Since the Mets’ last World Series appearance in 2000, they have been about quick fixes. They never had a chance at Alex Rodriguez, which is just as well, but Roberto Alomar and Mo Vaughn were quick fix and gimmick signings. Ditto Tom Glavine and Pedro Martinez. The thinking was that signing big names past their prime might create interest among a listless fan base and perhaps entice other players to come to New York.
Carlos Beltran said Martinez caught his attention, and for a brief window known as 2006, it appeared to work.
However, the Mets let their bullpen unravel after that season and in 2007 came the collapse. Things have been in a downward spiral since.