)

Third Base

Similarly, the new dimensions should do wonders for a healthy David Wright. Expect him to get back to the production levels he provided back in the Shea Stadium days. The resulting confidence will also do wonders for his defense and leadership—especially now that he doesn’t have to play second fiddle to anyone else. 

He could easily add four wins over and above his 2011 performance. He is also an important chip for Alderson to play. Based on their need and the availability of players, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Wright dealt if it could provide improvement in other areas for a net gain in wins. (+4)

Shortstop

Ruben Tejada is admittedly not Reyes. However, he showed significant improvement in every offensive category last year. Similarly, he showed some defensive improvement as well. He has a WAR value of 1.8 overall.

This could be one area where the Mets look to add talent before the deadline. In the meantime, all Tejada has to do is hold the line. He’s capable of that. But, SS is a net loss. (-2)

Second Base

Daniel Murphy is unknown. He could have a breakout year—or not.  However, like Tejada at short—he just needs to be capable. Offensively, he is above average and should add some value. On the upside, I would award him with a plus two and on the downside—a negative two. So, I’m calling this a wash. (0)

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First Base

The return of Ike Davis represents a serious improvement for the Mets. Again assuming Davis can remain healthy and perform, the Mets can expect significant production out of this spot. A .290 AVG, 25 HRs and 90-100 RBI is not unreasonable. (+4)

Rightfield

Duda showed a decent glove and promising power last year. In the same amount of playing time as Beltran, he posted 10 HRs and 50 RBI to Beltran’s 15 HRs and 65 RBI. I really like the potential of Duda here, and this would be a net positive on most teams—but he is replacing Beltran, which eats away at his value from a year-over-year perspective. However, the shorter fences provide an advantage that Beltran misses out on. (-1)

Catcher

There’s no change that impacts the team up or down. (0)

Bench

I’m not going to get into any great detail here, as it does not promise to be a particular strength or weakness over last year. Hairston is an important part of the equation, but was last year as well.

However, Alderson does have some ability to bring up young talent—and a much more flexible payroll with which to work. This is highly dependent upon completely unknown circumstances, so I won’t venture to quantify it—but suffice it to say there is more upside than down. (0)

Starters

There are some questions here: Can Santana come back and win? Can Pelfrey keep the ball in the park?

But once again, year-over-year—there is plenty of upside and limited down. The stronger bullpen will relieve much of the pressure on the starters and give the Mets the comfort of being able to take some gambles on players like Santana—who could potentially win 12-15 games.

If he gets 10, the Mets will be happy. R.A. Dickey posted a 7-13 record, but pitched to a 3.28 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. He should be able to convert that into more wins than losses this year (12-8).

Pelfrey will never be an Ace, but his sinker is paramount to keeping his team in the game until they can get to the bullpen (10-10). Look for more of the same from Niese as last year (11-11). 

Likewise, Dillon Gee doesn’t turn into an Ace this year—but his 13-6 posting last year makes him among the best back end of rotation guys in the league. Overall, we’re optimistically looking at 56 wins from the rotation vs. 50 last year. (+6)

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Bullpen 

The Mets have done a terrific job with the bullpen, and this is one area that everyone agrees will be a huge improvement and strength for 2012. The 2011 crew blew 24 saves. That’s all you really need to know. 

I’ll only add that Francisco and Ramirez have genuine, “swing and miss” type stuff. Collins finally has the weapons to match up in specific circumstances—and this group will prove to be the real strength of this team. 

I’d like to award them plus-10 wins, but since much of the bullpen’s good work goes toward helping the starting rotation, and is represented in the plus six above—I’ll whittle it down to plus five.

So if you tally it up, we’ve got (plus 24) wins over last year’s team—even after losing Reyes and Beltran’s nine. I’ll be the first to admit that much of my analysis has been through rose-colored glasses and assumes that most—if not all of the upside is met. This has not happened in years past, and there are sure to be some bumps in the road. 

But, there will certainly be fewer than the past two seasons. So to appease all the pessimists, I won’t credit the Mets with the plus-26 wins they stand to gain if everything goes exactly according to plan. 

Instead, I’m going to pare it down. It’s more than reasonable to assume Alderson and Collins get at least half of what they hope for in 2012. Even at that level, the Mets can achieve 89 (77 plus 12) wins. I don’t see 89 taking the division—unless they can get most of them against division rivals.  

We won’t have to wait long to see as 15 of their first 23 games are against the NL East. If they can just win a few of those series, the ceiling gets moved dramatically upward. Even if they don’t, I’m hard pressed to find too many NL teams surpassing 90 wins this season—and this should be good enough to keep them in contention for the playoff race. 

If they achieve anything beyond 50 percent of their upside, we’re looking at better than 90 wins, and the first playoff game ever at Citi Field.

The way this 2012 Mets team is built, they are no longer laden with malcontents-wasting energy on contract worries and personal image. These Mets are a combination of young players trying to make an impression and veterans with something to prove. 

They’re a group that can play their hearts out without fear of disappointing—as there are no real expectations. Collins will command a lot more authority. He can mold this team the way he wants. All this makes them very dangerous.

The bottom line is that this team deserves much more credit than they are being given right now.  They have the roster, makeup, manager and GM that can get more out of a hampered payroll than most others. 

They have a legitimate shot at shocking everyone and becoming the Cinderella team of 2012—but that’s not highly likely. What is likely is that they contend for a playoff spot into the final days of the season and the Mets’ faithful return in droves—providing the organization with the incentive to improve even further. 

If a “money ball” guru like Alderson can put up a contender with the limited resources the Mets have currently, imagine what he can do with some deeper pockets in a market like New York.

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