This is what I say to them:
This is basically the same team that had a 14-9 record in April. This team is capable of doing that again at anytime even without Carlos Beltran.
Speaking of Beltran, when he finally does get back, the Mets become a much better team. Those who disagree that a team can benefit from the addition of one player can look at the example of Ike Davis; the Mets won 8 straight game after his call-up much accredited to the bat and glove of Ike himself. Beltran gives the Mets an actual #3 hitter, great center fielder, and a smart baseball player. But for now, he is injured and we are forced to play Angel Pagan in center. (Which isn't terrible... imagine if Gary Matthews Jr. was our CF... I shiver at the thought)Along with Beltran's injury there have been a few others, which happens over the course of a 162 game schedule (plus spring training and post-season games).
There have also been bad starts by pitchers, which also happens over the course of a season.
I'm not saying that Ollie Perez was just a victim of a a few bad starts, because there is something clearly wrong with him; whether it mental or physical, I have no idea, but there is something very wrong. Although he may not show it now, Ollie is capable of being a very good pitcher. I remember in '07 and '08 when Ollie used to have 6 to 8 starts where he would look like an ace, 10-12 looking like a #3 or #4 starter, and the rest made it look like he was throwing soft toss. Everyone wishes they could see that Ollie again...
John Maine on the other hand, seems much more likely to turn it around. He has the stuff to be good, but he needs to pick up the velocity and just let it go. It seems like he's holding back when he pitches, and tries not to injure himself. And that is something you just can't do, you can't pitch scared. But once he gets past the injury in his mind, he will get back to being the pitcher that he once was.The Mets will find a way to replace Ollie Perez (for probably the rest of the year) and Jon Niese (most likely for only one or two starts). But I hope that way will be Dillon Gee getting called up and Takahashi starting for them. But from a long term stand point what happens after Niese comes back? do the Mets option Gee back to Buffalo? What about Raul Valdes or Jenrry Mejia?
We will all find out in time, but for now, we Mets fans must stay patient and quit over-reacting over a few losses!
