Money can't buy happiness, nor can New York Mets owner Steve Cohen buy a World Series for his team's fanbase. Cohen will certainly try but it's not going to happen in 2023. Here are 5 reasons why:

104.5 THE TEAM logo
Get our free mobile app
Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

#5 Designated Hitter

The Mets designated hitters were ranked 19th amongst MLB teams in 2022. The World Champion Houston Astros ranked first. The Phillies were 7th. Instead of acquiring a proven power bat, like the Padres did with Josh Bell at the trade deadline, general manager Billy Eppler banked on the tandem of Daniel Vogelbach and Darin Ruf. The duo miserably failed down the stretch. Guess what Mets fans? Eppler's solution for the DH in 2023 is the same duo. Yes, the Carlos Correa deal fell through but they haven't done anything since to rectify the problem. This spot in the line-up alone is enough to lose a World Series.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

#4 An Old Pitching Staff

As the Mets pinned their hopes on the 1-2 combination of Scherzer/deGrom in 2022, they soon realized that they would spend much of the season without one or both of their aging star pitchers. As deGrom departed for greener pastures in Texas, instead of pursuing 30 year old left-hander Carlos Rodón, like the crosstown Yankees did, Eppler replaced Jake with an older pitcher, soon-to-be 40 year old Justin Verlander. Yes, Verlander was a win now move. Can the New York Mets possibly expect a rotation of Verlander (40), Scherzer (38), Carrasco (36) and Jose Quintana (34) to hold up for the entire season? Kodai Senga (30) Tylor Megill (28) and David Peterson (28) are the Mets pitching youth. Will the top part of the rotation be at their best come October, when the Mets need them. Only one Braves starting pitcher is over the age of 30 years-old.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

#3 Aging Corners in the Outfield

Mets fans have to be excited by the regular season production of free agent signings, right-fielder Starling Marte and left-fielder Mark Canha. Both were players were solid additions by Billy Eppler last year. However, in the playoffs, Canha didn't have a hit in any of the playoff games and Marte had two. Marte came directly off the Injured List, so he has a bit of an excuse. It's an old story with the Mets but their corner outfielders are old. What statistic is showing that Mark Canha (34) or Starling Marte (35) will be any better down the stretch in 2023?

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

#2 General Manager Billy Eppler

It's easy to spend money in free agency but it's hard to pick the right players for your ball club. Billy Eppler has seemingly done a good job bringing in high value and high character players to the Mets clubhouse. However, was Justin Verlander a smarter choice over Carlos Rodón? We'll see. What about Kodai Senga over bringing back Chris Bassitt, who basically fronted the rotation for half of the season in 2022? Eppler failed to bring a power hitter in at the trade deadline and the Mets got passed by the Braves. Even though the Mets spent a ton of money this offseason, they basically stayed the same. The Jeff McNeil signing was awesome for the price but the rest was just OK. Billy Eppler has yet to prove that he can assemble a championship team.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

#1 Manager Buck Showalter

Mets fans love Buck Showalter. Yes, Buck led the team to 101 regular season wins in his first season at the helm. However, is Buck the right manager to lead the Mets to the World Series promise land? Think about this. After last season, when Astros manager Dusty Baker finally captured a World Series ring, Showalter became the winningest active manager in MLB that has not won a World Series. In 21 managerial seasons, Buck's teams have reached the postseason six times and the League Championship Series only once. Buck may not be the manager to get the Amazin's over the top. Showalter did nothing to stop the collapse at the end of last season. I am a big Mets fan but done believe Steve Cohen bought the right pieces to grab the ring in 2023.

Abandoned Hoffman's Playland! Once Beloved Place Now Heartwrenching View

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.
Hoffman's Playland was an amusement park in Latham from 1952 until 2014. Even though many of the rides were relocated to Huck Finn's Playland in Albany, Hoffman's holds a soft spot in many Capital Region families' hearts. Take a look at abandoned Hoffman's Playland. 

30 Interesting Facts About the ADKs You Probably Didn't Know!

There's a lot to love about living in the Capital Region, but for me, it's our close proximity to the wonder and beauty that is the Adirondack Mountains. Hikers, campers, wildlife enthusiasts, thrill seekers, and more travel from all over the world to visit our beautiful ADK mountains. From its awe-inspiring high peaks and crystal clear lake, ponds, and streams to its stunning wildlife, our mountains are second to none. And as you'll find, there's no shortage of interesting facts about figures about the mighty ADKs - here are 30 fascinating ones you may not have known!

2023-2024 Capital Region Concert Calendar

This Concert Calendar is updated regularly so keep checking back for the latest!

More From 104.5 THE TEAM